This is both entertaining and inspiring, Emily! I have been slacking off on my Italian in Duolingo (dropped down to Amethyst!) but this is motivating me to do more with it than extend my streak.
Also, your immersion reminds me of Jhumpa Lahiri’s transition from writing brilliantly in English to doing that only in Italian.
I can’t vouch for Italian but I imagine it’s similar — in that duolingo really does help build an excellent foundation. Keep going! And thanks for the kind words 🙂
Inspiring! I bought a kiddie exercise book last week which is helping. And I started listening the sweet and simple podcast. I’m going to look for the one with the beer drinkers but that sounds like it might be too advanced for me right now.
I can only imagine how good that feels to put in that much work and see it actually produce a result, in this case, opening doors to an entire world that can't be visited without the linguistic passport you earned for yourself. Very impressive. I'm kind of jealous, but not enough to date Duolingo for 1900 days straight.
Wow Duolingo. I will have to look into this. I am so happy that you are feeling an amazing connection with Mexico. Perhaps one day I will visit and you can show me around.
Amazing. I can’t imagine ever getting past the “translate in your head before speaking” point. But your dedication made it happen for you, so I will definitely persist!
Hi Emily, Great essay. It is inspiring that you have learned Spanish so well. I loved that three-part drawing of the horse. One picture is worth a thousand words when it is that good. Loved that quote of appreciation from your Mexican friend acknowledging your ability to cross the communication barrier. And your insights into learning the language and loving the culture.
Sounds like you’re having a ball and quite the fun adventure. What a fabulous experience. I also loved the horse diagram. Hilarious. This was a wonderful romp-along with you. I enjoy your writing very much.
Emi! Por fin tuve la oportunidad de leer este ensayo. Me alegra mucho tu reflexión sobre cómo ha evolucionado tu español y la conclusión que lleva tener proficiencia en otro idioma: cambia la manera en la cual participamos y apreciamos la cultura de nuestro entorno.
Ya llegará el momento en el cual te sentirás cómoda escribiendo algún ensayo en español, y yo estaré aquí para ayudarte.
P.S. Me gusta tu acento en español. Confirmo que es encantador.
Gracias amigo! Mi meta es hacerlo antes de que me vaya de México en dos meses, y me encantaría tu ayuda para revisarlo. Ahora, empiezo a pensar en un tema...
This is both entertaining and inspiring, Emily! I have been slacking off on my Italian in Duolingo (dropped down to Amethyst!) but this is motivating me to do more with it than extend my streak.
Also, your immersion reminds me of Jhumpa Lahiri’s transition from writing brilliantly in English to doing that only in Italian.
Thanks for sharing!
I can’t vouch for Italian but I imagine it’s similar — in that duolingo really does help build an excellent foundation. Keep going! And thanks for the kind words 🙂
I love this so much! I thought my 190 or so day streak was impressive. I’ll be in Valencia the last weekend of April…
Hey, it’s not nothing! Seems like we’ll just miss each other unfortunately. But enjoy your upcoming travels!
Inspiring! I bought a kiddie exercise book last week which is helping. And I started listening the sweet and simple podcast. I’m going to look for the one with the beer drinkers but that sounds like it might be too advanced for me right now.
Something to work towards! The listening ability arrives quickly if you work at it every day.
I can only imagine how good that feels to put in that much work and see it actually produce a result, in this case, opening doors to an entire world that can't be visited without the linguistic passport you earned for yourself. Very impressive. I'm kind of jealous, but not enough to date Duolingo for 1900 days straight.
Linguistic passport, I adore that. All the work really has paid off in spades!
Woohooo almost 2k days of not disappointing duo 🎉
Need to plan how I’m going to celebrate 2,000. Not that anything could top the day 1,000 party.
Wow Duolingo. I will have to look into this. I am so happy that you are feeling an amazing connection with Mexico. Perhaps one day I will visit and you can show me around.
Amazing. I can’t imagine ever getting past the “translate in your head before speaking” point. But your dedication made it happen for you, so I will definitely persist!
This post es un chingón! Congratulations on getting to the level you’re at. Sounds as if you’re way past conversational Spanish, though.
I hear you on the por/para dilemma 🤯 And I love your plan to throw yourself a graduation party in Valencia!
Hi Emily, Great essay. It is inspiring that you have learned Spanish so well. I loved that three-part drawing of the horse. One picture is worth a thousand words when it is that good. Loved that quote of appreciation from your Mexican friend acknowledging your ability to cross the communication barrier. And your insights into learning the language and loving the culture.
Sounds like you’re having a ball and quite the fun adventure. What a fabulous experience. I also loved the horse diagram. Hilarious. This was a wonderful romp-along with you. I enjoy your writing very much.
I sure am, thanks so much Kathy!
You've probably surpassed my Spanish skills by this point. Might need to borrow you for practice lol
"You know what happens now!" why is that Duolingo message kind of...threatening?😅
The Duolingo copywriting and social media teams are unhinged, in the best way 😅
Emi! Por fin tuve la oportunidad de leer este ensayo. Me alegra mucho tu reflexión sobre cómo ha evolucionado tu español y la conclusión que lleva tener proficiencia en otro idioma: cambia la manera en la cual participamos y apreciamos la cultura de nuestro entorno.
Ya llegará el momento en el cual te sentirás cómoda escribiendo algún ensayo en español, y yo estaré aquí para ayudarte.
P.S. Me gusta tu acento en español. Confirmo que es encantador.
Gracias amigo! Mi meta es hacerlo antes de que me vaya de México en dos meses, y me encantaría tu ayuda para revisarlo. Ahora, empiezo a pensar en un tema...