Language: Swedish
Majors and Certificates: Philosophy, Scandinavian Studies, Integrated Liberal Studies Certificate
What motivated you to study this language?
Throughout middle school, I studied multiple languages including Japanese, French, Latin, and Spanish. I took three years of Spanish in high school. Through the years, I learned two things about studying a language; the first being learning a new language is very difficult because it forces you to think in a way that no other course does. The second is that no matter how hard you work to improve your language skills there will always be something you don’t know. The trip is not to let either of those two obstacles stop you on your quest for knowledge!
How have these languages enriched your life?
Studying Swedish has pushed me academically in many ways. I have to work harder in my Swedish course than any other class I have taken here on campus. I know that this type of hard work will be applicable to any field I decide to enter.
I have applied my Swedish skills to Ballroom Dancing. I know it may sound weird at first, but in order to get better at dancing you need to practice constantly and not give up when things don’t come easily to you. Learning Swedish employs those same principles. It also helps that my Standard Coach speaks fluent Swedish and can correct me with any mistakes I make.
What is your favorite word or phrase in a language you know?
Färgglad (“colorful” in Swedish)