Learning German Week 7: Being Scared to Speak
By: Keith
I remember this happening when I was learning Spanish. Someone would say something to me, and my brain would high tail it to the nearest exit. I would stand there looking at the person, frantically trying to think of something intelligent to say despite the fact that there was nothing left in my head of any value – “¡Bien dicho, Señor! Ummmm, ¿Sabe, dónde está el baño?” And I’d scurry away hoping I didn’t embarrass myself too badly. I still have that problem in Spanish once in a while. Luckily I always have my wife to fall back on when I forget myself in a conversation. Well, I don’t have a safety net for my German. There’s nobody standing next to me to help remove my foot from my mouth. Nevertheless, the only way to get better is to risk embarrassment and go find someone to converse with. I’ve been anxious to find someone, and I’ve been rehearsing my lines in my head. I imagine how the conversation will go, and I map out all the little turns (much like fighting an imaginary ninja – you always win despite not knowing any martial arts; wait, am I the only one who does that?). There’s a German person who has kids in my son’s gymnastics class, and I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to approach this person and ask her to speak with me. The opportunity came last week when she was sitting by herself—and I completely chickened out. Damn!
Getting Over the Fear:
It’s hard to expose your ignorance, admitting you need to rely on someone to help you. But, it needs to be done. I got married in Mexico, and I did my wedding vows in Spanish. If you ever become scared of embarrassing yourself in a new language, just remember this story: Instead of saying “Hasta que la muerte nos separe” Till death does us part. I said “Hasta que la mujer nos separe.” Till the woman does us part. Yes, there’s a video of it, and yes everybody noticed my mistake, including me. Yet I soldiered on and finished. The next time I see the German lady I’m going to say something. I can always walk away from her if I screw up and say something stupid. I have no such luck with Mely, and she’s not going to forget my wedding vows mistake anytime soon (at least until Alzheimer’s sets in).
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LOL! That’s just great! I loved the wedding vow snafu. However, I thought you’d already solved this with beer. A little beer and it all comes together, right? So waz the prolem?
I had the same problem before. I took Spanish class before in college. I like this Spanish girl at the office but can’t seem to find a way to talk to her even if she’s just across my table. But then as days go by, I pushed my luck and went to her table and asked her how’s her day, in Spanish of course! She answered me in English!
I also have difficulties when it comes to speaking foreign language. Although I know the right words to say, I’m afraid to tell it because I might mispronounce the words. Good luck in your learning German language!
Just like the saying, there’s no harm in trying, we shouldn’t be afraid to try things that will improve our ability. Learning another language can be tough sometimes. Our mistakes can teach us lessons though.
I’m glad their software was able to help you. It’s too bad the Rosetta Stone company is run by a bunch of greedy lawyers though. I’m not interested in supporting their company after hearing about their business practices.