English

 

I went to see a new play, titled English, at the Wallis in Beverly Hills. The story takes place in a classroom setting with a couple of Iranian students, and a Persian teacher. The students are taking the class because they have to pass the TOEFL—a global exam that measures the students' English skills before they can go and study abroad. 

 

As I sat sat in my seat, I was expecting a large Iranian crowd. But no. Most of the audience were Americans. Perhaps it was unique to the day and time I attended. Nevertheless, that was a big surprise. Now, on to the play... The story explores the struggles foreigners face when learning a new language, and having to uproot their life to another country. Some people look forward to it. And I can relate to that.

 

When I first came to the U.S, I was really excited. I didn't have to take the TOEFL. At age 12, I hardly spoke English. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The first year, I cried a lot because I didn't understand what the teachers were talking about. The math class was super easy since it's a universal language, and the level of seventh grade math in the U.S was something I had already learned at age seven in Iran. But science and history were tough because they required an understanding of the language. Learning English eventually got easier, but fitting into a completely different culture was tough. It changed me from being a funny, confident person to being shy, and awkward. And it wasn't until my college years when I was able to blend in. 

 

And that's what this play was about. The teacher who used to live abroad, felt more at home in Iran. Other students couldn't wait until they could leave, and study outside the country. Another student with an Iranian heritage, who was born in the U.S, had also decided to come back because he couldn't fit in the American culture.

 

Overall, the play was enjoyable. It took me back in time to my own struggles. The only problem I had with the play was the ending. The ending was in Farsi which I understood, but the majority of the audience didn't speak Farsi. I thought that they should have had subtitles for the American audience. Perhaps the writer, Sanaz Toossi, or the director, Knud Adams, thought that people can figure out the just of it. Also, this play was advertised as a comedy. But instead, it was a dramedy. The first half was funny, and the second half got more serious, and emotional. 

 

Learning Another Language

You use both sides of your brain to learn a language. I find that knowing another language makes you a better writer. When you're first starting, you're struggling, and translating from your mother tongue to a new language, but as you get better, you will begin to think, and put sentences together, not in your mother's tongue, but rather in the new language.

So, why is this important? Because you're using your brain in a brand-new way. You're learning how people from a different culture think, and view the world. This makes writers multidimensional. 

For example, when I first moved to the U.S, I used to think in Farsi, and translate my thoughts to English. But after awhile, I began to think in English, and have a better understanding of the English speaking world. And the same thing with French. I no longer translate in my head from English to French. I simply think in French. 

I was on a tour once, when I was carrying a conversation with people from three different cultures, switching back and forth in my thoughts. These types of experiences allow my writing, and voice as a writer to be more unique. I am now able to put together my sentences, and use expressions that are different.

As you immerse yourself in various cultures, you add a new layer, a new depth in comprehending the world around you. People who only speak their mother tongue should experience this on their own to understand what I'm talking about. Once you do this, you'll find a new door to a new way of thinking. And if you took a language class in high school, that's even better because you have a base from where you can start.

Image by Rachael Presky

I used to speak French long ago as a student living abroad, but my French is super rusty because I have no one to practice it with. So this year, I set some new goals, and one of them was to practice French.

I watch French movies, once with subtitles on, and repeatedly with subtitles off. I also listen to French Radio stations, and read French books when my time allows. My dad, who spoke five languages, taught me that these are some of the best methods to immerse yourself in another language. 

I don't speak like a native in English, Farsi, or French. I know this is unusual, but I have come to terms with the fact that I will never be able to speak like a native in any language, including my mother tongue. But I have no problem communicating with people, and that's what matters.