Languages...
As a family, we sometimes sit down and reminisce about the places we've been. It could be a place where we lived, or even just a place we visited briefly, even just transitting through an airport. Along the same lines, we count up how languages we've learned, spoken, or used. It shouldn't be a surprise to learn that our kids have more language abilities than mom and I! Our eldest, we determined, has about 8 languages. Now, that doesn't mean she is fluent in them all, or even conversant, but she's had 8 language she has lived in and used. They are:
- English - home language
- Chinese - she heard this the most growing up
- Uyghur - used with Uyghur friends playing
- Kazak - used with Kazak friends playing
- Korean - used with coworkers' kids playing
- French - spent 4 years there, expert!
- Spanish - this was an extra language she learned
- Latin - a personal challenge she is proud of
- German - again, had to study it while in school
- Thai - made great progress in only 1 year!
Well, I guess I was wrong! She has TEN languages she has lived in. She is thinking of adding Ojibway and/or Swampy Cree or Saulteaux to that group. Wow!
Above is a screenshot of the Google Translate app on my phone. Why so many?!
Well, I'll start with the most unexpected - Japanese. I am a fan of Delfonics Rollbahn notebooks, and thus I sometimes browse Japanese websites to read up on what's new. I really like the pens that are for sale too. The cost of shipping of course means I never actually buy anything, but a guy can dream.
Kazakh of course to help with the Bible and Literature projects that I am once again involved with. Though I'd say my Kazakh is ok, I do come across words whose meanings I don't remember. That, and ocassionally I need to double-check how something is spelled, and Google Translate is good for that.
Uyghur is more for accessing RtL writing tools.
French is still needed because we still receive emails from French clubs, like our daughter's Surf Club. And like Kazakh, though our French is good there are still just enough words or phrases I have begun to forget.
Spanish... not sure. I hardly ever do anything in Spanish, but I think I've used to for lyrics to songs I like.
German. What a bummer. We are still getting tax notices & other emails about this or that. Sadly, we didn't learn German so Google Translate is definitely needed. It took forever to cancel so many accounts we had to open while there. So many, and during almost the entire first year that we moved away, that it has made us decide to never ever go back to live there, maybe not even visit! It's too bad, really.
Korean is handy when we are with co-workers to try to understand what they are talking about. Live Translation is handy. Also, sometimes I want to try to say something in Korean, and though any translation app is slightly off, they get a kick out of my attempts.
Chinese is needed for the Literature projects. As well, I have my own self-hosted Mastodon instance, and Chinese is used often by other users. Come to think of it, so is Japanese, so both are needed from time to time to see what the posts say.
And of course, Thai is at the top (I guess the ordering shows usage?) of the list. I've made some effort to learn the alphabet, the numbers, and some basic phrases. It is hard going! I already know more than German. The challenge is that the people are sooo friendly and helpful here (unlike Germany, unless they know you) that hand gestures, sign language, and miming is very effective. Plus, English is fairly prevalent, especially in restaurants and government offices. In the meantime, behaving appropriately is a good way to express respect for the culture and country. In this, it reminds of us France. You could speak poor French with a terrible accent, but it you carried yourself a certain way, the French would make extra effort to communicate. Same here - voice tone and volume, body positioning, all are important to convey respect.
