I’ve been musing about the way I’m approaching Spanish, and where I really want to go with it. After watching a few lectures by Stephen Krashen, following some YouTube polyglots, and rummaging through some logs here on the forum, I’ve decided to forget about SRS’ing and use any time I would have spent doing that, reading. I might come back to it one day, but I’m not enjoying it, and Spanish really should be like a hobby given my goals … I going to try to allow time do more of the heavy lifting.
Besides, I think writing and narrow listening/ reading has been working well. It just has not been leading to aquiring 25 words/ day. Any words I’m not learning from those activities probably just aren’t meant to be learned right now. ... Beyond the question of SRS, I think the doubt was about how I should be approaching vocabulary at this stage. I've heard it before, but I'm just now a bit more comfortable with just reading more, for now.
Recent reply to a question I asked on the matter.
Other members who don’t use SRS, and whose logs I need to run through.
Which brings me to consider what Spanish means for me, and where I want to go with it.
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. - Nelson Mandela
For a while, this was my absolute favorite quote which I associated with language learning. I think it holds so much truth. My boss often says that, “99% of the problems around here [work] boil down to communication.” I’d take issue with the percentage, but think what he says is generally correct. Learning Spanish has made me a better communicator, especially at work. I believe learning Spanish affects how others perceive me, and frankly, associates and clients respond to me differently than they do other managers. Often, I’m the first beneficiary of new information at work because, for some reason or the other, associates feel comfortable sharing with me. For me, Spanish has been a great tool in the workplace.
Beyond that, It’s given me a wider perspective, and I care about, no, I appreciate more things. I’ve always had interest in politics, and policies … even if it seemed it didn’t directly affect me. Learning Spanish has drawn my attention a bit more to what is important to a Hispanic living in the US. Now, whatever I’m learning in the new is not just about some program affecting Hispanics, or some country in Latin America. It’s a program that Tania is deeply interested in and affected by, or Raul’s hometown ... we’re now talking about my friends, co-workers and exchange partners; people I’ve come to know.
Learning Spanish has put me in touch with a different way of thinking, and seeing the world. If the world is a house, Spanish has given me access to another room (socially, professionally and even romantically) that, for me, was before inaccessible.
Beyond that, it's a skill that's just cool to have, in my opinion. Nothing like being able to have a secret conversation.
So, moving forward, what do I really want from Spanish?
-1. Continue to learn from the people, and their culture. I’d like to continue fostering meaningful relationships, and use Spanish as another way to enjoy life … a practical hobby ... to enjoy the journey.
This means I need to be able to enjoy literature, and conversations on fairly substantial topics.
-2. To be able to communicate in a professional setting i.e. work, and educated native speakers. Perhaps use it to conduct business.
-3. Vacation in a Spanish speaking country, using only Spanish.
With all this, it looks like I’m aiming for a C1-C2 level of proficiency (thanks to the business part). Timeframe? Something tangible might increase my odds in January of 2019 when I should be shooting for another job, or taking steps towards a MBA. … a solid B2 by then would be nice. Using it professionally at a high level? Within 3-4 years?
Anyway, I messaged my tutor yesterday and we're going to see what level of the DELE I'd have a good chance of passing today, and what kind of shape I'm in to take the level above that. I know where I want to go - I just need a better idea of where I am. Before the session, I am going to write on prompt that she will send me for her to review. During the session, we'll run through the other parts of the exam - this will probably happen on the 28th.
I have not decided if I will return to writing this week. I will be doing plenty of reading and watching though. Hopefully, this will be the last time I waver on my method - I think I've thought about it enough.