Language Barriers

I've always thought I was bad at learning languages. I took Spanish classes for years to little effect. But maybe I should really be blaming Brent Lassow. I actually feel like I've done OK with Amharic and Swahili (and Amharic doesn't even use the Roman alphabet!)

I am pretty good at memorizing stuff, and despite what various Latinos might tell you, I'm not horrible with accents. I think the key to it all is really low expectations (the key to many of my successes). With both languages native speakers are so amazed that a white person is even trying to speak their language that it is met with appreciation. Plus, who knew Swahili was already inbedded in American culture (The Lion King), who knew Asante Samuel's mother was really thankful to someone named Sam..

Furthermore, I don't have to understand much of what they say (one of my biggest problems in Espanol) I just communicate with greetings and key words and try to pick up slang and popular expressions and people are usually impressed, in fact the positive feedback is probably one the reasons I make the effort (I hope all the condescending Spanish speakers are listening right now [you know who you are]).

I'm sure I will never be able to converse about politics or religion in either language, but even with my limited vocab I feel somewhat successful, and that is a pleasant surprise.