2 min readfrom Language Learning

Does Previous Experience Make it Easier? New language choice

Our take

Navigating the labyrinth of languages can feel like a thrilling adventure, especially when previous experiences shape our paths. For one multilingual explorer, mastering Mandarin has paved the way for a newfound ease in learning Nahuatl. With English as a native foundation and proficiency in Spanish and Portuguese, the transition feels seamless, thanks to a shared Latin alphabet and a willingness to embrace unfamiliar rules. This journey not only honors ancestral roots but also highlights the joy of language learning.

My native language is English, but I grew up with Spanish as a Mexican American. My Spanish is close to C2, Portuguese would be C1, and my Mandarin is close to B2, if not barely there.

I recently started learning Nahuatl. This is after learning Mandarin for 2.5 years (and still learning). I find Nahuatl so much easier - I'm more willing to accept language rules/logic that wouldn't fit into English or make sense right away. I roll with it. I had to do that for Mandarin - because early on I agonized over things not mapping neatly lol. Also, Nahuatl uses the same Latin based alphabet, so there are no characters to learn.

How has it been for you other multilinguals? In any case, I'm happy I chose Nahuatl because most Mexicans can't speak an indigenous language - only about 7%. I feel like this is honoring my roots too. My Guachichil indigenous ancestors used it as a lingua franca, and I also had Tlaxcalan ancestors who used it. I find the process fun, though for now, I'm devoting 20% of my language learning time to it. Mandarin still occupies 80%; I feel advanced enough in Mandarin to handle starting my 5th language slowly.

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Tagged with

#language evolution#philosophy of language#humor in language#creative language use#Nahuatl#Mandarin#Spanish#language learning#C2#C1#B2#indigenous language#Mexican American#language rules#lingua franca#Guachichil#Tlaxcalan#Latin based alphabet#multilinguals#learners