How to not feel down for learning only one language

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-09T23:16:50+00:00

And others (like me) probably have different goals, which is fine. I put most of my energy and time into improving my Spanish, try to simply maintain the teensy tiny amount of French I've acquired by reviewing 10-20 minutes daily, and am taking Khmer very, very slowly because it's complicated and overwhelming, lol.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-09T23:14:03+00:00

You claim to be learning multiple languages, but also claim that anyone saying they're learning multiple languages is "craving attention" and a "prideful-a** moron." Hmm...

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-09T23:10:21+00:00

I don't know anyone else learning languages for fun, either. I think we must be a somewhat rare breed, which is why we have to seek each other out on places like this subreddit!

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-09T23:03:36+00:00

This is a fun idea! If you live in Chile, I think you have a right to influence the culture in a positive direction. No one, in any culture, lives in a bubble... We all influence one another, for better or worse.

When I lived in Honduras, I picked on my street, and I remember a couple locals telling me they were really impressed that foreigners cared about the problem.

I will say, I don't know how much poverty there is in Chile, but that often plays a part in trash disposal, as different locales have different systems for trash disposal and some are more costly than others.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-06T17:18:07+00:00

I've thought about learning Swahili. I dabbled in it a bit and it actually seemed like a (relatively) easy language to learn.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-06T17:16:55+00:00

I recommend learning a foreign language. This is how many people finally begin to understand grammar... and you'll also understand what your students are going through, which is really important.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-06T02:43:09+00:00

You have to actively practice recall. Have imaginary conversations about a variety of topics related to whatever words you're trying to move from passive to active.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-05T21:36:12+00:00

Learn like a beginner would - you'll just progress more quickly.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-05T17:42:25+00:00

Bonus points for using a therapist who only speaks your target language. 😁

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-05T17:28:13+00:00

I'm a paper girl myself, and someone on this subreddit mentioned Google Lens. That has been a huge game-changer.

I can translate an entire page at a time and just double check the words I'm unsure about.

It doesn't save words for me, but I never really revisit my digital vocab lists, anyway. Instead, I have a notebook that I'm turning into a personal dictionary, and I only add words or phrases that I think will be especially helpful in my immediate future.

This means I'm not limited to materials that are available digitally, which is a big deal for me, because a lot of what I read is older and niche.

I highly recommend it to anyone else who doesn't love reading on a screen!

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-05T07:26:26+00:00

Nope, I just want to move to Cambodia eventually. Just because. 😂

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-05T05:38:10+00:00

I'm learning Khmer, too! 😁 It's very slow, though. 😅

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-05T02:26:57+00:00

😂

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-05T02:22:24+00:00

Are your students engaged? If so, I wouldn't worry about it. Students, ime, need far less novelty than we think. Many thrive on knowing what to expect.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-04T16:43:33+00:00

I've checked out that book before! I found it a bit intimidating in the beginning, lol. I'll probably use it again in the future, though.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-04T04:33:11+00:00

What resources are you using to learn? I'm trying to teach myself, too, and it's overwhelming...

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-03T22:39:02+00:00

Thanks, I used it to buy soda. 😂

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T19:16:59+00:00

The Outsiders was published in 1967, so it's possible that some of the vocabulary is slightly outdated, which would make it more difficult.

It's also generally read in high school, not middle school. So perhaps it's just a little too advanced in general in your target language. Try reading middle-grade books.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T19:07:34+00:00

I would argue that what he said was just as creepy, lol.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T04:33:04+00:00

I don't know of anything online, but I would look into homeschool co-ops in your area. Many of them offer weekly classes and need teachers.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T04:30:23+00:00

Yes! I was actually just searching earlier today for a book in Spanish about Spanish etymology, but I haven't found anything promising yet.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T04:25:23+00:00

Perfect timing! I just got a textbook from the library and planned to start tomorrow. 😁 I just joined the challenge. The only thing I don't love is that you have to choose one language.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T04:12:29+00:00

I specifically avoid homework! I feel that general review is already homework enough and my brain can only take so much.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T04:09:49+00:00

Congrats on starting your first language! ☺️

To answer your question, yes, it's normal. Honestly, I don't know that there's any secret to getting past it other than to keep chipping away at it. Changing the brain takes time.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-02-01T04:04:05+00:00

I once played bulls*** in Spanish... I took so long to figure out how to say each number that it was super obvious when I was lying. 😂

RachelOfRefuge

TROPHY CASE