I used a trick that I highly recommend to all my fellow linguaphiles who are serious about learning a language: sign up for a level much higher than what you are entitled to by your actual knowledge. Of the three levels available (beginner’s, intermediate, and advanced), I asked to be enrolled at the advanced level.
I have not found the magic password that springs open the lock on the gate of knowledge. One of the reasons is that there is no such password. If I still wish to relate my experience, I only do so because during this half-century, study has never been a burden for me but always an inexhaustible source of joy.
Whenever I am asked how I was able to succeed in many languages in a relatively short period of time, I always make a bow in spirit to the source of all knowledge: books. My advice to learners can thus be expressed in one word: read!
I am such an enthusiastic fan of monologues in foreign languages. If I talk with myself, I am relieved that my partner will not be indignant at long hesitations, grammatical agreements difficult to manage, and vocabulary gaps completed in the mother tongue. All I suggest is that monologues be silent. This is to avoid learning bad pronunciation from yourself and to prevent passersby from thinking that your tongue has been loosened by some alcohol.
With some willpower, you can develop the habit of discussing your experiences with yourself in a foreign language.
Again, it is only a matter of self-discipline.
Returning to books, the question arises: what shall we read? Answer: A text that is of interest to you. Interesse ist stärker als Liebe—as they put it in German. (Interest[edness] is stronger than love.) And interest beats the fiercest enemy:
boredom.
Come to think of it, once there was a girl with trichotillomania sat next to my seat in the classroom.
Every time I talked to her, she cheerfully smiled and laughed back at my topics. Quite a cute person she was.
Yeah, she always did that while she solving equations or doing some other tasks.
I don’t know what’s the best way to communicate with them, but, maybe just accepting them won’t be harm…maybe.
To be honest, I didn’t mind at all of her pulling the hairs. I was just enjoying the conversations with her.
I hope she was feeling the same way but I’m still not so sure.
She was a nice friend, quite nostalgic.
Hahahaha, it would be quite creepy if I do that after 10+ years passed from that time.
“A mentally ill highschool friend suddenly saying hi to a fine woman”…? It’s just a recipe for going to jail.
Alright, I won’t try to convince you, deep down I believe that you will write to her. We’re all mentally ill, so we can’t lock everyone up - jail wouldn’t be enough space. Today, I saw a program about one of the most famous Japanese singers who has autism.
I wish we were just living in America or somewhere than this culturally strict archipelago. It’s much much much easier if I could talk to her in English…
Help me!!! My English persona!!
Aside from the scheduled days and nights, it won’t be that bad…perhaps?
Yesterday, I was going out for dinner and saw a man standing right on the busy street masturbating. I was a bit surprised and asked my friends if this was allowed here? They told me it’s considered normal here, and I would encounter it more than once. So, cultural boundaries are not always a bad thing.
I’ve heard that in Japan, they are more lenient in terms of cultural norms, for example, they allow more vacation time and permit more casual conversations. Maybe you should pretend to be a foreigner? A French Comorian.
Also, I see on the internet that many Japanese do not adhere to these norms, and they are fine
They sure have some bravery…
I never be able to do that in front of so many people. Even if a fantastic girlfriend giving me the empress order to do so…
Excuse moi mademoiselle, je voulais juste te dire bonjour.
OK, I need to learn French too.
He didn’t touch any part of them…at least.
You’ll definitely be the star if you make some travel videos, I think.