Language Learning and my New Site
I just made a new website about learning Chinese, and I’m really excited to be writing regularly again. It’s a little less creative this time, because it’s a business venture in affiliate marketing rather than something really creative, but I like it just the same.
The Website is Learn Chinese Fast. In case I haven’t mentioned it – I’m trying to make money with site! I’m not trying to sell anything here, just mentioning what’s up in my life.
Language learning has been a crazy adventure for me. I spent a semester in Thailand and really got into conversational Thai. I could actually read and write pretty well, but I’ve lost a lot since I left. It’s a shame that I had to leave, because Thai is such a beautiful language.
I find Chinese very challenging, but it’s also so beautiful. It’s a simplistic language, and the grammar comes very easily. Chinese has really taught me to dive into speaking quickly in order to learn a language. Everyone here in Taiwan is scared to speak Chinese lest we get the tones wrong, but the only way to learn is to make mistakes.
My next challenge, and one I’ll probably end up working on before I master Chinese, will be Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese. I know I’d be better off attaining some level of fluency in Chinese first, but I’ve got the travel bug and my sights are set on Latin America.
Last note – I LOVE the language articles at Matador. I’ve spent a couple of afternoons already reading through articles and blogs, and it gets me fired up on language learning all over again 
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.If you’re a polyglot or an aspiring one (like me), let me know what language you’re learning and how you like it! I’m always interested.
2 responses to Language Learning and my New Site
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Friends (3)
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Josh Frame
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Nick Proferes
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Hal Amen
Houston
Julie Schwietert Collazo said on March 2, 2010
Hi, Justin-
Thanks for letting us know what you’re up to and for giving such positive feedback about Matador’s language articles. I’m about to feature your site on MatadorPulse.com- hope it drives some traffic your way.
And be sure to check out Benny the Irish Polyglot, another Matador member.
Rose Witmer said on February 17, 2010
Hi Justin and welcome to Matador! I’m sorry to hear about your job in Taiwan. The nice thing is, many countries are looking for English teachers, so you should be alright. Your blog caught my eye because I’ve actually learned Chinese and am working on Japanese now. Unfortunately, I’ve found my language switch a little rusty since I keep slipping Japanese words in when I try to speak Chinese, but I’m addicted to learning languages and cultures and can never get enough! Good luck with Chinese and any languages you pick up in the future!
Rose