Open Topic #1: Language

 An open topic I've decided today: Language. 

(Picture from google)

    If you don't know about me, I can speak four languages-- English, Chinese Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Teochew. When I was little, I spoke Vietnamese and Teochew first (which one did I speak first? I'm not sure, possibly Teochew and then Vietnamese). Growing up, I was struggling in English, I was a quiet lonely kid, listening and observing the world around me. I just remember one day, I just felt determined to learn English and speak with others, instead of just listening and observing the world around me. 

  From being in ESL (English Second Learner) and ELL (English Language Learner) throughout elementary, middle, and freshman year of high school-- to now being done with high school and going to college. I was quiet and lonely, but now I'm talkative and have many friends. I used to dislike knowing so many languages, especially not speaking English first. I was so alone and afraid of everything around me. No one had the same struggles as me. Near the end of 7th grade, I finally understood English--- not broken English when I speak, I knew what response to questions I was being asked about, I could read a book and understand what I was reading, and so much more. I became more talkative with my peers too. 

  I enjoyed learning languages after I finally understood English. That's why, in my Sophomore year in high school, I decided to take Chinese Mandarin (here's a link to my Chinese Mandarin 1 folder if you're curious about learning the basics). I felt like it was sorta the same structure as Vietnamese and Teochew-- of course, there are some similarities, but not all are the same. Besides the similarities and differences, I took a liking to learning Mandarin, and the culture and everything to it. Language has been a main part of my life, and I would like to share my story with you. 

  Writing about language relates to our course content because I can learn other people's styles of writing. If I find one I like, I'll use it in my own writing. Of course, with our class course, we have a structure of exactly how something's supposed to be written-- and if any topics are available-- I  need to make sure it fits the requirements or rubric of said topic. I also feel like knowing many languages creates diversity, creativity, and open-mindedness allowing ways I can argue or be persuasive in writing. You can also use language apps-- for example most popular is Duolingo.