When are you going to learn Spanish?

      In the last week I have been asked this question a lot. I usually let it role off my back but it really got under my skin this week. It's as if people assume that I have no intention of learning Spanish or that I am postponing it for some reason. Like I am planning on Jonathan being with me 24/7 to translate. Well, let me address those concerns right now.

        I have every intention of learning Spanish. In fact I learn some everyday. I can navigate public transportation, order things at the colmado, and I even ordered popcorn by myself the other day. Yes, my Spanish is horrible. I freely and openly admit that. However, I am trying to learn and yes, I do practice with Jonathan. No, I cannot function on my own, but I can get a point across and understand basic concepts in Spanish. I am not being lazy, but at 27, I am not a child with a sponge-like brain for language learning.

      To complicate matters, I teach in a bilingual school where I am paid to speak only English. For the necessity of communication, I converse mostly in English with Jonathan. I chose to speak a tongue we both understand rather than not talking because I cannot do so in his native language. This may not be the best, but it is what keeps my sanity.

     No, I am not taking Spanish classes. I have neither the time nor money for that, so I am immersing myself in Spanish where I can. I can read Spanish, I understand the phonetics and I am beginning to grasp grammar. I don't always know what I am reading, but I can read it and I am beginning to be able to spell it, which is an achievement for this dyslexic who has never been good at spelling.

      So, to answer the question; I am learning as fast as I can. I refuse to apologize if it isn't fast enough for you. You did not become fluent in Spanish in a few months, it took years of immersion to get there. Nor did you become fluent in English quickly, it took you awhile there too. And a side note, if you do speak English but refuse to talk to me because my English is better, you have no right to ask me when I will start learning Spanish.

     And that is all I have to say on the matter.

     On a brighter note, we are doing well. Baby is moving around and we are still teaching everyday.

     Until next week. Blessings to your homes.