One of the many things I'm finding absolutely fascinating about living in Spain is the language barrier.
I'm sure my fellow exchange students will agree that being thrust into a world where you suddenly can't speak to people, or can only speak to them on a very basic level, can be hilarious, terrifying, infuriating and sometimes lonely.
Things I wouldn't even think twice about at home - checking the time with someone, small talk, reading a notice in the classroom, paying for groceries - suddenly take all of your concentration and energy. It can be exhausting.
On the bright side, my ability to mime has certainly come forwards in leaps and bounds. You should all bags me for your charades teams when I get back!
When it comes to learning Spanish I have been very lucky. My eldest host brother Daniel speaks incredible English, and my host mother Isabel isn't bad either. They're both remarkably patient with me, make sure I never feel left out, and are so willing to help me whenever I need it.
Daniel actually sat with me a few nights ago and helped me translate my History notes for over an hour. He's absolutely fantastic. I've promised him Tim Tams in return!
School is a whole different story. While I've made some absolutely wonderful friends, and most of my teachers are lovely, it can be so difficult to follow along. In class, I'm generally fine as long as things are written down. But actually speaking to people - friends, teachers, the headmistress - is intimidating and so difficult.
It can also make you ridiculously paranoid. I'm constantly wondering whether people are talking and laughing about me!
When you're stuck behind a language barrier, you start noticing things you never would have before. This is one of the things I've found so fascinating. I've become so much more in tune with people's facial expressions, body language, and tone. I've communicated with people simply with high-fives, thumbs ups, and enthusiastic nods. I've learned that a smile can go a long way.
Learning to speak a new language has certainly highlighted which words I use most often in day-to-day conversations. While the obvious are all there - yes, no, please, thank you, but, and, can, need, want, etc, etc - there have also been a few surprises. Turns out I say random words like 'country' (pais), 'okay' (vale), 'car' (coche), 'play' (jugar), and 'tired' (cansada) a lot more than I would have thought!
It's so difficult, but don't get me wrong. Me encanta español. Y voy ser capaz de hablar correctamente! (Con tiempo.)
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