If I could put the feeling of learning a new language into one word, it would be: overwhelming.
As we have settled in Italy these past few years, I have been submerged in Italian culture and surrounded by the language wherever I go.
At first, you have no idea what’s going on around you. Sure, you recognize a few words that sound like English words, then only to find out that about half of those words have nothing to do with the English meaning.
Like a deer in headlights.
Overwhelmed
Then, you begin to learn some words. Some basic vocabulary. You know some numbers. A few phrases that are routinely used. Now, instead of a deer in the headlights, you see the headlights and run!
After listening, speaking and learning more words and phrases, you can gather some meaning and converse a little. However, I have found that this usually leads to more confusion than before. You see, now you think you know what’s going on and that’s when your mistakes begin to stack up. (We’ll skip the deer reference from here on out, okay?).
Still, Overwhelmed
Eventually, you know enough to do basic things. Answer some basic questions. Perhaps talk about the weather, how someones day is, or how they are feeling. It’s easy to relax and maybe skimp by. You speak enough to get by, but you are far from fluent. At this point, you must press yourself to expand your vocabulary. Expand your understanding. Be capable of constructing your thoughts, ideas, whit and humor into something that is understandable to the listener. Learning a new language is a very long road.
If you judge the journey by its whole, you will find yourself … overwhelmed.
Step by Step
You must take the journey one step at a time. Stay focused on what’s right in front of you. Always press yourself to learn more.
This goes for learning any language. Not just Italian.
Studying WordPress, CSS, PHP and other dialects, the process is the same.
No matter where you are at in your journey, don’t be discouraged. It’s a well traveled road. Practice the language as much as you can. You’ll learn the most from your mistakes. Take one step at a time and never … NEVER … stop learning.
Code is poetry.
Dre Barnes says
Very True…
Eric Dye says
🙂
Binary Guerrilla says
Totally awesome post, Eric! Another facet we often overlook is criticizing a language because we perceive it to be hard or it’s new/foreign to us. For example, you obviously didn’t go into Italy and start criticizing their language; instead, you strove to learn it and educate yourself. Highly commendable of you. The same should go for learning programming languages. I used to do this and over the years I’ve disciplined myself NOT to do it, to keep an open mind and embrace new languages. That has led to positive changes in other areas of my life (both personal and professional) where I was highly critical of things.
Eric Dye says
Great insight and application. I’ve seen a lot of code guys criticizing other languages, while the REAL code pros simply have their preferences and do an awesome job all around. Good stuff. Thanks for commenting!