French Faux Pas - Language Learning

In the multi-lingual world in which we live, learning another language is encouraged across the board. The advantages are heralded by all and range from: the ability to communicate with someone from a different linguistic background, increased attractiveness as a candidate for a job with international clients, opportunities to work as a translator, travel opportunities and better cognitive abilities and memory recall in old age.

What is not to love?

However, no one talks about the downsides of learning a language. By these, I mean the embarrassing moments when you can’t find your words, say something completely inappropriate or just have no idea what is going on. The reality is that learning a language can bring a lot of joy but also a lot of frustration, particularly if you feel that you can’t express yourself properly in your adopted language.

With this is mind, I thought I would expand on the other things that you learn whilst learning a language. And here they are..

1. Humility

Merriam-Webster defines humility as “the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people: the quality or state of being humble”. By a certain age, most of us are able to fully express ourselves without much error in our maternal tongue. Language can also be used as a tool of domination, persuasion and argumentation. A mastery of your maternal tongue will often give you a greater ability to fully express your points, feelings and expressions. In the initial stages of learning a language, you lose a lot of this. Your brain might be thinking of something truly intellectual and awe-inspiring, you will try to say this in the language you are learning and it will come across as really.. babyish.

And that can be frustrating.

If you are someone who is used to actively participating in conversations and debate, this will teach you a new side of yourself. To be passive in a discussion, to listen to others and to ruminate over what has been said is an invaluable learning (and humbling) experience.  Humility also comes in the ability to laugh at yourself when you have made a mistake.  One time, instead of saying ‘baisser” which means to lower, I accidently slipped over the s to say "baiser" instead, which to say the least was pretty awkward. Although these moments can be painfully embarrassing, learning to recover from them is like chewing on a big tasty piece of humble pie.

2. Vulnerability

Learning a language exposes a vulnerability that may surprise you. It is difficult to convey confidence when you have your trainer-language-wheels on, particularly if you are having difficulties applying the correct vocabulary and grammar or have a thick accent. You are relying on the kindness and the help of others to be patient with your bumbling attempts, help you with your struggle and/or guide you on the right path. This is an art in itself. Some people are naturally very good at encouraging a new language-learner. Some others are not as forthcoming. One piece of advice I would give to anyone who is approached by someone trying to speak their language is to allow the person to try to speak to you. Don’t immediately switch to the language you think is their mother tongue unless you absolutely must or the other person requests to do so. Not only does it undermine their efforts but it discourages them from trying in the future. And unless you are very friendly with the person and can assure yourself that it will be taken as a joke, DO NOT mimic someone's accent.

3. Appreciation

Communicating with others is something we take for granted. We’ve been brought up being able to speak and make ourselves understood. Learning another language throws that in to disarray. Suddenly, asking for something as simple as a coffee can become an ordeal.

And it doesn’t stop there.

As you make your way up the linguistic ladder the stakes become higher. Navigating your way through opening a bank account, organizing a phone plan and paying bills all require a particular language level that can leave you second-guessing yourself. But these experiences teach you a new found appreciation for the ease of speaking in your maternal tongue. And the ground work you must put in to improve your language level teaches you an appreciation for the language you are learning.

4. Interaction

Learning a language opens up your interaction with others of that language in a way that never would be otherwise possible. Barbara Cassin in her book "Plus d'une Langue" wrote that speaking another language is like tapping in to the culture, history and customs of that language that are hidden to the naked.. non linguist. I find that people appreciate your attempts to speak their language and often will open up to you in an unprecedented way. Making an effort shows that you are respectful to their culture.

5. Expression

Freed from the monotony of daily mother tongue chit-chat, learning a language can offer the opportunity to get creative with your expression. Can’t remember a word? Describe it using other words. Can’t get the words out? Try hand signals. It’s like Charades-or Pictionary without the drawing. Or with the drawing- it really depends on the resources at your disposal. And for more advanced language learners, try experiment with proverbs, slang and funny expressions that don’t exist in your own language. GO WILD.

Some of my favourite sayings are;

• Donner de la confiture aux cochons:

Literal Meaning : to give jam to pigs
Actual meaning: giving something of value to someone who doesn’t appreciate it.

 

• Engueuler  comme du poisson pourri :

Literal meaning : Talking like a rotten fish
Actual meaning : Talking badly usually with curse words.

 

• Meuf

Literal meaning : Slang term for girl like ‘chick’ or ‘bird’
Actual meaning : Pronounced like “muff” which I still believe must be some elaborate prank by the Gods of Language. 

 

• Cabinet d’avocat

Literal Meaning: an avocado practice
Actual meaning:  law practice/firm.

 

• Email renforcé

This usually features on packets of toothpaste. Renforcé means strengthened and the first time that I saw it, I thought that toothpaste had evolved so much that it could also reinforce your online emails. I was bitterly disappointed when I realized that "email" is actually "enamel". A girl can dream...