learning a new language

Vol 27, Issue 24

Learning a New Language: More Than Just Words

When I first moved to Finland, I thought learning Finnish would be like learning any other subject read a bit, practice a bit, and boom, I’d be fluent. Oh, how wrong I was. The first time I heard someone say “Anteeksi, voinko auttaa?”, I smiled politely and replied, “Yes, please,” even though I had no idea what they said. I hoped it wasn’t, “Would you like me to call the police?”

Learning Finnish has been one of the most humbling yet hilarious experiences of my life. As someone who speaks Amharic and English fluently, I assumed I had the “language thing” under control. Finnish quickly showed me who’s boss. The words are long, the grammar is a maze, and the pronunciation? Let’s just say my tongue has gone through a full workout.

But in the midst of the confusion, I’ve had so many small wins that made it all worth it. Like the first time I ordered coffee in Finnish and actually got what I wanted! Or the time I understood a joke in class and laughed at the right moment not ten seconds later like I usually do. Those moments are pure gold.

To make learning easier (and more fun), I started watching Finnish shows with subtitles, using Duolingo religiously, and even trying to sing Finnish songs though I’m pretty sure I invented a new dialect in the process. I also joined a language café where we practice over coffee. At first, I mostly nodded and smiled, but now I can actually hold a short conversation slow and steady wins the race, right?

Learning a new language is more than memorizing words. It’s about connecting with people, understanding a culture, and yes, laughing at yourself when you call someone a “cat” instead of “friend.”

So to all my fellow language learners, don’t stress the mistakes. Embrace them. Because sometimes, a good laugh is the best lesson of all.