Here are some of the languages I chose to learn, along with descriptions of their aesthetic and "productive" appeal.
German: I’d like to read German literature—Goethe, Kafka, Nietzche—and perhaps visit Germany someday. Originally I studied it as an elective in school. It was very fun—my teacher grew up in Germany, and she’d tell this young American audience all about the country—how they had a shopping street called Der Zeil, were blunt but loyal friends, earned money for recycling, ate white asparagus, made politically satirical parade floats for Karneval, and so on. So in addition the perk of German literature, I associate it with fond memories.
Latin: I’d like to read Roman literature. Virgil, Juvenal, the works. I also find the sound and grammar beautiful, and think it will supplement my interest in Roman history.
Russian: I have many reasons to learn this one. I have interests in books and classical piano; some of the most lauded authors in the world (Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky) are from Russia, and same with the most famous composers and pianists (Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Tchaikovsky.) Russian is also my favorite language for its sound and grammar. But unlike the other Slavic languages (which I also like), it’s spoken by many people. So, a rich culture, a nice sound, and plethora of speakers—I am surprised to find a language so convenient and useful to learn.
Vietnamese: My parents are from Vietnam and they’re planning to take me to the old country soon. Moreover, as a Vietnamese-American, I dine, shop, celebrate holidays, and generally hang out in places where people expect me to speak the language. It’s almost shameful when I cannot, and even more so that I can speak Russian and German better.
Created April 13, 2024. Last updated April 13, 2024.