LIECHTENSTEIN

2nd Blog by Julio César Castillo Alvarado - Sunday, 7 January 2024, 4:59 PM German Spotify Playlist
During the my months abroad here in Liechtenstein, adapting to a new language has been a mix of hard work and some nice surprises. Understanding and speaking German, a language different from what I know back in Mexico, has been a bit tough. The words sound unfamiliar, and the grammar is tricky. However, I've found some aspects surprisingly easy, and the strategies I've picked up go beyond just learning words they're skills that will stick with me in the future.

Dealing with a foreign language has its challenges. German is quite different from the lively Spanish I'm used to in Mexico. But it is more difficult when we talk about the dialect that people from Liechtenstein speak. Thats why I decided to enroll myself into the german beginner class, at the uni. Getting the hang of grammar rules, pronunciations, and a whole bunch of new words has been a bit like finding my way through a maze. 
Asking for my favourite food at the uni cafeteria was a challenge the first days, but as the weeks passed, the lady who serves the food realize that my german was not so good, so she started talking with me always in english. Most of the people at the uni speaks english, its quite interesting to talk to others not in my native language, some times i feel the words of others without emotions or feelings, maybe its because my mother language its very emotional an romantic, however, practising my english with not native english speakers, gives me more selfconfidence and more language tools for the future. 
But outside the uni, I always try to practice my german. What's been unexpectedly nice, though, is the support I've found here. People in Liechtenstein are patient and encouraging. Even when I stumble through sentences or mix up words, they're understanding and willing to help. This positive atmosphere has made learning the language more enjoyable and less intimidating.

To bridge communicative gaps, I've learned to embrace humility. It's okay not to be perfect, and mistakes are part of the learning process. This shift in mindset has not only made learning faster but has also changed how I see myself as a communicator.
Another important strategy has been active listening. Understanding goes beyond just knowing the words. By paying attention to how people express themselves and picking up on non-verbal cues, I've learned more about the subtleties of effective communication. At the same time, I really enjoy listening to german songs, going out with my friends and try to sing them in the parties at zurich, improved a lot my pronuciation skills, i have already done my german spotify playlist. 

As I become a better communicator in a foreign language, I see the bigger picture of human connection. Language, even when it's different, brings people together. The challenges I face here will help me better understand and connect with others, no matter where life takes me.

In conclusion, my experience with two foreign language in Liechtenstein has been both challenging and rewarding. From tricky language aspects to the nice surprise of local support, each step is helping me grow as a communicator. The strategies I'm picking up are not just about words; they're building blocks for a deeper understanding of how we connect with each other, a skill that will stay with me for years to come.