Language Learning
March 2nd, 2007 by Christian and Alysia.The days are ticking down quite rapidly now. We have just a couple weeks remaining until we kick off our Peace Corps adventure with the staging event in Washington DC and then it’s immediately off to our in-country language and culture training. Everything we’ve heard and read about Queretaro, Mexico sounds intriguing. We’re excited about seeing it for ourselves and interacting with the people.
In my feeble attempts to prepare for the language, I’ve begun listening to a Spanish radio station every time I’m in my ‘85 pickup. I wish I could hit a “slow down” button so I could understand more words, but as it is, I’m able to grasp a little here and there. Hopefully it will sink in more and more.
Alysia’s a little more realistic about what it’s going to take to learn the language. She’s taped note cards with the appropriate Spanish name on many of our every-day household items.
March 2nd, 2007 at 5:38 pm
You’ll do great with Spanish, just be patient. Work and have fun with the Latino people and it will come. I spent a couple years in Central America. In the beginning I was terrified of my lack of ability in Spanish. But studying, reading aloud and mostly talking to the people worked wonders.
My wife and I were nominated in May of ‘06 to leave around May/June of ‘07 to serve in Asia. Getting medically cleared has taken a little longer than we expected, but it should be finished any day now. How long did it last after you and your spouse were cleared until you received your invitation?
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Hey, thanks for the encouraging words. It’s always good to hear the voices of experience.
My wife and I thought we’d be going to asia as well, but near the last minute, we switched over to Mexico. We do hope to go to asia some time in the future though.
If I remember correctly, our invitation came very soon after our clearances. We’ve been impressed with how smoothly it all came together and I feel like Peace Corps did a good job keeping us informed along the way.
March 10th, 2007 at 11:24 am
i tunes has a few podcast for people learning Spanish