📝 Making Sure Language Learning Doesn't Consume Me
Sometimes less is more or should I say, less is enough | Mar 18-24 2024 Language Study Log
📊 Mar 18-24 Language Study Stats
French: 5h 12m
Mandarin: 1h 25m
6h 38m study total
After spending 40 hours studying and immersing in my target languages last week, I felt the need for some rest. There were days when I felt I should’ve been spending more time studying but I made a conscious decision to engage in activities unrelated to language learning.
🧧 Mandarin
On Monday, I had my first conversation lesson in almost a year. Throughout my six-year journey learning Mandarin, I've only had less than 10 lessons. I had a feeling that I might struggle to speak, considering every time I tried, French somehow managed to slip out. Spending so much time listening to and speaking French has made it more familiar to me now. That's why I chose an iTalki tutor who could speak French too. If French did come out, I would at least make sense to them.
Sure enough, the lesson turned into a mishmash of languages. What was supposed to be a Mandarin conversation became a multilingual exchange.
Honestly, I didn't fully appreciate the fact that I could communicate in three different languages. I was too focused on my brain's struggle to stick to Mandarin. I guess it's just what happens when you’re learning multiple languages.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?
🥐 French
After dedicating nearly 40 hours to French last week, I was ready for a break. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but investing so much time and mental energy into intentional language study was quite demanding.
When Monday came around, I consciously avoided anything related to French. Well, that's not entirely true—I probably stumbled upon some French content while scrolling through social media or reading newsletters, but none of it was deliberate or active learning, so I didn't count it.
Midweek, I had my second-to-last group class, which bumped up my language time on Wednesday. It was uplifting to see my peers receiving compliments from our teacher for the progress we've made since our first class. While it feels bittersweet that the course is coming to an end, I must admit I'm looking forward to reclaiming those two hours every Wednesday evening for activities other than a French class.
Before the Stardew Valley (SDV) 1.6 update came out I was excited to get back into playing it in French. However, I reminded myself of my intention to not make everything dependent on my target languages. Playing SDV in French would turn into a study activity, requiring more mental effort than I already use1.
So, I let myself play in English. After a few minutes, I realized I could listen to a podcast while playing. I considered a French podcast before deciding that no, my passive time did not need to also be in French.
Throughout the week, I consciously chose to engage in less language study than I could have, which allowed me to unwind. I watched a couple of shows2 in English which is rare for me because I don’t usually watch anything. Giving my brain a break from absorbing new information helped me relax. Additionally, with the time change, it felt like I had more opportunities during the day to pursue other activities if I wished.
✨ Summary
I'm granting myself more time for pursuits beyond language learning. Some weeks, I may engage more intensely, while others I may step back. Consistency doesn't always follow a straight line, just like progress.
Last Sunday, I made a TBR (To Be Read) jar containing titles of books I own yet haven't read. While around 20% of these books are in French, the title I randomly selected happened to be a Sci-Fi novel from a collection I didn't even realize I owned, Engaging in little games like this to reconnect with my hobbies has been a source of joy.
I've realized that many of my hobbies and interests have taken a backseat for some time. Reintroducing activities like gaming, painting and reading feels rejuvenating. While I genuinely can't recall the last time I wasn't stressed, I believe I experienced a glimpse of that this week. It's left me wanting more moments of calm and relaxation.
Less is enough.
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Thanks for reading, see you next week!
When I play, I have the Wiki open so I can make sure I’m being mostly efficient. I started a new save for the update and I still have my original save from 2016 that I’m trying to complete 100%.
I binged The Traitors US and now I’m currently watching the newest season of the UK version. I hadn’t finished watching the French version and tried to find it on YouTube but it wasn’t available. I think that was a sign to not make everything about language learning.
I appreciate your honesty on when to take a breather from language learning and focus on other enjoyable hobbies. I tend to put pressure on myself to spend my free time language learning too. It’s good to keep things in perspective sometimes!
A good reminder to avoid burnout... Lately, studying languages and writing the newsletter has felt like a chore, so I'm taking it slow as well. I'm taking time for my other hobbies, like playing D&D with friends !