Polyglots are always looking for a new language to learn. Many polyglots ask, which language should I learn next? Instead of asking why don’t you experience it for yourself. Here is a fun idea to see if the language fits you.
How about going to a theater play in the language you are thinking of learning? You do not have to understand the context of the play; what you need to pay attention to is how the language makes you feel.
Before I wrote about this novel idea, I decided to put it to the test. This weekend a friend of mine was in a Hindi play, and I thought to myself this would give me a perfect opportunity to see if this idea works.
So, with a fantastic group of friends, we went to see “Pagla Ghoda,” a play in Hindi. Which most of us did not speak a word of Hindi. (picture above of all of us)
I sat for two and a half hours listening to the language without understanding the meaning. I listened closely to the language and how my senses felt toward the sound, inflection, and tones. I must tell you I had never had the interest to learn Hindi, but after the play, I am curious.
In all fairness, I must share that I read the cliffs notes of the play before watching it. The cliffs notes gave me a little knowledge about the meaning of the play.
I was out of my comfort zone during this activity, for sure, but I did not mind it at all. What I discovered was that this activity helps determine if a specific language might be right to learn. It would be a shame to spend precious time learning a language to find later out that you do not feel the love you thought you did for the language.
As most of us know learning a language takes time, lots of time and dedication.
Head to a play in the language you are considering learning. Get out of your comfort zone.