By Lian Eytinge
When I was a junior at USC, I spent the entire academic year abroad in Tokyo, Japan. I went because I wanted to learn more about what life is like in a different culture, as well as immerse myself in a language other than my own. While abroad, I realized three major ideas that helped me navigate my time in Japan, thus enriching my experiences. Now that I’m back in my home country, I’d like to pass these ideas on to any international student who is studying here at USC and struggling with the language.
1. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! I know it can be scary to speak in a different language; you don’t want to mess up or look stupid in front of people. I learned that from speaking with lots of different people in Japanese that it is okay to make mistakes and that native speakers won’t think badly of you for messing up. I know it is hard to believe but if you just push forward and try to communicate your idea, you can learn more and develop your speaking skills better than not speaking up at all. To get in the mindset of speaking freely, I thought to myself: “This is a great chance to get to learn a language through talking to native speakers. I won’t get a chance like this for a long time. I have to seize this opportunity!”
2. Do not be afraid to reach out for help. If the native speaker is talking too fast or you cannot understand the words they are saying, try asking them to repeat themselves slowly or ask them to say it in a different way. Native speakers understand you are learning and will try to accommodate you as best they can! After all, it is harder for you to translate what they say and speak your opinion than it is for them as a fluent speaker to repeat their sentence slower. You might initially think it is rude to ask someone to repeat themselves but, I can assure you, it is not. Asking someone to repeat themselves means that you care about what they have to say and that what they are talking about is important for you to fully understand.
3. Lastly, remember to have fun. People learn faster when they can actively engage in the content. If you are struggling to find situations to practice speaking your language of study, try joining an on-campus club that focuses on your favorite hobby! If you want, bring a friend along with you so that you don’t have to go alone. If you can find a common interest with a native speaker, that relationship might open up even more opportunities in which you can practice the language you are learning.
No matter where you are from, learning from people with differing backgrounds is an important skill that lasts a lifetime. Whether you are from Japan or Switzerland or anywhere else in the world, realize that you have something that no one else has, a viewpoint and upbringing that is no doubt intriguing to others. People will want to learn from you as much as you will learn from them. That personal viewpoint is special and crafted by the various experiences you have had so go out there and try to live life abroad to the fullest!
Featured image by Christine Roy on Unsplash
Lian is a senior year double majoring in international relations and East Asian languages and cultures. Hailing from the Seattle, Washington area, Lian likes to talk about her hometown area and loves discussing the different backgrounds students have. Her favorite conversation groups are ones in which everyone has a chance to speak their opinion and ask each other questions. Her favorite things include food, movies, and exploring LA.