Oh the Beauty of Language

Chip
Cheap
Ship
Sheep

Above are just a few examples of words my students have trouble pronouncing. They are so used to pronouncing the letter "i" as an "e" sound. So when they say words like "chip" it sounds the same as "cheap." The same with when they say "ship" it sounds like "sheep." They thought it was so funny to hear me go through the words and say the correct English pronunciation for all of them. Then I explained to them all of the troubles I have with their language like the double r, for example. One of the girls in my class even asked me if I thought it was funny to hear them (my students) speak. I told her no because I, too, am learning a language and I probably sound a little strange when I speak. So no, to me, they do not sound funny. If anything, I give them credit for having the courage to speak to a native speaker. Because as I know from experience, it is not an easy thing to do.

Every day I become more fascinated with language and pronunciation. It is amazing how someone who is raised saying "ship" and "sheep" does not even think twice about pronunciation when speaking the words. But people who are not native English speakers have to think so hard before pronouncing these words.

Each day in Spain is a new adventure. I never know what is coming next. Take today for example. I did not expect to spend 20 minutes of the class going over the differences between "ship" and "sheep" and "chip" and "cheap" that later turned into the difference between "shit" and "sheet" and "bitch" and "beach" (which was acceptable because this was my adult class...I was not teaching this to young children. And they asked! Don't worry ;) ). Nor did I expect a lesson on the simple present, present continuous, simple past and simple continuous to turn into a conversation about Bridget's favorite music (both Spanish and American) and why the Philadelphia Phillies are far more superior than the New York Yankees.

I also did not expect to receive the best package from the best mom in the world with all of these great teaching materials. Nor did I expect to ever be excited about teaching materials...side note.

On my way home from picking up my package, I did not expect a 3 year old girl to come running out of her pre school, punch me in the thigh and then run back to her mother. Like what did I do to you...I was on the other side of the sidewalk?! I also did not expect to walk into the grocery store and have the guy at the cheese counter wanting to be my best friend. Rando...but I like the Spanish people so yes, let's be friends.

This week, I also experienced for the first time what it felt like to get paid...you know...get money for something I am finding out is something that I love to do.

But most importantly, I did not expect to Skype with my mom and by the end of the conversation realize how much I have grown up. Sounds really cheesy I know. But after talking about paying rent and bills and completing the steps to become a resident in Spain and figuring out life in another language, I finally realized that it is true that you never stop learning. It is certainly exciting. At the same time, it is extremely frustrating and scary. But in the end, it's a good life. And I like the feeling that I get when I know I am living it to the fullest.