Formal Paper#1....The LOVE of Language!

Language provides many opportunities to meet new people and make life-long friendships!

In New York, where I was born and raised, the schools have many programs for bi-lingual students. The state has an abundance of Spanish-speaking people, many students who attend elementary school for the first time in America need to transition from Spanish to English language, so the program incorporates both languages into the classroom while progressing more toward English. This assists students in learning to speak the predominant language in America. My elementary school was Meadow Hill; it was a "GEMS" program school, that stands for Global Explorations Magnet School. Diversity and cultural awareness were very important aspects in the school.

"Meadow Hill Global Explorations School's school of choice theme is Foreign Languages and Cultures. Our theme allows students to learn about places around the world, the languages they speak and the cultures that make those places unique."-Meadow Hill GEMS webpage.

I learned a second language early in life, thanks to the programs at the elementary school; my Spanish classes started in grade 3. The bi-lingual and Spanish learning/speaking classes were where I met my two best friends, Shirley and Kim, with whom I still am "besties" today. : )

Trish&Shirley

The Three Amigas

Trish&Kim

My choice to attend Spanish class and a few bi-lingual classes as well, opened many doors for me. Being friends with Kim and Shirley helped integrate the language into my life; Kim's parents are from Peru and Shirley's mom is from Mexico; at that time they spoke very little English. Spending time at their houses was beneficial to acquire the Spanish language. I am lucky that I was able to take Spanish classes all through jr. high and high school as well; that really helped to keep the language in my memory instead of forgetting it after elementary school like many people do.

After high school I took it upon myself to keep learning new languages. When I worked at an outlet store in NY, I met many foreigners who loved to shop there. By working there I was able to pick up on Portuguese, which is very similar to Spanish so learning it was fairly easy. I used an online "program" called LiveMocha.

Once I got the hang of Portuguese and was comfortable assisting the Brazilian customers in their own language, I moved on.

Next I learned Mandarin Chinese from a c.d. program, Pimsleur. This so far was the easiest way to learn for me. The c.d. says a phrase in English, then in Chinese and you repeat the phrase back out loud in Chinese. With each new disc you build upon the lessons, and before you know it you're speaking Mandarin! The majour problem with this program is that Mandarin does not use Arabic letters as English does, it uses Chinese characters so learning to read the language is difficult. But once you work through the discs you are able to speak to people in Mandarin, which is pretty cool. Imagine ordering your dinner from a Chinese restaurant and asking for Peking Duck (DELICIOUS) in Mandarin, they get really surprised that an American can speak their language. : ) Like Spanish, it was a friend who helped and inspired me to learn Chinese, Jin Mei You.

My love for language has proved beneficial in my life. My step-son is deaf and wants to learn sign language. I am currently taking ASL1 at OC, and he is thrilled that I can share what I learn with him. This language (ASL, American Sign Language), is by far the most fun one I've had the pleasure of learning, I cannot wait to continue and learn more of it!

With each new language I learn I find that I acquire the ability to communicate with new people of many different backgrounds. However, Language is not just language, it is not just words, learning a new language brings about the chance to learn about a new culture, and experience a new view of the world and its people. Learning a new language breaks barriers and opens you to so many new opportunities in life.