As of this month and year, I have lived the first half of my life in Iraq and the second half here in Michigan. Twelve and a half years ago I came to Michigan from Iraq with the ability to speak two languages: Arabic and Chaldean. I was lost in school the first few months here because I did not understand anything said around me, but I eventually learned the English language and added it to my language speaking list. Speaking more than one language is very enjoyable and confusing at some times. You may encounter dull moments and also develop cool accents.
When I came to USA, I thought that I would forget the Arabic language because I was very young and no one in my family speaks Arabic around the house, but I ended up becoming a better Arabic speaker because some of my friends in school spoke Arabic and as I grew older, my job required me to work with people who didn’t speak English well so I had to speak Arabic to them. It is, sometimes overwhelming to be able to speak more than a single language because it is possible for the tongue to utter one sentence using two or even three languages. I encounter this situation from time to time and it is hilarious (sometimes embarrassing), especially if I am around my friends who understand the languages.
When you speak more than one language, you develop an accent. I have English and Arabic accents. I did not develop a Chaldean accent I believe because that’s the language I speak the most, with my family and with most of my friends. Each of the three languages is different from the other. Each one has its own sounds and pronunciations; which leads to accent development. The brain knows so much but sometimes it becomes hard for the tongue to say the words out perfectly. I find it very impressive and I do like my accents.
Also, speaking more than one language makes you a slower speaker. Many times, especially when presenting for school or work, I have to prepare more than usual for my speeches because I want to make sure that I will use the English language only and that I won’t take a long time putting together what I want to say. When an idea comes to my mind and I have to share it with people around me, I have to realize what language I have to present it in and focus on using that language only. It may seem hard, but it’s really not. It just works the brain more which is why you become a slower speaker.
To me, speaking more than a language is very unique. When you acquire a language, you also acquire its culture, ethnicity, and background. You learn the ideas, the traditions, and the beliefs of that culture and you become part of it. The more languages one learns to speak, the more diverse he or she becomes. Speaking more than one language also helps you become more socialized and outgoing. I consider myself lucky to be able to speak three languages because their backgrounds have helped me become who I am and helped me become more knowledgeable about so many aspects of life.
