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. 

 

The Rain

"The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain," as Eliza Doolittle would tell you in the musical, My Fair Lady. As for me, I become more creative when it rains. My writing flows much better. Someone once told me that I live in the wrong city, and should perhaps move to Seattle. But I don't like rain that lasts for months.

I remember this one year in L.A, it flooded for weeks. I could hear the nonstop gushing of water throughout the day and night. You couldn't step outside without submerging your pants in at least two inches of water, and your socks getting drenched as the water penetrated your shoes. Oh yeah, most of us Angelinos don't own rain shoes. And never mind the high depression, and the psychological impact it had on everyone that year. You see, those of us living in L.A are spoiled with year-round sunshine.

But another way to look at the rain is that it waters, and cleanses everything like no other. The earth needs it, vegetation thrives on it, and buildings, homes, lights, and streets get a deep wash. 

So, don't fret. See if you can get creative when it rains. and remember that "the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain." 😃 

For the love of writing

I've been blogging for a longtime, and I wonder sometimes if anything I write matters to anyone. My posts are a mix of politics, entertainment, encouragement, and information to help people realize that if they're struggling with various issues, they are not alone. There have been times when I just wanted to quit this blog. 

Recently, I ran into an AI artist named Alana Jordan by accident when I was searching for some photos online to go with what I was planning to write. Alana had spread out samples of her work, and offered it free for download. As I went through her illustrations, and music, I realized that she just enjoys her work. 

Sure, she puts herself out there so that someone would hire her, but she is quite generous about giving away free downloads. I'm not a big supporter of AI, because I think a lot of AI work is low in quality, be it writing, music, acting, and etc. Also, there are plenty of people out there who steal the works of creatives and label it as their own with the help of AI. But I thought some of Alana's work was quite good. And if there is no copyright infringement, then what's the harm in a bit of AI done right? 

Anyway, my point here is that she reminded me that creatives do what they do for the love of the arts. They are not looking for approval from the outside. They just like to create good work. Below are a few of my favorite songs that she created. I added the pictures to go with the music.

The show must go on by Alana Jordan 

Image by Mark Fry

Music by Alana Jordan: Goodbye in slow motion

End of story by Alana Jordan 

Note: The videos are actually mp3, but being that I am technologically challenged, this was the best I could do. Blogger sometimes gets complicated when you try to load things. I struggle with it often. You need to have some knowledge of HTML which I do not. So, the easiest way for me to upload the songs was to covert them to mp4 and hold my breath because blogger challenges me every step of the way. So, there you have it...