1 min readfrom Language Learning

Are the native speakers of the language you’re learning excited when you say you’re learning?

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Are native speakers of the language you’re learning excited when you express your interest? This question resonates deeply, especially for those of us diving into languages like Spanish and Turkish. In my experience living in the U.S., I’ve found that native speakers of both languages are not just encouraging but genuinely enthusiastic. Many have offered to be my language learning partners, and a few have even blossomed into true friendships. Their curiosity about my learning journey—from my motivations to my methods—adds a rich layer to the experience. However, this isn’t universal. Some learners report mixed reactions, like my friend who faced indifference while learning Dutch in the Netherlands or another who encountered discouraging comments while attempting to speak French in France.

I live in the US and am currently learning Spanish and Turkish. With both languages, the native speakers that I’ve encountered have been so encouraging and enthusiastic - several have offered to be my language learning buddy and of those several, a few have become genuinely good friends of mine. Plus, I love how they want to hear all about how you’re learning, from where, why, etc.

I was curious to know if this is just par of the course when it comes to learning a language or if there’s some languages or some places where attempting to speak the language doesn’t really interest the natives. I had a friend tell me that he had a difficult time learning Dutch while in the Netherlands because how many wanted to speak English instead. Another said that they‘ve been discouraged learning French while in France because of mean comments from natives (though it unfortunately may have to do with the fact that my friend is an immigrant, not a tourist, and an Arab one at that).

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#language evolution#philosophy of language#humor in language#creative language use#native speakers#language learning#Spanish#Turkish#encouraging#enthusiastic#language buddy#learning experience#Dutch#mean comments#immigrant#French#speak English#France#Netherlands#cultural exchange