I like to think I can speak fluent English. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a native Spanish speaker so naturally I do have a bit of an accent. But when I think of having to speak English 24/7 it scares me. Not because I couldn’t do it but instead because I feel like I will loose a part of me. I’m very outspoken, spontaneous, playful and funny in my style of communicating. Also speak with a tone and rhythm. How can you translate that?
Have you ever seen a movie in another language (one that you understood) and then saw it in English? It’s kind of different. Sometimes they translate things that are funny, sarcastic or even ironic in English but in the other language not so much. Or make literal translation of common saying or phrases that makes no sense at all. I feel like I’m one of those phrases that would not make any sense in English.
It’s also like movies where two people from different countries begin to fight. The fight always starts in English but them someone starts shouting in other language because that’s their native emotion language. I think I invented this term but what emotion language is the language that’s in your mind when you have strong feelings like love, anger, sadness and even hate. When you have a rush of any of those strong feeling you think fast so your brain acts fast and you want to say everything that comes just as fast, giving no time to your brain to translate. So it’s easier to say it as it comes to mind, being that your native language.
Writing is different because you have time to look up the proper translation and channel you feelings. Still when you hear the translate version of a song is not that catchy or deep as the original version. I always write in English if it’s meant to be in English that way I don’t let my mind play games with me.
Yes, I believe that with time you become more natural with the other language and express your feelings better. But in my opinion your original you is in another language. Try explaining your deepest thought in another language. Hard, right? But hopefully I’ll all be a process and I’ll get better with time…
I am me in Spanish. Everything else is just a translation.
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10 comments:
I love the last line!
Well the good thing about NY is that it is very diverse and I'm sure a lot of other people feel that way. You'll eventually meet other people who speak the language that you can feel comfortable being you again. It's all a transition, but as long as you know who you are and keep that spanish (you) with you all the time, you'll be fine.
xo anastasia b
Me encanta tu blog :) Y aunque tu dices que no tienes ese emocion cuando hablas en ingles, creo que si tienes algun SABOR latina :)
Buena suerte en Nueva York. Deseo que todo pasa bien!Me gustaria leer mas de ti.
I also love that last line. I can totally relate. I grew up speaking mostly french.
That is so honest and true. Like Anastasia said, New York is so diverse so you don't have to worry about being who you are. Never lose that part of you that makes you who you are, okay?
Learning another language is definitely a challenge, but it looks like you do a fantastic job! :)
You're so right--language is such an emotional thing. Heck, I'm a native English speaker, and when I get worked up enough, sometimes I still can't even speak properly!
Thanks for the support!
@Angela Noelle - My point exactly!!
I hear you! Speaking in English is really scary most especially if you are not used to speak it in regular basis (my native language is Tagalog) but i do love English that is why i blog for me to enhance it.
Love your blog...cute layout!
I grew up speaking English, but have studied Spanish for years and recently spent a lot of time in Central America. I found that when I speak Spanish 24/7 it's almost like having a different personality. Sometimes there are things I want to say that only really make sense in Spanish and people back in DC don't always understand. I totally get what you're saying. I keep thinking that some day I'll be able to force those personalities together and make myself understood in both languages, but so far no luck.
-Delilah
Me gusta! I feel the same way but opposite if that makes sense....english is my first language but I took spanish for 8 years. I can speak and write it but I get nervous and shy.
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