Beautiful journey that intertwines your travels and residences with languages. They do open up new worlds, cultures and literature, don't they?
Also, I really like this phrase: "Everywhere I go now, I have an accent." It's such a true by-product of learning multiple languages, it all gets mixed together sometimes in the head.
What a wonderful life. Accents function very similarly in New England as they do in England, which I guess is not very surprising. Very much a mark of social class. This piece put me in mind of a gorgeous song called Big Yellow Moon, by Kaiti Jones, in which she sings, "Everywhere I go, I from somewhere else. Can't you tell by the way I bend my mouth?" She's from my hometown, so the back cove she remembers is the one I remember, too. But I think it's a song that would speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider, or felt like the place they most belonged was far away. Thanks for lovely read.
Thank you so much, Tara, for reading and commenting. That's a cool song! Yes, I've always felt like an outsider. I've finally found a home on this Island of Misfit Toys where many of us feel that way and can be outsiders together!
I envy this richness in languages. My mother speaks 4 languages, and I always wish learning had been an easier priority for me to attain. But I do like that it's standard to learn several languages in many European countries. Our brains can do this! I'd love to see the U.S. education system take multilingualism seriously.
Our brains can, and there’s a case to be made that they should! Over half the world’s population speaks two or more languages on a daily basis. Studies in Canada and elsewhere have shown that bilingualism reduces the rate of dementia.
Wonderful morning reading before starting the day - it's like I'm across the counter or at the table with you having a conversation. I appreciate your photography along with the writing - it transports : ) Now I have more of John Lovie's personal and linguistic history!
Loved reading this, John! I relate to the whole language deal. And how fascinating learning of your travels to Barcelona and Costa Rica in particular, as those are the places I'm from!
And woah Latin. It reminded me of those 2 years in highschool when we had to choose an "optional" topic but mandatory course in the last 2 years previous to uni. There were all sorts of courses to give you a glimpse and preparation towards any career you'd choose in uni. I didn't think it twice when I saw Latin! I went for it and 2 years later, I graduated from highschool with a Latin emphasis title. I was convinced it might be useful in medical school. It was so fascinating, makes me want to get a refresher.
And I hear you about the Catalan. It was a mix of surprise and heartbreak for me when I learned all that side of their history, especially when it came to hearing all the anecdotes lived by my family there.
It's been lovely to learn all this about your journey! Thanks for sharing. 😊
I love Costa Rica. I've been a few times, twice to hit the highlights - Poás, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and once just to chill at Playa Sámara. That last trip was my favorite. Blue Zones life!
So happy to hear! Costa Rica's nature is beautiful, no doubt. My Gaelic is not really happening so much except for a few words here and there! Actually tough. Haven't enrolled in lessons or anything though haha. 😊
This is the week’s best essay John, so profound and inspiring. Your love for languages is apparent. Also the grainy sepia tainted pictures make me feel nostalgic. What delights me is that how navigating so many different accents and dialects in English has brought you closer to your global identity.
In my early 20s, just out of college, I was much conscious of my accent while talking to native speaking corporate clients. Although I have always been fluent in both verbal and written English, I still couldn’t help but feel a tinge of self scrutiny creep up from time to time when I converse with a native speaker. Now after all these years I have learned to see that as a part of my global identity too.
Maybe languages are what we make of them, like recipes, languages too can’t remain untouched by those who create with it. Thank you John for this beautiful ode. 💜
I had to look up a couple of these. I note that while English, Hindi, Bengali, and Oriya are all indo-europoean languages (like all of mine), Kannada is a Dravidian language. Did you find that one any harder?
Oh yes Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam are all Sanskritic Dravidian languages. They are immensely harder than the old Devanagri and Pali from which Hindi has originated. I had learned basic Kannada because I lived in Bengaluru for almost a decade but I still couldn’t learn enough to scratch the surface. Tamil arguably is the hardest language of the subcontinent.
Having never taken (or received) an opportunity to live abroad, I'm stuck now with only the remnants of many years of French study. I can neither read nor speak it with confidence. A shame, as I was something of a natural at it once. Sometimes I hope my children will settle down with bilingual people, so that they and any children they may have will learn in the context of living. You have the gift of both aptitude and good fortunate. Thanks for an interesting essay.
A lovely essay and insight, John. I learned a few years of French in High School but was blocked in my final year because only 4 students wanted to study it and they wouldn’t fund a teacher for that. I’ve visited France three times, in each case I was the designated speaker. Its salutary to go to France and realise people assume you’re a bit stupid because you are clumsy with language. It gave me a new appreciation of how hard it is to be a migrant or refugee, and how tiring it is to function in your second language (at first, I’ve not yet reached second). A few years ago I began slowly reading and translating novels I can’t get in English. And started revising my vocabulary with Memrise app. Its slow going still, but gives me such joy. I think and express myself a little differently in French, a more indirect language. Conveying a beautiful French sentence in English can be tricky. There us such joy in this for me.
On dialect, I’m an Aussie girl who did an exchange year in rural midwest USA, and has since spent months at a time in Suffolk in the UK. People in the US first couldn’t understand me, then thought I spoke excellent English. Moving amongst the different social classes of my friends in England, I noted that it easier to move to Suffolk and partially integrate from Australia than from London, in large part because they can’t immediately stereotype me by my accent. They guessed I was an Aussie (or a Kiwi or maybe a South African) but other than that they didn’t have a mental pigeonhole beyond: accent can strip paint, friendly, travels
I know that languages other than English are in decline since my days in the early 80s. I know people whose children swapped to an International Baccalaureate to have more language options (among other things). In the state of Victoria universities view a second language positively, and applicants get bonus points on their ATAR score. In my day it was a prerequisite for entry into a BA, and I got in via ‘special consideration’ for my not very academic state high school. I found this info map on wiki:
What a wonderful post, John! You've had an amazing life so far, and I love the use of languages as your filter, so to speak. The pictures are wonderful too. I too love Spanish, and read Cien Anos de Soledad leaning on poles riding busses in Mexico City when I was a teenager. Back in the US, walking around campus thinking in Spanish was a way to escape the inanity and sometimes horror of America. I loved French too. If I had another life to live - and perhaps I will - I'd devote myself to learning and speaking and reading as many languages as possible. I like your title too. And the sub-title.
Beautiful journey that intertwines your travels and residences with languages. They do open up new worlds, cultures and literature, don't they?
Also, I really like this phrase: "Everywhere I go now, I have an accent." It's such a true by-product of learning multiple languages, it all gets mixed together sometimes in the head.
Thank you, Monica, yes they do. This was a fun post to write. Perhaps some others will add their stories.
How about a voiceover on your next post?
Hmm I’ll think about it, I need a bit more courage for that step. :)
What a wonderful life. Accents function very similarly in New England as they do in England, which I guess is not very surprising. Very much a mark of social class. This piece put me in mind of a gorgeous song called Big Yellow Moon, by Kaiti Jones, in which she sings, "Everywhere I go, I from somewhere else. Can't you tell by the way I bend my mouth?" She's from my hometown, so the back cove she remembers is the one I remember, too. But I think it's a song that would speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider, or felt like the place they most belonged was far away. Thanks for lovely read.
Thank you so much, Tara, for reading and commenting. That's a cool song! Yes, I've always felt like an outsider. I've finally found a home on this Island of Misfit Toys where many of us feel that way and can be outsiders together!
I envy this richness in languages. My mother speaks 4 languages, and I always wish learning had been an easier priority for me to attain. But I do like that it's standard to learn several languages in many European countries. Our brains can do this! I'd love to see the U.S. education system take multilingualism seriously.
Our brains can, and there’s a case to be made that they should! Over half the world’s population speaks two or more languages on a daily basis. Studies in Canada and elsewhere have shown that bilingualism reduces the rate of dementia.
Hola , Me Encanta Que Te Guste Los Libros De Carlos Ruiz Zafon , Por Desgracia Lo Perdimos Demasiado Pronto. Un Saludo.
Graçias, amigo
Wonderful morning reading before starting the day - it's like I'm across the counter or at the table with you having a conversation. I appreciate your photography along with the writing - it transports : ) Now I have more of John Lovie's personal and linguistic history!
Thank you, Becky.
Loved reading this, John! I relate to the whole language deal. And how fascinating learning of your travels to Barcelona and Costa Rica in particular, as those are the places I'm from!
And woah Latin. It reminded me of those 2 years in highschool when we had to choose an "optional" topic but mandatory course in the last 2 years previous to uni. There were all sorts of courses to give you a glimpse and preparation towards any career you'd choose in uni. I didn't think it twice when I saw Latin! I went for it and 2 years later, I graduated from highschool with a Latin emphasis title. I was convinced it might be useful in medical school. It was so fascinating, makes me want to get a refresher.
And I hear you about the Catalan. It was a mix of surprise and heartbreak for me when I learned all that side of their history, especially when it came to hearing all the anecdotes lived by my family there.
It's been lovely to learn all this about your journey! Thanks for sharing. 😊
Thank you so much for reading, Mariana!
I love Costa Rica. I've been a few times, twice to hit the highlights - Poás, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and once just to chill at Playa Sámara. That last trip was my favorite. Blue Zones life!
How's your Gaelic?
So happy to hear! Costa Rica's nature is beautiful, no doubt. My Gaelic is not really happening so much except for a few words here and there! Actually tough. Haven't enrolled in lessons or anything though haha. 😊
This is such an inspiring essay! I'd love to write my own version now!
Oh, yes, please do! I'd love to read it.
Prachtig essay! Dankjewel John. Je inspireert me elke keer weer. Ik ben op het moment even wat minder op Substack maar ik kom terug.
Thanks for the tour, John. I enjoyed getting to know you through your linguistic journey. Jeffrey Streeter brought me here.
Thank you, Lani, and Jeffrey too.
Gabriel García Márquez. 😉
And please, never forget the difference between años and anos.
Buenas noches a tod@s!
¡Graçias! A combination of an American keyboard and autocorrect. I went back in and fixed both those errors. Also, Zafón!
This is the week’s best essay John, so profound and inspiring. Your love for languages is apparent. Also the grainy sepia tainted pictures make me feel nostalgic. What delights me is that how navigating so many different accents and dialects in English has brought you closer to your global identity.
In my early 20s, just out of college, I was much conscious of my accent while talking to native speaking corporate clients. Although I have always been fluent in both verbal and written English, I still couldn’t help but feel a tinge of self scrutiny creep up from time to time when I converse with a native speaker. Now after all these years I have learned to see that as a part of my global identity too.
Maybe languages are what we make of them, like recipes, languages too can’t remain untouched by those who create with it. Thank you John for this beautiful ode. 💜
Swarna, thank you so much!
What you write is so true. All who create with language are helping to shape it. Language is culture's library.
I imagine you speak Hindi as well as English, and perhaps a third, or more?
‘Cultural library’ how accurate!
Yes I am fluent in Hindi, Bengali and English and also manage to roll out basic Oriya and Kannada
I had to look up a couple of these. I note that while English, Hindi, Bengali, and Oriya are all indo-europoean languages (like all of mine), Kannada is a Dravidian language. Did you find that one any harder?
Oh yes Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam are all Sanskritic Dravidian languages. They are immensely harder than the old Devanagri and Pali from which Hindi has originated. I had learned basic Kannada because I lived in Bengaluru for almost a decade but I still couldn’t learn enough to scratch the surface. Tamil arguably is the hardest language of the subcontinent.
It’s on my language bucket list to learn a non-Indo-European language. I just need to pick one!
Having never taken (or received) an opportunity to live abroad, I'm stuck now with only the remnants of many years of French study. I can neither read nor speak it with confidence. A shame, as I was something of a natural at it once. Sometimes I hope my children will settle down with bilingual people, so that they and any children they may have will learn in the context of living. You have the gift of both aptitude and good fortunate. Thanks for an interesting essay.
Quite impressive. Thanks for sharing!
A lovely essay and insight, John. I learned a few years of French in High School but was blocked in my final year because only 4 students wanted to study it and they wouldn’t fund a teacher for that. I’ve visited France three times, in each case I was the designated speaker. Its salutary to go to France and realise people assume you’re a bit stupid because you are clumsy with language. It gave me a new appreciation of how hard it is to be a migrant or refugee, and how tiring it is to function in your second language (at first, I’ve not yet reached second). A few years ago I began slowly reading and translating novels I can’t get in English. And started revising my vocabulary with Memrise app. Its slow going still, but gives me such joy. I think and express myself a little differently in French, a more indirect language. Conveying a beautiful French sentence in English can be tricky. There us such joy in this for me.
On dialect, I’m an Aussie girl who did an exchange year in rural midwest USA, and has since spent months at a time in Suffolk in the UK. People in the US first couldn’t understand me, then thought I spoke excellent English. Moving amongst the different social classes of my friends in England, I noted that it easier to move to Suffolk and partially integrate from Australia than from London, in large part because they can’t immediately stereotype me by my accent. They guessed I was an Aussie (or a Kiwi or maybe a South African) but other than that they didn’t have a mental pigeonhole beyond: accent can strip paint, friendly, travels
long distances with ease, works hard.
Thank you so much, Michelle. Kudos on the French. Which second languages are taught in Australia these days?
We're traveling to New Zealand in December (Brenda's in Ironman 70.3 worlds). I think l can differentiate between Aussie, Kimi, and South African.
When I was still in England, South Kensington was known as Kangaroo Valley, so many Aussies!
If you have time to pop over to Melbourne (its only about 4hr flight from either isle of NZ).
I know that languages other than English are in decline since my days in the early 80s. I know people whose children swapped to an International Baccalaureate to have more language options (among other things). In the state of Victoria universities view a second language positively, and applicants get bonus points on their ATAR score. In my day it was a prerequisite for entry into a BA, and I got in via ‘special consideration’ for my not very academic state high school. I found this info map on wiki:
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Top_3_languages_taught_in_Australia_schools_by_state_or_territory.png
Thanks, that's fascinating. The Asian languages make sense.
What a wonderful post, John! You've had an amazing life so far, and I love the use of languages as your filter, so to speak. The pictures are wonderful too. I too love Spanish, and read Cien Anos de Soledad leaning on poles riding busses in Mexico City when I was a teenager. Back in the US, walking around campus thinking in Spanish was a way to escape the inanity and sometimes horror of America. I loved French too. If I had another life to live - and perhaps I will - I'd devote myself to learning and speaking and reading as many languages as possible. I like your title too. And the sub-title.
Thank you, Kirie, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I'm with you on another life of languages! I still want to try to learn a non-Indo-European language, although I'm not sure about other scripts.
From what you've shared, I'll bet you could figure out those scripts.
Reading, maybe, but you haven't seen my handwriting!
john, a very nice read. I find myself often stuck between italian and english but good wine loosens the tongue. be well. andrew.
Thank you, Andrew.🍷