Building Bridges Through Language
Your Stories Matter
This month, I want to talk about how learning languages helps us connect with people, especially when we live in a new country. I’m also interested in the choices we make about which languages to learn, and why.
Some people move to a new place and work hard to learn the local language. Others use English to get by because it’s the easiest way to talk to other people. Some people learn new languages out of necessity, while others do it for love or friendship. Sometimes, we even feel bad for not trying hard enough to learn a language.
I keep asking myself: Why do we pick up certain languages when we’re abroad? How does this affect the people we meet, the friends we make, and how we see ourselves?
Different Ways to Learn
People have different ways of learning a new language. Here are some ways I’ve seen:
Some dive right in with classes, tutors, apps, or reading children’s books. This helps you connect with the local community, use local services, and understand culture better. But it takes a lot of energy.
Some focus on meeting other English speakers, learning practical usage around what is required, but potentially miss out on some local experiences.
Some learn a language through daily life. Perhaps their partner translates for them, or their children’s schools require them to practice.
Some choose carefully which languages to spend time on. You might want to speak your partner’s family’s language, or keep using your family’s language at home with your children.
What’s your story with the local language where you live? How did you decide what to learn, and do you feel differently about your choice now?
Feeling Bad and Finding Kindness
Many people feel bad about not learning fast enough or about making mistakes. Some people feel bad about staying in groups with others who speak the same language or about not being able to express themselves well.
But there can also be moments of kindness when you realise your language journey is your own, and nobody else should judge it. Maybe you make space for different languages in your life. Perhaps you find friends who accept your language level. Maybe you acknowledge that your energy is limited and make the choices that work best for you.
Have you learned something surprising about what helps people connect through languages? How have your language choices affected how you feel about where you live? What would you tell someone who feels bad or stuck about language learning?
Your Turn to Share
I’d love to hear your story about language and moving to a new country. Whether you’re fluent, still learning, or have decided not to learn, your experience is important. There’s no single right way to do this.
If you need a place to start, think about these questions:
What language choices have shaped your life abroad?
What friendships or networks have you made or missed because of language?
Has language ever helped you make an unexpected friend, or put up a barrier?
How do you handle feeling bad or pressured about learning?
What advice would you give to someone else in your shoes?
Share as much or as little as you like. The most helpful thing is realising we all approach this differently, and our choices aren’t just right or wrong.
What’s your language story?
I’ve learned that building bridges with language isn’t just about learning words or grammar. It’s about the choices we make, the people we meet, and the friends we find, often when we least expect it.
Next week, you’ll meet Akiko, who used her journey with language to build a special community that brings people together!