My dad's side of the family is very proud Norwegians and glad to have that blood (and the Royal blood) go through our systems. So it is no suprise that being surrounded by people who could only speak Norwegian, it caught on to me very easily. My next language was English. I am very proud because there is a special book about our family (that every member fights over) But no one can read it, except me. I suprised my dad when I had translated the complete first page. Now because of my love for Norway and language and my EXTREME love for History my dad now wants me to try translate it, make copies and pass em along the family so everyone knows what it says.
When I was going to Rosedale Elementary school in the second grade were taught how to say basic Spanish phrases and words. I never forgot and when I would communicate with others and even help people with their high school Spanish homework, (with never taking a Spanish class), my dad told me that it would be best for me to start learning as much language I could fit inside my head.
One day in Florida I was sitting in the air port (2005) when I was surrounded by women speaking French. I loved the way it sounded and I told my dad that instant that I was going to learn French. Finally High school came around and when I had signed up for French I was denied by the counselor, so i went straight to the source, The French Teacher, (who I am still friends with today) and she went down to the office and had my schedule re-arranged to allow me into her class. I joined all the French clubs and went to all of the events, including celebrating Mardi-Gras with a party in the school that would keep me out of classes I could not stand.
When I was a Sophomore in High School they taught Spanish, French, and Italian. I wanted to take both my second year of French and my first year of Italian but the school would not allow it. So, I kept up with my french and reminding myself of Norwegian and Spanish words. Walking by saying what an Item was in every language I knew. While in Florida I became friends with a girl who still holds dear to my heart who is deaf, and I had just heard I had lost my hearing in my left ear. So, ASL became my 5th language. Now I have decided to learn Russian and finish my Spanish studies along with learning Italian since I was not allowed to learn it when I had had the chance.
I still drive people crazy when they ask me a question and I will answer in anouther language. But GREAT things have come out of it. I have taught my boyfriend how to say phrases in anything but English, even today my dad can't understand how I am able to learn these languages just by hearing them, not even knowing how to write in Spanish, or Norwegian, But I can translate anything in those languages just by the way I pronounce them....... I want to travel all over the place by the time I die, and hopefully be able to use my language skills.
What's next? I plan to finsih learning my native language and continue to learn Russian. Even when you don't think you can learn something, just know An Old Dog CAN learn new tricks.
Much love,
-Courtnie-
bored
pissed off