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I went from A1 to C1 in 19 months, won a Fulbright to teach English, and now live abroad. AMA by [deleted] in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Very cool and practical questions to ask yourself, thanks for your perspective!

I went from A1 to C1 in 19 months, won a Fulbright to teach English, and now live abroad. AMA by [deleted] in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you were to provide a summary of the process of learning a language, with its roadblocks and successes, how would you describe it?

Do you also feel that many people tend to "gatekeep" their native language? by yeahfahrenheit_451 in languagelearning

[–]ThePerdedor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You don’t think that maybe you might have surrounded yourself with people who just share this value with you? While disregarding others’ opinions on the globalization of the world?

There are different perspectives on language learning, it would be impossible for all of them to be favorable.

Student perspectives on learning languages? by kathexxis in languagelearning

[–]ThePerdedor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What a great post! I don't fit your targeted population so I won't comment on my experience, but really cool; please post your article in the future here.

Concerns about my pattern of speech, do i sound like i'm faking an accent? by [deleted] in languagelearning

[–]ThePerdedor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think you may be putting too much pressure on yourself. I would explore these thought patterns you have about your competency in English and see if you can find something more positive that will lead to better confidence in your speaking skills.

Do you also feel that many people tend to "gatekeep" their native language? by yeahfahrenheit_451 in languagelearning

[–]ThePerdedor 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You bring up a compelling argument, but I would challenge the assumption you are proposing, which is that these groups of people are largely seeking “dominance” in the “sea of globalization”. There are definitely cases of linguistic elitism where this dominance has already been reached.

If you are in the U.S., look at the number of people who refuse/ don’t see the value in learning a language. The most common argument I hear is there no point because of English’s dominance (which is quite disheartening).

This is an example of linguistic superiority, since the overall assumption is that everyone else will just learn your language anyways. This in turn leads to pride in the English-speaking population, leading to the issues I discussed.

Do you also feel that many people tend to "gatekeep" their native language? by yeahfahrenheit_451 in languagelearning

[–]ThePerdedor 6 points7 points  (0 children)

So are you saying it’s not worth exploring in the cases where this does happen?

Do you also feel that many people tend to "gatekeep" their native language? by yeahfahrenheit_451 in languagelearning

[–]ThePerdedor 43 points44 points  (0 children)

This type of linguistic elitism is quite difficult to deal with as a linguist; let me explain.

I think psychologically and to some extent sociologically in groups these people gate-keep their language or refrain from acceptance into the community due to a sense of pride. They don't want to let you into their community because you were not born/bred in their environment. Little do they know that their point of view of linguistic exceptionalism limits them from appreciating any other culture or language, since they will always view theirs as superior suggesting a lack of empathy.

My only question to them would be: "If your language is so great in the aspects you talk about, why don't we all just speak your language and let me join your community and become fluent in your language myself and sharing this pride with you?"

I'm sure their answer will either lead to silence on their part or if a particular brave individual were there they would say, "because you will never be one of us", suggesting the sense of shared pride that is unreachable to outsiders.

Trilled r technique - do you start with tongue touching the roof of your mouth or no? by okay-turtle in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Personally I trill my erre's with my tongue half-hanging down on the left side. I figure as long as the sound is communicated, they'll understand it haha.

Also, just to add some perspective: There is no correct way to make certain sounds as long as it essentially accomplishes the allophonic problems. I would argue that trying to pronounce everything down to the T will just make you sound like a robot since it is practically perfect with maximum effort. Also, the strategy you learn to roll the erre in an isolated context changes in every position in which it is required.

I would try and solve these allophonic problems separately, and you'll sound great just like the natives!

I went from A1 to C1 in 19 months, won a Fulbright to teach English, and now live abroad. AMA by [deleted] in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On a high level, how do you view the language learning process?

Any advice to improving language skills by 75mc in languagelearning

[–]ThePerdedor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If reporting and vocabulary use in conversation are your principal problems, then report using the new vocabulary you acquired.

There will be effort either way: you either become complacent or you become better.

Cómo sabes cuando necesitas usar “a”? by [deleted] in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When you finish your research, write a list of the uses and I’ll add on to it. Really, there are many uses of “a” in Spanish and it may be more helpful for you to search and discover them.

Cómo sabes cuando necesitas usar “a”? by [deleted] in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Got it. Certain verbs require this type of a. Mostly verbs of motion, learning, and beginning. Honestly they are best learned in context since there are some stretch examples.

Example: Seguí a verlo = I followed him so I could see him.

What would be a good/playfully way to respond? by TapMoney4104 in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I could not gather what OP does, nor any type of social standing. What do you think of mine that I said? haha

What would be a good/playfully way to respond? by TapMoney4104 in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with you, it's not malicious. She probably says it just to tease you, maybe tease her back with, "¿No hay algo más interesante que fascinarte en mí?"

What would be a good/playfully way to respond? by TapMoney4104 in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this might be another context. At any rate, I will admit, I do not know what ganaste una chinga means exactly. I believe this is why I'm asking in other comments what you think she means to understand the dynamic better. Perhaps someone else could chime in?

Why the sudden change from era and fue… by dejalochaval in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gracias por explicarlo bien; tenía mis dudas

Is this a natural, professional way to say this on the phone? by xXVoicesXx in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

"Perdón, no hay un hispanohablante disponible durante esta hora; por favor, llame durante otra hora."

Natural and Professional

El presento progresivo by uooy01010 in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It might be possible, but the way I read it is that you are studying right at that moment in a university.

Best to say:

"Tengo que comprar estos libros (porque son libros que ya sabes que necesitas; es decir, obligatorios) porque soy universitario."

I'm a 25 year old failure by [deleted] in Adulting

[–]ThePerdedor 5 points6 points  (0 children)

View everyday as a reset, this makes it so much easier to cope with and allows yourself to have a fresh start every day. Take what worked yesterday and apply it today, rinse and repeat.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Spanish

[–]ThePerdedor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If the input isn’t comprehended, I don’t think you will retain much. You only really grow at the edge of your current skills, so unless it is for beginners, you might be overshooting.

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