Hello Steemers,
Have you heard of the saying, speaking two languages is having two brains?
Well, I want to add a layer of complexity to this saying by pointing out that two brains may also mean two personas. Now, allow me to briefly introduce myself, "...My Name is HOV, From the H to the O..." I go by Sef and I was born and raised in the city of Casablanca in Morocco, by the nature of my upbringing I learned French and classical Arabic starting in Kindergarten, I moved to the US at the age of 16 where I was inevitably exposed to the English language and studied Design and Art history through my college years.
I speak English most of the time and naturally Moroccan to close friends and family, I speak French when dealing with French clients and some friends. I also picked up Spanish, working in bars and restaurant while pursuing my education. It is easy to say that I at least have 3 brains and a 4th in development.
What allowed me to learn these languages was not school...
Now, what was innovative in my approach to absorb languages was an active immersion in a culture that supports the language and practice with native speakers as often as possible; even if I embarrassed myself.
Believe it or not, there are CONS and of course PROS to speaking different languages. What i found to be a CON was the difficulty in processing improvised dialogue. In other words, I can get brain lags while in a conversation with someone where your other languages/personalities are getting signals. What helped me through my journey as an Entrepreneur and as professional overall was, when I knew i'll be speaking French, Arabic or English I would start consuming all daily content in that languages. For example, if I had a meeting with a French audience; I would totally focus on French as a funnel for information... For example
NOW THE TIPS!
1- Switch your phone to the desired language
2- Watch Movies and shows in French voice and subtitled in French simultaneously
3- All Podcasts and Music in the desired language
4- Go to a Bar or club where French groups hang out the most (If you live in large cities like NYC)
5- Think and Talk to yourself in that desired language.
I'd love to know other Steemers thoughts on this and if you have additional Tips!
Haha, I love what you wrote about knowing two languages was like having two brains. That's so true - and in my case, those brains confuse each other.
When we lived in France, I went to courses where the teacher was from Australia. She taught in French, but in the breaks, she spoke English with me.
I just couldn't go from listening and speaking in French to English, so she snapped her fingers and said, "Switch!".
That worked.
I have to do the same here. I know a little Hebrew, so I often have to switch to either French (which is hard now) or English. I always say "switch" to myself to make it work.
Your "Switch" is very interesting, I use it as well and indeed it does work. It is basically a command that you give to yourself and the brain must get it done. Psychology definitely plays a big part in finding that intellectual balance. I also agree with the confusion between the "brains", in my case... I love poetry and Rap as a whole, I can write but in order for me to freestyle; it is almost impossible. But judging by the nature of my personality, I love proving myself wrong.
Go for it, then, @oblivist. I'm new to Steemit, but it's my impression that you can post both poems and fiction, even music.
There is nothing I can add to your tips. Generally to have more than one languages on hand is a great advantage, not only is it very usful in daily life it also improves your memory capability and might even protect you against Alzheimers. Enjoy you different personalities.
The medical advantage definitely caught me by surprise when I read it. As for memory capability, that is the major advantage indeed.