I was thinking of my friends who are into building cars and computers ( the two have a lot in common although you get dirty building cars so that is obviously cooler, but coolness is not what I am writing about–you all know I am no expert there). This reminded me of the many conversations I half comprehended hanging out in the garage with my gear-head friends talking about how if you change the exhaust any more, you should really change the transmission, or if you give it anymore torque you will have to start reinforcing the suspension, etc. (you don’t have to really get it or be interested the point of hanging out in the garage is more that no one’s wife is there, and there is a fridge full of beer). I have had similar experiences with people advising me on customizing my computer.
It got me thinking about language. I notice to get the most out of any skill, it helps that the others are at least close in level. For example, hhen I learn a lot of written vocabulary, but don’t practice using it in a sentence I out loud, I am not getting the most out of this new knowledge and I am more likely to forget it once I move on another set of vocabulary terms. Obviously time doesn’t always allow, but rather than concentrating on just one skill, I found that using the script I can go through individual sentences practice using terms I still don’t understand in both writing and then trying to use the sentences I wrote aloud and elaborate on them having a sort of dialogue with myself, then go back to the scene and bring it all together reading it aloud until it becomes fluid. Of course this makes my neighbors think I am crazy sitting on my porch going on to myself in Chinese, but that’s a small price to pay.
Going to China or Taiwan to study during summer is a start. Creating more opportunities to use it is second, and also we will see you present next week, then BUCKLE UP and put all the words into the sentence to use it. Remind yourself always create opportunities for yourself to speak Chinese, discuss in Chinese, use your environment and don’t give in in the context of language and power. Stick to what you hope to gain and get the most out of it. It’s a competing environement, and a lot of time it all depends on our persistence and will NOT TO GIVE UP! Jiayou!!!