MY STRUGGLE OF LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE 1

My Struggle of Learning a new Language

Lisbeth Ulloa

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Author Note

This paper was prepared for Psychology II, taught by Professor Acosta
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Abstract

In this reflective paper, I will be discussing the difficulties I faced while learning English as my

second language. Learning a new language can be very difficult. It takes time, practice and

patience. Throughout my paper Ill be explaining the process, the changes I went through while

learning a new language, and how I managed to become fluent in English. Ill also be discussing

the basic properties of language and elaborating in full detail on how I fulfilled this important

goal of learning a new language. Finally, for my conclusion I will summarize all my work and

explain how learning a new language has become a very important tool in my life.
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Language is a human communication that consists of many words that help us speak,

write and interact with others (King, 2014, p. 277). With language, we are able to do many

things. We are able to understand others, and learn new information. There are a variety of

different types of languages that we can learn from. Language has become part of our everyday

lifes.

According to King (2014), there are five basic rule systems that help create the basic

properties of Language. These five basic properties of language are Phonology, Morphology,

Syntax, and Semantics. Phonology is described to be as the sounds in letters that are used to

create words. For instance, the sound of the letter J is used to create the word jet.

Morphology helps create word formation. For example, studying has two morphemes; these are

study+ing. Syntax helps create sentences when words are put together. For example, Sally went

to the park. Finally, Semantics is the meaning of words and phrases in a sentence. For example,

if you use the word on in a sentence it can have many different meanings. A person can be on a

phone call or on a boat (Kings, 2014 pg. 277).

Learning new languages is important because it enables you to communicate with people

from different cultures. For instance, lets say for example that you visit China and the only

language that is spoken in China is Chinese. If you are not familiar with this language, how are

you going to communicate with others in that town? Their culture is very different and getting

adjusted to this new environment can be very difficult. When you learn a new language, you can

use this as an advantage when visiting another country that speaks that same language youve

practiced. Learning a new language helps you build relationship with others in different parts of

the world.
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The time when I had to learn a new language was when I was seven years old. I came to

the United States at that age only knowing Spanish. The culture that I left behind was very

different from what I was encountered to in the United States. Everything was different, the food,

houses, environment; it felt as if I was in a whole new world. People mostly talked English and

communicating with them was very difficult. At this point I knew that it was a necessity for me

to learn a new language.

My parents didnt understand English as well so immediately after coming to the United

States I was enrolled in a public school. I felt like a loner and was very quiet because the other

students only spoke English. I began taking classes and extra help to learn English. I read many

books and practiced my reading and writing. I was getting better at learning and processing new

information as time went on.

According to a chart, at eight years old my vocabulary was increasing, I was using more

of the syntactical rules and I was conversing more while learning English. (King, 2014, pg. 282)

Watching cartoon shows in English also helped me practice my speech. I listened to the sound of

the word being used then I practiced it and said the word out loud. I paid close attention to how

the word was used in the sentence as well.

What became a huge problem for me was not only memorizing the word but knowing the

different types of meanings for each word. For example, understanding similes and metaphors

was a struggle for me. The only way I was able to understand the differences between words was

by practicing. Throughout my elementary school I enjoyed literature. Writing was my favorite

subject because I enjoyed expressing myself through paper and pencil. Throughout the years my

English got better and I was able to speak and write in fluent English.
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Conclusion

Learning a new language has helped me throughout my life span. Because I understand a

new language, I am able to communicate with others, build relationships, understand, and help

others who want to learn English as well. Language has helped me learn a whole new culture.

This involves new music, food, and a different environment. As we grow our brain interprets

different words that helps us use them in sentences. Our vocabulary increases and we are able to

understand many words.

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References

King, L. A. (2014). The Science of Psychology (pp. 277-282). NY, NY: McGraw- Hill Education.