One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with a foreign language is the fear of making mistakes. At times, it feels like being in a linguistic labyrinth where each sentence is a potential wrong turn. The fear of being misunderstood or sounding awkward can be paralyzing. However, I've come to realize that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, I now view them as way to improvement.
Vocabulary has often been another limitation. There are times when I struggle to find the right words to express myself, leading to frustrating moments of communication breakdown. It's like trying to build a bridge without the necessary bricks. To address this, I've started keeping a note with vocabulary on my phone. Whenever I come across a new word or phrase, I write it down along with its meaning. This simple practice has helped me expand my linguistic toolkit and given me the confidence to use new words in conversation.
Surprisingly, I've found that listening plays a crucial role in language growth. Initially, understanding native speakers seemed like an impossible task. However, by exposing myself to German conversations – whether through podcasts, movies, or chatting with locals – I've noticed a significant improvement in my ability to understand. It turns out that the more I listen, the more familiar the language becomes.
In the realm of strategies, one effective approach has been to embrace every opportunity to practice. Whether ordering food at a local restaurant or engaging in small talk with classmates, I make a conscious effort to use the language. This not only enhances my communication skills but also builds my confidence as a speaker. Language, after all, is a tool meant to be used, not left away in the depths of a textbook.
Apart from German, I thought English, the primary language of study, will not cause me any hassle, however the reality was not as I expected. Although I've been exposed to English in various forms, academic English presented its own set of challenges. The difficulties of academic writing, formal presentations, and technical vocabulary were initially intimidating. However, through dedicated study sessions, seeking feedback from professors, and utilizing online resources, I've gradually become more comfortable with the academic level of the English language.
However, during the semester my native language, Czech, has been a source of comfort and occasional confusion. Sometimes, I find myself unintentionally using Czech expressions in English conversations, creating moments of amusement for my peers. Keeping the right balance between these languages has been a continuous learning process.
Thinking of the future, I find these gained language skills becoming a valuable know-how for my personal and professional life. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, multilingualism is not just a skill but a nowadays must-have.
In the end, my time at the University of Liechtenstein has been a big learning experience. From struggling with fast German to surprising myself with how much I learned, every step helped me grow. Embracing the challenges of speaking different languages has made my university experience richer and helped me with my personal growth.