Language Learning in Quarantine
I hope everyone is staying healthy and mentally sane in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has definitely been hard transitioning to living at home and taking classes online. I really struggled finding a topic for this week's language log, as I have been very anxious, and I'm sure you are all feeling that way too. It absolutely insane to see how much the Coronavirus has impacted our lives, from having to leave school suddenly to not even being able to leave the house. Believe it or not, this pandemic has even influenced language learning and use. Less and less people are engaging with the outside world. For instance, I like to practice my Spanish skills with the hispanic employees at a local restaurant in my town. However, with the forced closing of all restuarants, I haven't been doing this. Because of this virus, we are no longer exposed to things like code-switching in our communities, our language classes, and even basic conversations with people, which also influences our own language and the way we speak. This may be seen as a stretch, but no one knows how long this quarantine will last. I believe COVID-19 has already had severe effects in every aspect, including language.
Although not impossible, it will be difficult taking language classes online. The best way to learn a language is through practice. Although for my Spanish class we will still be meeting online for short amounts of time, it is not as effective and organized as having a face-to-face discussion with your professor or peers. In addition, I'm sure many of us have lost the motivation we had at school. I want to dedicate this blog post to ways to not lose the language you've been practicing this semester and ways to maintain a good mindset through this quarantine.
First, try to keep up with all the work you are assigned. Take this tame to focus on reading and writing techniques in your language. You don't want to fall behind AND lose your language skills. Second, keep in contact with your teacher, as they will answer any question you have and maybe even offer to have a conversation with you. Third, take the time to meet with some of your peers and practice by having a simple conversation or going over what was for homework. Other options to prevent losing your language is using resources like Duolingo, which I personally find helpful. Please keep in mind that we will not be returning to school until the end of August, which is plenty of time to forget what you've been learning, so take the time to practice.
If you are struggling with mental health right now, please know that you aren't alone. Some things that will help you include:
Going to bed and waking up at a reasonable time
Make a list of obtainable goals for the day
Try to get outside, like going for a walk or taking a drive if possible
Take time to talk to your friends through resources like FaceTime
Try to find a secure study spot where you can focus
For me personally, this quarantine has allowed me to practice my Polish. Its really been the only language I've been using because I've been surrounded by my parents. Its important to find positive things to focus on in times like these. Stay healthy!
Although not impossible, it will be difficult taking language classes online. The best way to learn a language is through practice. Although for my Spanish class we will still be meeting online for short amounts of time, it is not as effective and organized as having a face-to-face discussion with your professor or peers. In addition, I'm sure many of us have lost the motivation we had at school. I want to dedicate this blog post to ways to not lose the language you've been practicing this semester and ways to maintain a good mindset through this quarantine.
First, try to keep up with all the work you are assigned. Take this tame to focus on reading and writing techniques in your language. You don't want to fall behind AND lose your language skills. Second, keep in contact with your teacher, as they will answer any question you have and maybe even offer to have a conversation with you. Third, take the time to meet with some of your peers and practice by having a simple conversation or going over what was for homework. Other options to prevent losing your language is using resources like Duolingo, which I personally find helpful. Please keep in mind that we will not be returning to school until the end of August, which is plenty of time to forget what you've been learning, so take the time to practice.
If you are struggling with mental health right now, please know that you aren't alone. Some things that will help you include:
Going to bed and waking up at a reasonable time
Make a list of obtainable goals for the day
Try to get outside, like going for a walk or taking a drive if possible
Take time to talk to your friends through resources like FaceTime
Try to find a secure study spot where you can focus
For me personally, this quarantine has allowed me to practice my Polish. Its really been the only language I've been using because I've been surrounded by my parents. Its important to find positive things to focus on in times like these. Stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteDear Kasia,
First of all, I would like to say that I really enjoyed reading your language log, mainly because it was so relatable! I have also been feeling anxious these past few weeks due to the Coronavirus, it seems to be all that anyone is talking about--for good reason of course. But, that said, it can turn a stressful situation into an overly stressful situation, with the news constantly playing on my mom’s iPad, or my dad sending me weekly updates about the virus I have begun to feel overwhelmed. However, it is important to relieve stress in any place that you can, and as you said, schoolwork is a good place to do that. While, it has been a hard transition, working to stay on top of your work is definitely not only beneficial for your grades but also for your mental health as well--it’s one of the few things I feel I still have control over. That said, I have also experienced the influence of the Coronavirus on language. At American, I speak no Spanish, as it is something I only speak when with my extended family, and while I am not fluent it is still nice to be able to incorporate a few phrases here, and there. And that has also helped with all the chaos surrounding our world right now. Language is powerful and it makes me feel united to my family in a way I wasn’t able to really utilize when I was so far from home. While speaking Spanish with my loved ones is not only a great distraction but also a stress reliever from everything I really appreciated the tips you provided in order to maintain and improve one’s mental health! I have practiced a few of your tips, such as getting enough sleep (at a reasonable time), it was something I definitely struggled upon arriving home, I was so used to the horrible sleep schedule I had created in the last few weeks before break, it was hard to adjust back to a regular sleeping schedule, but I am so glad I had, right before classes started. Going outside and taking walks is something I try to do with my mom and sister or with my dad and sister regularly, the fresh air and exercise makes me feel much better, especially because I am normally such an active person. I also have been in communication with my best friend over FaceTime from highschool, who despite is living 30 minutes away from me is in self-quarantine due to exposure from someone who tested positive, and while that has put a damper on my time here at home, the virtual communication has definitely helped. These tips have definitely helped, however, I have not yet been able to practice your other tips, making a list of obtainable goals and trying to find a secure study spot. I am a very disorganized person, so I find it hard to stick to lists that I create, or even finding the time to organize my days, and since I am stuck at home with more time on my hands, I think now is a great time to practice my organization skills. Lastly, finding a secure study spot has been hard since I go between my dad and mom’s houses throughout the week, but that is an obstacle I can easily overcome, through finding two secure spots in each house, that will give me a room where I can put myself in the right headspace to accomplish the work ahead of me and to reduce any distractions. Thanks for the great language log!
Walking has been key for me, too. When Maryland's governor gave a "stay at home order" I despaired, but luckily he made provisions for people to get some exercise outside. My son and husband have been speaking more Spanish at home now, which is good. Considering that a kind of homework for the kid's Spanish class has made them more careful about taking time to use the language at home.
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