Hello Steemers,
Have you heard of the saying, speaking two languages is having two brains?
Well, I want to add a layer of complexity to this saying by pointing out that two brains may also mean two personas. Now, allow me to briefly introduce myself, "...My Name is HOV, From the H to the O..." I go by Sef and I was born and raised in the city of Casablanca in Morocco, by the nature of my upbringing I learned French and classical Arabic starting in Kindergarten, I moved to the US at the age of 16 where I was inevitably exposed to the English language and studied Design and Art history through my college years.
I speak English most of the time and naturally Moroccan to close friends and family, I speak French when dealing with French clients and some friends. I also picked up Spanish, working in bars and restaurant while pursuing my education. It is easy to say that I at least have 3 brains and a 4th in development.
What allowed me to learn these languages was not school...
Now, what was innovative in my approach to absorb languages was an active immersion in a culture that supports the language and practice with native speakers as often as possible; even if I embarrassed myself.
Believe it or not, there are CONS and of course PROS to speaking different languages. What i found to be a CON was the difficulty in processing improvised dialogue. In other words, I can get brain lags while in a conversation with someone where your other languages/personalities are getting signals. What helped me through my journey as an Entrepreneur and as professional overall was, when I knew i'll be speaking French, Arabic or English I would start consuming all daily content in that languages. For example, if I had a meeting with a French audience; I would totally focus on French as a funnel for information... For example
NOW THE TIPS!
1- Switch your phone to the desired language
2- Watch Movies and shows in French voice and subtitled in French simultaneously
3- All Podcasts and Music in the desired language
4- Go to a Bar or club where French groups hang out the most (If you live in large cities like NYC)
5- Think and Talk to yourself in that desired language.
I'd love to know other Steemers thoughts on this and if you have additional Tips!
Haha, I love what you wrote about knowing two languages was like having two brains. That's so true - and in my case, those brains confuse each other.
When we lived in France, I went to courses where the teacher was from Australia. She taught in French, but in the breaks, she spoke English with me.
I just couldn't go from listening and speaking in French to English, so she snapped her fingers and said, "Switch!".
That worked.
I have to do the same here. I know a little Hebrew, so I often have to switch to either French (which is hard now) or English. I always say "switch" to myself to make it work.
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Your "Switch" is very interesting, I use it as well and indeed it does work. It is basically a command that you give to yourself and the brain must get it done. Psychology definitely plays a big part in finding that intellectual balance. I also agree with the confusion between the "brains", in my case... I love poetry and Rap as a whole, I can write but in order for me to freestyle; it is almost impossible. But judging by the nature of my personality, I love proving myself wrong.
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Go for it, then, @oblivist. I'm new to Steemit, but it's my impression that you can post both poems and fiction, even music.
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There is nothing I can add to your tips. Generally to have more than one languages on hand is a great advantage, not only is it very usful in daily life it also improves your memory capability and might even protect you against Alzheimers. Enjoy you different personalities.
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The medical advantage definitely caught me by surprise when I read it. As for memory capability, that is the major advantage indeed.
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