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What it Feels like to be OK at a Second Language

It's a lot of "despacio por favor" and "puedo entender frases básicas".

Savannah Bynum

Feb 07, 2017

Keene State

What it Feels like to be OK at a Second Language

Odyssey Online

I’m pretty decent at Spanish. I can hold my own in a conversation if it’s spoken slowly enough and I have time to think about what I want to say. Being surrounded in Spanish 24/7 has done nothing but help my reaction time with answers and my understanding of the language. However, I am not yet fluent (I’ve been here for two weeks).

Because I can hold my own, people get excited and start talking super fast, but in reality I can't process what you're saying. I’m still a "gringa" learning the language. Please. Speak. Slower.

I also need time to think so please don’t try to finish my sentences for me, let me do it all on my own. And please, for the love of all things holy, DON’T switch to English. you may know English better than I know Spanish, but I’m here to learn. I got this.

There is a good chance I’m going to know most of the Spanish songs in the club. Last weekend when we all went out, both gringos and Ecuadorians alike were shocked at my knowledge of Reggaeton. I listen to A LOT of Spanish music so I can learn the language better. And yes, I can dance. I channel my inner zumba instructor and shake my hips like Shakira.

So if you are talking to someone learning a new language, please remember that they are learning. They probably need time to think so don’t get frustrated if the conversation is slow, they will get better with practice. They probably know a lot of music in that language, don’t be surprised.

In closing, be patient, speak the language the person is trying to learn, and break out some dope music.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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What it Feels like to be OK at a Second Language

It's a lot of "despacio por favor" and "puedo entender frases básicas".

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We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

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