Thursday, June 18, 2009

Learning Tongues: Spanish, German and Chinese

Spanish phrase: using the words me (may) = "me, myself" and gustar (goo-star) = "to like".

Me gusta aprender idiomas diferentes. "I like to learn different languages." This phrase can be used with food or a multitude of other preferences.

Since March of this year (2009), I have been studying Spanish vehemently, grappling it around the neck and trying to pin it to the ground in victory.

I thank God for this answer to my prayers, and I now speak it often on the streets when witnessing to Latin Americans. They are usually surprised and happy to talk.

The other languages I've begun looking into more are Mandarin Chinese and German. Both are difficult to begin, but now that I have gained a grip on Spanish, neither seem nearly as intimidating. In fact, I am already eager to step out on the mat and start struggling again.

This tuesday I offered a Chinese gospel tract to the manager at a Chinese restaurant, saying, "Nee-how-ma?" (How are you?). Then I told him the tract was "Howshee-owshee" (Good news). Seems it's time I learn more Chinese.

As for German, my grandmother speaks Pennsylvania German (popularly known as "Pennsylvania Dutch"), and I am learning the proper Germany German. It may be of help to me in order to communicate much better with the "Dutchy" (German speaking) people here in Lancaster. We shall see.

Auf wiedersehen (Owf-vee-da-zayn) = Good bye.