Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Perfect a Foreign Language
If I were to commit 10,000 hours of focused practice at a chosen activity, I would choose to become fluent in Spanish. Foreign languages have always been an interest of mine. Having taken Spanish for the past two years in High School, I view this goal as one that would be beneficial to me and one that is highly attainable. Being fluent in a second language can open many doors both in my personal and professional life. Spanish is the official language in more than twenty countries around the world and the second most spoken language in the United States. Having a command of a second language would make travel much easier and enjoyable, and could be useful in many professions. At this point, I have put in about 300 hours of Spanish and I feel like I could get along in a Spanish-speaking country. Putting in over thirty times that amount seems like a realistic amount of time to become an expert in that field. Within the next few years, I plan to spend a summer in a Spanish-speaking country to immerse myself in the language. Fluency in a second language can increase my vocabulary and help me have a better understanding of English. Having mastered Spanish can also help me more keenly appreciate different cultures and lifestyles. Becoming an fluent in Spanish is a realistic goal of mine. I am anxious to read the rationale behind Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers on what it takes to become an expert.
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Troy, I feel like our prospective on how we'd use our time is somewhat similar. I enjoy the goals you set for yourself and how high your making your standards as to mastering the language. Is there any specific job you want to have as an adult?
ReplyDeleteTroy i agree with you in that spending 10,000 hours on perfecting a second language would be very rewarding. As you said traveling, or getting a job would be very easy. And to comment on Chris Fanara's question if i was to master another language i would master Chinese Mandarin and for a job i would like to be a business man that consults with the United States.
ReplyDeleteTroy, I agree with you that knowing more than one language can be very beneficial since we live in a very globally connected world. What Spanish-speaking country do you plan on travelling to? Since, depending on where you choose to go the dialects spoken in each country can be different.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with troy that spending 10,000 hours of perfecting foreign languges is a wise idea. It would come to much use if you are vacationing in a country with another main language other than english so you would be able to commuicate with them. It also would come to use if you had to go overseas for a business job like sam said. Another reason to learn several languages is that it is good for the brain. Learning other languages can help prevent diseses that effect the brain like alzheimers.
ReplyDeleteAlso by being fluent in Spanish you could spend a semester of college in a Spanish speaking country or you could also become a translator. Knowing more than one language also gives an advantage when looking for a job. Good luck on achieving your goal.
ReplyDeleteI also thought about spending my 10,000 hours on perfecting a foreign language because I agree that in this age, it is extremely important to be connected with other nations. Language can be a huge social barrier and breaking that by speaking fluently in a different language can give access to many opportunities. Especially with many Asian countries being on the top and in power,it is crucial that we acknowledge their language and are able to seize the many benefits there are of being in communication with them.
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