Studying again!

Hello Everyone,

I would like to share my experience at the Norwegian university OsloMet (Oslo Metropolitan University):

This year, I embarked on a one-year program in Interpretation from Norwegian to Italian and vice versa. To elevate and improve my Norwegian proficiency, I believed that pursuing this course would be the most effective approach, as it involves a higher level of language study. Additionally, I recognized the need to advance beyond my current intermediate level in everyday Norwegian.

The program is part-time, allowing me to balance it with my job. We meet at the university once a month for weekend classes and group exercises. We also have weekly chats and a year to develop into proficient interpreters at category 3, which is the intermediate level. This qualification will enable us to work freelance for clients in specific sectors, such as the healthcare and legal systems.

Before starting the program, we were required to take an exam to assess our proficiency in both languages and our interpretation skills. I passed the exam with a category 5 rating, and now I am striving for category 3!

Throughout the course, I have encountered numerous specific words and techniques for becoming a good interpreter. My main concern is whether I will remember everything or most of it. I am determined to do my best, despite the challenge of studying a course in my fifth language.

Sometimes I feel exhausted because Norwegian is neither Spanish nor English, which I am more proficient in. However, I am committed to doing my best because I enjoy studying and learning new words. It is stimulating and trains my brain to work more efficiently and smartly.

I need to find strategies to memorize everything and use the techniques during interpretation exercises to enhance my skills. Interestingly, our interpretation exercises are recorded, allowing us to review and analyze our performance. This helps us identify areas for improvement and ensure we are professional in our work. In my first video, I noticed some mistakes, but it was a valuable learning experience that I can build on.

One aspect I did not particularly enjoy was the competitive nature of one of our chat classes. The teacher asked questions, and everyone typed answers as if it were a race to get the “correct answer” first. This stressed me out initially because it should have been a discussion, not a competition. However, subsequent chats were better, likely because they were managed by another teacher.

An interesting chat class is with our Italian tutor. We are just four people, and we discuss terminology lists in different contexts. We share our experiences and knowledge, making it a pleasant learning experience. My colleagues are wonderful people, and it is always fantastic to meet new people with diverse backgrounds. For instance, one of my colleagues is a Norwegian who lived in Florence for three years and studied languages and literature. He speaks excellent Italian with a charming Tuscan accent. Another colleague is an Italian interpreter who has been in the profession for ten years. She provides valuable insights into professional conduct and appropriate terminology. Lastly, we have an Italian policeman who needs to interpret Italian in his job, making this course beneficial for his professional role.

I feel fortunate and enthusiastic about this profession because I love learning from people with different backgrounds and experiences as well as from books. My curiosity drives me to dig deeper and learn more.

Let’s embark on this journey together!

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What is difficult?

Hello Everyone,

For those of you who have been following my blog since the beginning, you already know that I constantly question myself about the things I do. Learning a language is not an easy task; it requires dedication and cannot be approached with half-heartedness. In previous articles, I have shared simple tricks that I have used over the years to study different languages.

In today’s article, I want to share with you the challenging aspects of each language I have learned.

Aside from Italian, I will start with English. English was the first language I began to learn, and let me tell you, even after many years, I still have a lot to learn, especially regarding the appropriate context for different words. I remind myself that this is normal, particularly because Norway, where I live, is not an English-speaking country. Additionally, I do not use all the contexts, and I do not speak English as often as I should, although thankfully, we can always watch movies in their original versions.

So, what can I do to improve? I am currently reading an English book, which I believe is a good exercise to refresh my memory and learn new words. Given that we are in the Academy Awards season, I am watching all the nominated movies in their original versions, which are far superior to dubbed ones.

When I started university, I began learning Spanish and Portuguese. These languages were not too difficult to learn, but… there is always a “but.” I struggled with correctly placing accents on words and constructing hypothetical sentences in Spanish. Living in Spain for seven years certainly helped me improve my Spanish to an almost native level. As for Portuguese, the most challenging aspect was learning the nasal sounds and correct pronunciation, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese.

However, with these three languages, including my native Italian, it can be hard not to confuse words, especially false friends, as they are similar in all three languages but have different meanings. This can be quite confusing! Fortunately, I have the opportunity to practice speaking these languages with the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian people I know here, allowing me to learn through trial and error.

The last language I tackled was Norwegian, which I had to learn because my life circumstances brought me to this beautiful country: Norway! Norwegian is similar to English, and like English, I find it challenging to know which words correspond to each context and use them correctly. Another difficulty is learning the various accents and dialects spoken here. It is challenging but also fascinating. Living here, working with Norwegians, watching Norwegian TV, and listening to the radio help me continually improve my language skills.

At this point, I wonder: Am I crazy? No, I just have a lot of information in my head. As I try to organize my brain into five compartments, one for each language, it takes time to put everything in its place. This is a bit crazy, hehehe!

Good luck to me!

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Words are powerful!

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever considered the incredible power that words possess? Words can express love, hatred, they can hurt, persuade, and so much more. But why do they have such a profound influence on our thoughts?

The book “L’Italiano è bello” by Mariangela Galatea Vaglio offers an insightful explanation of the word rhetoric, which captured my attention.

She describes rhetoric as “…tecnica per parlare efficace, ovvero del saper costruire frasi adatte a colpire il genere di pubblico che interessa.” (Technique to talk efficiently, knowing how to construct sentences capable of moving the kind of audience we are addressing). The style used in a conversation is adapted to the audience. For instance, if the audience is graceful, the style will be mawkish; if the audience is uncivilized, the style will be direct and vulgar, and so on. It is a technique where all instruments are employed to achieve a specific purpose.

Consider our politicians, for example. They use good rhetoric to seduce us, using the right words to gain our votes, often with the help of speechwriters. Incredible, isn’t it? Of course, we are aware of this, but we may never truly know if they are manipulative. They use positive and good words, making us believe that everything is possible and that change can happen. However, when nothing improves, it becomes difficult to trust them. Should we always think this way?

It goes without saying that when words are used sincerely and positively, it is a pleasure to hear them.

Where does rhetoric originate? It was invented by the Greeks, but the Romans were the first to use it effectively. To master good rhetoric, the Romans distinguished five phases: inventio, dispositio, memoria, elocutio, and actio.

Inventio: This is like brainstorming, the act of writing a draft.

Dispositio: Creating an outline or schedule to convince the audience.

Memoria: Studying techniques to memorize the speech.

Elocutio: Choosing the best and final way to phrase sentences for an effective speech.

Actio: The actual presentation of the speech, focusing on pronunciation and delivery.

What a process, eh? So, if you want to be persuasive, now you have the means to do so! Jokes aside, remember that good rhetoric comes from being well-educated, reading extensively, and learning to speak effectively without being manipulative.

How often do you use good rhetoric, and what is your purpose in using it?

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If I was…

Hello Dear Readers,

Christmas is around the corner… 🙂 🙂 🙂

Let’s be honest Christmas is all about giving and receiving gifts, celebrating love with friends and family. At least that’s the mindset many of us have today. And since you all know my love for books, why not consider buying one for your family and friends?

But why books?

Well, I believe a book opens up new worlds to the reader. It allows the imagination to travel and create vivid images from the descriptions on the pages. It enriches our souls and minds, and also helps refresh our vocabulary and grammar rules, this is my primary reason for reading!

Why am I talking about books? The other day, I was watching some videos on YouTube, and one caught my attention: it was the video of the Italian song “Congiuntivo” (Subjunctive) by Lorenzo Baglioni, who participated in the Sanremo Festival, a significant Italian music event. This song highlights the use of the subjunctive in the Italian language. Unfortunately, many of us still struggle to use it correctly in hypothetical sentences, where it is necessary!

To illustrate:

Correct: Se fossi ricca, viaggerei sempre (If I were rich, I would always travel)

In the subordinate clause, we must use the subjunctive, while in the main clause, we use the conditional.

Incorrect: Se sarei ricca, viaggerei sempre (If I would be rich, I would always travel)

This is a common mistake and sounds terrible.

This song serves as a reminder to all Italians to use the subjunctive correctly! Music is a great trick to remember this, and reading also helps as our minds unconsciously memorize grammatical structures. After some reading, we automatically speak better Italian. So, everyone, buy as many books as you can! This advice applies to me as well, hehehe. Speaking a language correctly is important because it’s pleasant to listen to and, more importantly, ensures we are understood.

Good luck! Ah, and Merry Christmas to all!!! Happy 2020!!!

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How do we learn a new language?

Hello Everyone,

In today’s globalized world, knowing a second language is essential, if not necessary. English, considered the most international and widely spoken language, tops the list. I also believe that Chinese and Spanish will soon join this category.

So, let’s start studying them too, shall we?

But how do we learn a new language effectively? Do you know any interesting tricks or tips to achieve proficiency in a short period?

Here’s what I did and continue to do to learn and improve the languages I speak:

I began with English. I studied it at school, but I made significant progress by translating English songs, especially those of my favorite singers. I watched MTV, CNN, and Fox News channels. Thanks to the exchange programs with the United States that my school participated in, I started corresponding with American students through letters. We also hosted some Australians, and I still maintain a friendship with one of them after 17 years.

I then studied Spanish and Portuguese at university. Spanish telenovelas and Portuguese series were immensely helpful. Moving to Spain was, of course, the best way to enhance my Spanish until I acquired the local accent of the city I lived in. Working as a receptionist there allowed me to practice and improve both languages daily through interactions with customers.

Finally, I moved to Norway, where I had to learn Norwegian to integrate better into society. Here, I met two wonderful Brazilian friends who help me practice and improve my Portuguese. Currently, I work as a hotel receptionist, which gives me the opportunity to speak all these languages daily. It’s both challenging and enjoyable!

So, what tips or tricks can I recommend to you for learning a language quickly and effectively?

Study Grammar: Read a grammar book, do exercises, and focus on the rules.

Watch Foreign Channels: Engage with content on international news channels, movies, and TV shows.

Read: Dive into articles, books, and any written content in the target language.

Listen to Music: Songs can help with listening skills and pronunciation.

Even with a busy life, dedicating just half an hour per day can make a significant difference. For speaking practice, look for international exchange programs in your city. These programs often involve language exchange over coffee, where you can practice speaking with a native speaker of your target language. Making international friends can also be incredibly helpful.

Use the new words you learn as often as possible to avoid forgetting them. Importantly, take the risk to speak, even if you make mistakes. This trial and error process is essential because the person you are conversing with will likely correct you, helping you remember and learn.

The most effective tip is to travel to the country where the language is spoken. Immersing yourself in the language 24/7 accelerates learning. If possible, move there for a few months. This method is both challenging and fun!

Good luck!

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