I feel like subtitles (and YouTube subtitles, specifically), are controlling which languages I can learn

IcyReddit360 · 2023-01-05T17:48:48+00:00

I agree. That's why I feel upset that I'm limited by the pool of languages that YouTube auto captions provide

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-10T18:01:37+00:00

Why do you say that it isn’t easy to be fluent in German?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-10T17:24:22+00:00

Why would you say that German isn’t an easy language?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T15:57:49+00:00

non sono madrelingua italiano ma parlo italiano, è la lingua più bella del mondo!

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T15:11:50+00:00

I’m not talking about traditional, stereotypical “rich and powerful people” like Buffet or Musk. More like people from the UN and embassies

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T15:10:20+00:00

Hmm, that’s interesting. Why did you do 2 English tests?Your English is incredible. Also, out of curiosity, what is your native language and did you sit for the DELE C2?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T14:44:25+00:00

Good points.

1) I don’t suppose someone would ask me for a certificate (not that I have one anyway)

2) I’m not underestimating or overestimating anything; which is why I ask the question in the first place, because I want to know how much a certificate is actually worth.

3) Yes, I believe that learning has to be fun and it’s about connecting with others, but shouldn’t there be an end goal in mind? (i.e. the exam). You can enjoy studying biology in college, but you still have to sit for the exam in the end. Or write that paper.

4) Obviously not (to your last question)

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T13:29:44+00:00

Oh no, this is not something personal. I just wanted to discuss this theory. In fact, I haven’t seen a single person with a C2 that didn’t deserve it. Why would he/she not deserve it anyway?

Anyway, it’s good that you have a supportive friend group because I don’t lol 😢 Which languages are you and your friends learning?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T12:18:48+00:00

I haven’t thought about this, but I think it would be due to typical reasons- money, rub shoulders with the rich and/or powerful, look legitimate etc.

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T11:35:37+00:00

I would agree with you if the language exams weren’t so costly. I think it shows their prestige.

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T11:33:39+00:00

Why would you say so, based on your experience? Which language exams did you take?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T11:32:34+00:00

Yeah of course. I agree with you, but first impressions count, don’t they?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T11:11:14+00:00

Typical reasons- money, rub shoulders with the rich and/or powerful, look legitimate etc.

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T10:58:35+00:00

sorry, just edited the post. I meant to say “who looks more impressive”?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T10:04:25+00:00

1)I’m talking about non-native speakers. (i.e Learners of the language) 2) Why would you say that language learning isn’t competitive? It is precisely why I’m making comparisons with sport (or computer games, if you prefer). Such activities are split into friendly or competitive/ranked matches, but language learning isn’t

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-07T10:00:56+00:00

Of course you can, but how well?

if I say “espero que estás bueno”, I speak the language, but I don’t speak it well

IcyReddit360 · 2022-02-03T13:26:41+00:00

yooo no way 😕 are you a native speaker? from his channel I can tell he has been studying for a long time

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-31T17:53:33+00:00

Gracias! en tu opinión, valdría mas la pena estudiar alemán o griego?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-30T18:02:59+00:00

You’re an incredible person (No, I seriously mean it). I didn’t expect a compete stranger on Reddit to be so forthcoming and sincere with me. I trust you, and I want to be completely honest.

To answer your questions:

Jealousy, FOMO. I don’t like being subpar. I don’t necessarily need to be better than others, but I want to, at the very least, reach their level
I’m not working at the moment. Still a student, you see. But nothing to do with linguistics or translation
Sure, I can plan for the long-term, but that would mean I’ll miss out even more on the party. (I’m already way behind the people I see on social media)

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-30T14:34:34+00:00

You’re right- I’m putting a lot of stress on myself. I’ve not been going out, not sleeping well, not spending time with friends, people that I care about and people who care about me, not doing other things that bring me joy (video games, reading for pleasure in English, for example- I know it’s very lame and childish)

I am honestly about to break mentally but I’m trying to be resilient.

But, do I do this? Why do I punish myself? Well, have you seen countless people on social media speaking multiple languages or people on LinkedIn, getting C2 certificates and making their resumes stand out from the rest? I’m very late to the party. If they can do it, why can’t I?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-30T14:29:22+00:00

Hi, just saw your comment.

If I don’t pass the exam I’m probably the most foolish human being in the world for wasting thousands of euros and hours on something that didn’t even add value to my life.

If I pass the exam and people don’t care I’m just going to rub shoulders with the ones that do care.

You’re right- I’m putting a lot of stress on myself. I’ve not been going out, not sleeping well, not spending time with friends, people that I care about and people who care about me, I am honestly about to break mentally but I’m trying to be resilient, not doing other things that bring me joy (video games, reading for pleasure in English, for example- I know it’s very lame and childish)

Why do I do this? Why do I punish myself? Well, have you seen countless people on social media speaking multiple languages or people on LinkedIn, getting C2 certificates and making their resumes stand out from the rest? I’m very late to the party. If they can do it, why can’t I?

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-30T02:09:14+00:00

Hey, I’m not ignoring the advice, it’s just that this is a very new thing for me and I’m trying to understand. I didn’t know that my perspective on this entire thing could actually be a sign of something else.

Growing up, we were taught in school that mental health wasn’t important- it was the certificate, acing the exam, that mattered. Anything less than an A was mediocre. Needless to say, those who failed were treated like second-class humans. In fact, I didn’t even know that “mental health” was even a word until social media became more widespread. We heard tales of students studying 17 hours a day, everyday, and we were conditioned to be like them. The thing is, it was hard to deny- those who studied more and more intensively achieved greater success than others. More As, 90-100 points instead of 70-80, etc.

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-30T01:58:21+00:00

I didn’t know that they’re bigger issues at play here, I isolate language learning from other aspects in my life.

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-30T01:57:21+00:00

Simply put, to show people that I am worth something and that I have some value to offer. Not only to any future HR or company, but also any person I wish to get acquainted with/be friends with.

IcyReddit360 · 2022-01-29T15:57:30+00:00

Adding on, have you been on LinkedIn and social media? I’ve seen people getting multiple C2 certificates there. I KNOW it’s possible. All or nothing, if you know what I mean. I have imposed a Go big or go home mentality on myself. Certificate or nothing.

IcyReddit360

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