I want to see some results
For the last three weeks, I have been learning a new language, Bahasa Indonesia. This is because I got to know some good friends who are from Indonesia. (And I feel so glad that I did! Senang Sekali) . And since I have the environment, it would be great to be able to pick up Bahasa Indonesia so that I can interact and know more friends. And moreover nxt time I can go to our neighbouring countries to do business :), assuming that I am able to pick up the language well enough to express myself and be understood by locals.
Currently, I am still at the stage of learning the vocabulary and have formed very simple sentences. (Long sentences still not successful, always got 'salah'[Means wrong in Bahasa Indo] ) But making good progress though, so much so that I felt inadequate just learning from my Indonesian friends, I went to buy two books on Bahasa Indonesia.
Just want to share a bit of thought in my learning experience of a new language. It seems like learning a language is a fast and surer way to grow in life. Why do I say that? Because when you are able to speak in the language you just learn and the locals actually understand it. It is like almost instant gratification. You can feel that you have achieved something, and it shows out fast.
Compare this to knowing the fact that there are 2 mammals that lay eggs (I know one of them is platypus, cannot remember the other one), you can feel a moment of joy that you learn the fact, but the gratification does not come, unless this question was asked in "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" gameshow. And you are able to answer without asking the audience or outside help or use the 50-50. :P
So you see, in life, according to Maslow and given Singapore standard of living, most of us would have reached a stage where we want to fulfill our need to grow. And this need to grow must be substantiated by interest & passion. And interest & passion must be fueled by gratification.
(and other things as well) So I would recommend that people that feels the need to grow, maybe to pick up a new language. Moreover picking a new language will open up a whole new world of knowledge to you.
For instance, if you learn Mandarin, you are able to read the Chinese novels, appreciate the Chinese thinking & history and learn more abt Chinese culture and how it was evolved to its present stage. And being able to communicate with your Chinese friends in their own language will further bridge the gaps.
Have fun growing! Cheers!
Currently, I am still at the stage of learning the vocabulary and have formed very simple sentences. (Long sentences still not successful, always got 'salah'[Means wrong in Bahasa Indo] ) But making good progress though, so much so that I felt inadequate just learning from my Indonesian friends, I went to buy two books on Bahasa Indonesia.
Just want to share a bit of thought in my learning experience of a new language. It seems like learning a language is a fast and surer way to grow in life. Why do I say that? Because when you are able to speak in the language you just learn and the locals actually understand it. It is like almost instant gratification. You can feel that you have achieved something, and it shows out fast.
Compare this to knowing the fact that there are 2 mammals that lay eggs (I know one of them is platypus, cannot remember the other one), you can feel a moment of joy that you learn the fact, but the gratification does not come, unless this question was asked in "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" gameshow. And you are able to answer without asking the audience or outside help or use the 50-50. :P
So you see, in life, according to Maslow and given Singapore standard of living, most of us would have reached a stage where we want to fulfill our need to grow. And this need to grow must be substantiated by interest & passion. And interest & passion must be fueled by gratification.
(and other things as well) So I would recommend that people that feels the need to grow, maybe to pick up a new language. Moreover picking a new language will open up a whole new world of knowledge to you.
For instance, if you learn Mandarin, you are able to read the Chinese novels, appreciate the Chinese thinking & history and learn more abt Chinese culture and how it was evolved to its present stage. And being able to communicate with your Chinese friends in their own language will further bridge the gaps.
Have fun growing! Cheers!
posted by Strategist at 10:16 PM
3 Comments:
Wow.. Now I feel so bad that I always failed to learn mandarin. You are really good in learning Bahasa Indonesia, and I am really impressed by your progress and your will in learning it. I do feel the instant gratification like what you have said in learning new language and the locals actually understand it. I do feel great when I say simple sentences or words in mandarin and my colleagues can actually understand what I'm saying (normally they will laugh at me until they cry :D). And it does make me feel that I need to keep learning, although mandarin is a very difficult language (for me). Especially after I read your blog :-p Anyway, terus belajar bahasa, kamu pasti bisa! ;)
Haha, I think u have the environment to practice your Chinese so should try learning it. Can ask me first if you want.
I do not anyhow take in disciples, must be of potential calibre one :P And I like teaching cos it test our domain knowledge and also makes us goes back to our basic too. Basics that we have neglected.
I think I going to set aside time to pick a new language. Wanted to do it a long time ago, but I think I should pick up the momentum now!
Instant gratification...well at least for me, this is a phenomenon that is very foreign to me. Still good for you to find some assuring rewards in your learning.
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