Rekindling Language

It so happened that when I was low on inspiration and fuel, I had time to write. But once my energy and inspiration soared, I found that the time to write on Plum Tree was hard to make. So here I am, and now with a new month in store. February has a nice feeling to it. There are naturally many holidays in it, and chocolate and red seem to be the theme.

3 years ago today, I recorded my first ever video of myself (with my sister's help) of me speaking Chinese. I was only 3 weeks into studying the language, but the challenge and the somewhat horror of speaking to a camera in a foreign language that was still foreign to me was a bit scary and fun at the same time. Last night, I recorded a video about the Arabic language. I am taking an elementary Arabic class to help me with my progress and to keep me motivated, it's also something different than my usual routine of college classes. But I wouldn't say it's an easy A or even a recreational class, there is actually a lot of work and learning being done. I guess you could say that I am putting more work into my schedule, but that doesn't mean it's not more fun. For me, learning is fun and enjoyable, especially when it comes to languages. :)

As for Chinese, it still excites me and realizing that there is still so much I don't know, yet also realizing that there is still a good amount I do know. I still want to have goals for this language, and to keep up my learning and practice. My Chinese teacher informed me about a oral proficiency test that is coming up. I will need to brush up on my speaking skills and dust off my language materials. I don't have a lot of time for this test, but I think I have enough for me to relearn and remember!

Happy Chinese New Year, and Happy February- and happy language learning:)

Favorite Foreign Words

I've been meaning to pick and write about my favorite words in the languages that I have learned. I would call myself someone who likes to and quickly jumps around from various languages, desiring and seeking inspiration along the way. I will go in order from the language that I've been studying the longest to the one that is the most recent.

The language that I've been studying the longest is Chinese (Mandarin). Winter reminds me of studying this language interest of mine, since I started learning in Winter of 2014. The often cold and dreariness of the Winter weather can get me in the mood to study something inspiring such as a language, and Chinese has been that for me. A word in Chinese which I have easily remembered since the start of learning is 东莞周大 which means California State University East Bay. I've always remembered this, and maybe also because it has to do with how personal my school has become for me. I like to say this word, I think it gives me comfort and I'm proud to say it, knowing that it belongs to me. 

After a year of studying Chinese, I dived into Russian. I liked the sound of it and still do. I think it's a beautiful language, one of the top spoken slavic languages. Unlike Chinese, Russian has an alphabet, yet some look like English letters and others sound like them, and still others look and sound nothing like English. This excited me, and I thought the letters of the alphabet looked cool and exotic. It's been a while since I've studied this language thoroughly and diligently but I know there's still an interest hidden somewhere, and will come out every now and then. The word that I really like to say, and like it's meaning is пожалуйста. This word simply means please or you're welcome. This is one of the words in Russian that I have remembered. It is a very useful phrase but also I really like the way it sounds, it's almost as if it rolls off of the tongue, so gently and elegantly. 

About a year ago, my interest for Arabic took off. I soon became interested in this part of the world and this almost scary and daunting looking language. Almost all of the letters connect, and it looks so fluid and flowy. It took some time to get used to writing from write to left, and knowing all of these letters and how to write them. There are a lot of gutteral and airy sounds in this difficult language but it makes the challenge even more present. One of my favorite words in Arabic is صباح الخير, which means good morning. It's such a simple word but this could be the first word you say to somebody and yet it's so important. I like this word becasue of that, and also because of the way it sounds, rolling off the tongue, and with the back of your throat also having a role. 

The most recent language that I've been studying is Hindi, as of early Fall. I enjoy learning this language, it's so different but I find myself immersed in it every time I study it. I want to create goals for myself with this language, since there are so many things to learn and to keep learning and challenging myself is always something good. The word that I really like in Hindi is कोई बात नहीं, which means it's alright or no problem. I feel that I say this word a lot in English anyway and it's a useful word. Soon I will make flashcards for Hindi and will need to start memoriszing more words and phrases. Happy language studies!

Anthropologie and Anthropology

This is my first time taking Anthropology. I wasn't even sure what it was about, and would consider myself someone who probably wouldn't be very interested in the subject either until this class. Anthropology of the Middle East. Like I mentioned in a post written a while ago, the Middle East interests me and with any region or country in the world, there is so much to learn about. I think that's what makes me excited and inspired to keep learning more. I would say Arabic is still an underlying and behind the scenes type of interest, but I know that Chinese and Hindi are more in the picture, and are the main actors on the stage- at least for now ;)

For this Anthro class, I've really enjoyed my Professor's lectures. Not only has it helped me learn in this particular field, but I've also come to understand more of this culture, the dominant religion in the region- Islam, as well as among other customs. My mind has been opened, and I alsways feel inspired after leaving this class, even with a smile that I recieved a good, hard laugh after another one of my Professor's humorous jokes. Although this class and the quarter aren't over yet, I know that I will remember this particular class for a while and how much I enjoyed it, aiting for it after my 4 hour breaks, ready to listen to an exciting lecture!

Anthropologie is a clothing store that I've been to a few times. I can recall visitng this store last November, on a rainy day in a fancy part of a city and feeling the warmth of inspiration and creativity around me, soaking me up and taking my mind to a different place. Some things are just better on a rainy day, like the library, a cafe, and anthropologie:).

The displays in this store are always fun to look at, with green soda cans hanging by the window- (with the backdrop of the pounding rain outside, so cool!), or a strew of paintbrushes hanging upsidedown in the middle part of the ceiling, capturing the eyes of all the new customers. Just like my Anthropology class, I feel that I also learn  while in this creative and inticing store. I learn about myself, and what I need and what I crave at times, and even how I recieve and regain my energy. The feeling of possibility, even randomness, and eclectic taste are all wrapped up in this store, and making it special and exciting each time.

My sister used to work for Anthropologie- kept the associate's handbook, and had the perk of a discount!

I hope to go back to this neat store soon, especially on a chilly Fall day. There are some other stores and places that give me this special feel and enjoyment. Maybe I'll write about them sometime, and also find some new places in the mean time:)

Something Golden

The cold, brisk air is telling me that winter is coming soon. I wish Fall could last longer. The Fall I admire is the one where there are always sunny, and warm days with the trees glowing with golden and reddish leaves. There is always a bench to sit at and read a good book, or observe your surrondings. And it's always good weather for a long walk or a spontenous run. But sometimes unfortunately, Winter is the next season that carries over into the New Year- so maybe it's not all bad after all.

The flowers have fallen, just like the leaves

Hard to believe that it's already the middle of November. There are still so many things that I would like to accomplish, even this month alone. Still working on my reading regime as well as my Hindi- self taught lessons! If I could give myself a grade, I would say right now I deserve a B. I need and want to put in more time and effort as well as retaining the language. Although languages are time consuming and in full need of the regaining strength of perserverance, it always enjoyable and exciting to where it can lead you! I have a few phrases down, but by the end of the year, I am aiming to speak a couple of sentences well! I will have my list of things I want to do/accomplish before this year of 2016 is over, soon! And since it's still November, I want to write about my favorite saints, and even the ones that I want to have more devotion to. Wow, too many things....sometimes I wonder how will it be when I am a post grad with no job-yet, will I have enough things to do to keep me active, and busy and inspired? I would say most likely, since I always wanted more time to do them as a student. :)

This weekend I got to spend some nice, quality time with my sisters- a huge blessing in my life. I've tried counting my blessings when things seem to go array or when I'm down, and sometimes I don't know where to begin or even feel overwhelmed by it all. Being with my sisters is always a joy, and lifts me up since I know that they know me the best.

I would say we all look fairly different, but our chins are alike!

I love this time of day. You probably already know that by now since I have a good amount of sunset photos on here! But sometimes I really dislike it when I can't enjoy it  (I  just want to go on a nice long walk or run- or short, since it gets dark so fast) because I have to be somewhere. But thought I would take a picture of it anyway:)

The end of the year is quickly approaching. I am thinking about all that happened this year, and of course what will still happen for the rest of it. Processing what I learned, gained, hoped for and expereinced, my favorite moments and even my least favorite ones are all in there somewhere and brought me to where I am now, in this present moment, writing on Plum Tree, a blog that I never knew I would start or even keep up with. Cheers! And to many great moment to come!:)

Words Are Clearer in Autumn

Brick wall at school

I like to think. And I usually think about a lot of things. My mind seems to wander to different places and spaces. I like to find inspiration in wherever I am and to cultivate more goals, ideas and creative thoughts along the way. :)

Yesterday while at school I was looking up a polyglot that I enjoy listening to. If you don't know, a polyglot is someone who can speak more than 5 languages fluently. I feel that most polyglots can exceed this defintion, including the one I was researching more about, his name is Matthew by the way. I believe he can speak 8 or 9 fluently and a couple others with few mistakes. He is also continuing to learn more. I can relate to him because although I say I am studying a language, it doesn't take long before I am studying at least 1 or 2 languages on the side! But it's nice to know that our brains do have the capacity to learn many things, including languages. I need to stay challenged and inspired, and learning a language, or 2 makes me feel accomplished in these areas.  I enjoy reading about him and his brother's adventures and journeys in the foreign langiage world. (He has an identical twin brother). I also enjoy stealing some quotes and becoming motivated and inspired all over again! Here is a link to learn more about Matthew Youlden, and to hear him speak some languages!
https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/language-chamaleon-one

Twin brothers learning Turkish in a week! Crazy and cool!

Language challenge! Speaking at least 5 languages in one conversation.

Another thing I was thinking about, at least in the last couple of days was about my brother and his words of wisdom to me. It's weird looking back now because I understood what he meant now, looking back. I wrote him an email about 2 years ago, updating him on what was happening in my life and all that was new, which was plenty. A new school, new classes, new quarter, new people, and a new postion in student government, which I had just joined. Everything felt so awkward and knowing my place in it was very difficult and strange. He replied with his nice and soothing words as usual, and told me that he remembers when he was at that stage in his life, and that all new things take time to get used to, yet to enjoy them. He said that it takes about 2 years to get adjusted to something, such as a school campus or something else. I enjoyed reading his email, especially knowing that he was miles and miles away, somewhere in South America on his solo bike tour (which I think he should write a book about!) But his words also put a sigh in my breath, knowing how long it would intially take to actually feel comfortable and relaxed. And realizing how far away that truly was and felt. Now I am at that place, where two years ago has somewhat flown by, yet also had its own pace and journey with it. I wonder what I will be thinking in another 2 years time? What will be new, and discomforting, awkward and even frustrating? How much we learn in a day, yet how long it can take to see the results of a lived and fulfilled life.

School days, B&N nights, and a new language

On my last night of summer I went to Barnes &Noble. Something about going there at night opens up my mind more to the books and materials around me. I feel more inspired for some reason, maybe because I consider myself a night owl. Also, on a week night there are less people, so it's easier to browse and hear the calm, laid back music better. I wanted this post to also be about my Autumn list, a bucket/goals lists this Fall. I havven't fully finished my thoughts on that one, and want to make it good and meaningful, not rushed or forced, since you can always tell when something is rushed or forced. But, I will say that the two things that I did at B&N that night will most likely be on my Autumn list:)

This item will not just be on my to do list for this season of everything pumpkin, plaid and fall sweaters;I also put it on my 24 list that has to do with accomplishing 24 things in my 24th year, so technically I have another 9 months to go if all else fails. So obviously, it must be something important or should I say daring and maybe even an ounce of extremeness. This goal of mine is to learn how to code. Yes, I know, coding. I would not consider myself a sciency, mathematics, computer geek person, or even someone who considers themselves good at it, but I feel that it wold be useful to learn, even just a little. But like I said, I am always up for a good chanlleng and feel that I am determined to get down at least the basics, the jargon and the language. I'm aiming at learning Java or Javascript.

 So that night, I found the technology section and started reading a few compiter sciency books about Java. There was one in partciular that I found to be interesting, engaging and even should I say enjoyable to read? Unheard of, but I admit it to be true. I think this is a good challenge for my artsy, wavy, colorful mind.

The other thing that will most likely be on this Autumn list, that I just made up only a few days ago, is something that I also looked around for at B&N, but was dissappointed to find out that they don't carry any, at least none that I saw. But thank goodness for libraries because I checked out a book on it today! By this point, you're probably anxious to know what this second thing might be, Well, this goes back to my wavy mind, going all over the place at times. So here it goes.. I want to learn Hindi. Yes, the Hindi language. I am interested in knowing how to speak, read, write, the whole shabang. I have been thinking about learning this language for sometime. I guess not a lot,a lot of time if you were to count, but a good enough amount of time for me. I researched to find that Hindi is the 4th most spoken language in the world. I also researched to find that in my language binder, (where I keep all of my foreign language materials), I wrote a list back in 2014 regarding languages I would like to learn some day. I think it is far too long looking back now, but still thought it was interesting seeing again. As you can see, I did put Hindi on the list. :)

 Language is my passion, and Chinese has been on my learning plate for a good amount of time, almost three years. Of course I wont give it up for good, but feel that I am itching for more, to learn more in something else. I have had a good amount of Indian friends throughout my schooling, more than Chinese. I feel that there is a lot of relevance in learning a language such as Hindi. I don't think it's going to be easy, I'm not doing it because of that. If it was, I don't think it would be very interesting for me. I want to be able to watch more bollywood films, dive more into the culture, the food, the music which I really like. To understand things more from that side of the world. I feel that it's so important as a citizen of this country to understand and seek various perspectives. When you learn a language, you can reach so many more people, who either have that same interest or know it themselves. I want to be where that action is at.


So, as I was saying that I couldn't find any Hindi language books becasue there were none, I came across a book that I remember seeing in Anthropologie about a year ago. The book is called Lost in Translation, the point being that some words in various languages aren't always easy to translate. I thought it was super cute the first time I saw it, and wanted to capture some of my favorite words and explanations ones here.

I found this book to be enjoyable as well as very interesting, and even though I couldn't find my Hindi book, I was still inspired by this one. :) Now that school has officially started, and the first being probably the worst and craziest day for parking (I couldn't find anything, zero), luckily a familar face saved the day and showed me a place near campus that worked for a while. The onset of new classes, knowledge, people, expereinces, endevours, schedules and interets is well underway. I had a full day at school, but got to end it with a nice, end of evening glow, just barely missing the final touches of a rich, majestic sunset, 

First day of school!

The workload is well underway, but I feel that my mind, my pen and my feet can all keep up with it in the end. I guess I better enjoy every last minute of it, whether it's reading about globalization, briskly walking with many things and books in my tired hands, but with a prance in my feet and a tune in my ears to let me know that everything is going to be okay, or going to Starbucks and being admist the student life, soaking and drinking in the warm latte that was afforadable only this time and to not get too used to it. Another year. Another journey. Here we go.

An Ongoing Dilemna...Arabic

Is your mind ever filled with dilemnas? Thoughts, ponderings, doubts, interests, uninterests..thoughts, Thoughts, THOUGHTS!! I think everyone has a dilemna once in a while, but somehow things in your mind seem to become a bigger deal than they actually are. Or, they continue to consume some of your every day thoughts and stay for a while. Maybe too long. In my case, it's the dilemna of continuing to study Arabic or not. Yes, the Arabic language that seems to look more like made up doodles and dots than an actual language. And to answer one of your first questions, yes, it's hard. Hard isn't the right word actually, maybe daunting, intriguing, exhausting and exotic are better adjectives to describe such a language.

Sometimes I feel that I have enough, or should I say plenty of room to embrace and invest time and energy into another language. Once you get down the rhythm of studying a language you feel like you can do so much more, like conquer Arabic! Hmm, not so sure since that can be a fleeting feeling, But at the same time, my mind and my heart pull towards the culture and language of the Middle East region. From taking a class emphasizing this region and culture, and soon another one, I find my eyes and fingers drift towards books and recipes in the aisles of the library that will inspire me even more. I'm a sucker when it comes to inspiration. I also like a good challenge in my court, and I know that I'm free to swing the ball right back into the next if I need a break from that particular challenge. Kinda of like Arabic.

My Arabic notebook. Isn't it just so inspiring looking at it?:)

Arabic restaurant in Rio that I loved!! Went there a couple of times:)

Even if I do or do not stick with learning Arabic, I know I will still find inspiration somewhere, I love the Syrian meatballs recipe, that I want to recreate again sometime soon! And dipping my toes in the water when it feels like the right time, and then coming back a while later is how I feel with Arabic. Of course, the reasons for becoming interested in Arabic go beyond the fact that it's intriuguing and exotic for me, Teaching and helping others wth the English language is a passion of mine, and Arabic happens to be one of the top ten languages in the world, so knowing even a little bit is helpful!

Daunting, but beautiful!

Developing your hobbies and interests and progressing your knowledge in certain areas is always beneficial to yourself, as well as meeing and connectng with different types of people. The way I see it is the more interests you have, the more interesting peron you will become! Language also goes hand in hand with culture, it's like a stepping stone into the culture once you've gotten to learn some of the language.

A book that I want to read!

And lastly, I'm interested in learning how to cook recipes from Arab countires, it's one of my goals! Food and cooking is very important in Middle Eastern culture, in many cultures actually, and I know that there are many flavors and spices that are specific to this region in the world.


I think that summarizes my interests and reasons for the Arabic language. I would love to know your thoughts, and suggestions. What language or culture are you interested in learning about?

A note from a friend. 

Thoughts on travel and language

Coming home from El Salvador taught me many things. I know only a few Spanish words and luckily survived the two days that I was there, thanks to helpful translators i.e, my sister and her hubby:) But even still, language welcomes you into a culture and makes you become part of it almost immediatley. But I think an interesting thing is that, one can still get by in a foreign country without fully knowing the language of that country, since body language, facial expressions, hand movements all play a role in communicating, though sometimes not as directly as one would desire.

Traveling opens your eyes into another world, perspective, with new eyes like never before. It forces you to become open minded and embrace the present moment, especially since things can be very unpredicatble at times. But isn't that the fun of it? As a foreigner, a vistor, a guest in that country, you are no longer in control of what you know, or what you thought you knew. Nope, you're in for a ride, a ride that will bring you to places you never imagined before. And more often than not, you learn about yourself in the process throughout the adventure.

Going back to language, I want to keep striving with my Chinese studies! I know it's my passsion and interest, but even then it can be difficult and exhausting to keep up at times. Have you ever felt this way? Recently, I've been making flashcards, but not just the ordianry, plain jane ones. No, colorful, pictureqese, nice to look at, and easy and fun to read, as well as create. But I wanted it to have meaning, use, not only for my creative mind. So, what better way than to share it here on plum tree, and maybe it could be of use to others, or even creative inspiration nontheless!