My Experiences: Reflection of Videos

 For this project, we were to watch two videos and reflect on whether or not we agree or disagree with the speakers! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0yGdNEWdn0&t=4s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_XVt5rdpFY

Reflection:

To really get my thoughts out for this project, I really had to think about things. Both speakers made very valid points, and I was surprised to find that the first video, about learning a language in six months, matched up to some of my previous experiences to a scary degree. I especially appreciated the idea of relevancy that he talks about. Even now, after so long, there are certain ‘beginner” aspects and vocabulary that I struggle with remembering, like things to do with time and small talk. I was always frustrated that more simple things would completely slip my mind but harder topics, like with the Tohoku project last semester came much easier, but it makes sense when I think about my use into every day language and how much more interested I was with the harder work. 

Looking back, I was like that when I was learning other things as well. I still am. I get bored with classes that feel too easy but seem to flourish the more challenging a class seems to be (like struggling with philosophy but having no issues with something like pathophysiology). This also goes along with the second speaker’s emphasis that the learner needs to enjoy what they are doing.

The one question I have about the videos (not necessarily a dispute- just more of something to think about) is the struggles of having a “language parent” when you don’t know any fluent speakers outside of a classroom structure and if there are any polyglot tips similar to the second speaker’s “enjoyment” idea for those who suffer from mood disorders/other neurodivergent behavior that affects an individual’s ability to find enjoyment or drive in aspects of life? Would they need to submit more to the first speaker’s ideas of survival, or would there be alternate ways?