Learning Languages with Chronic Illness
Introduction
I love learning languages but, recently, fatigue and pain have gotten in the way of my studying in a formal atmosphere. This means I must continue to learn Spanish and French and Korean and all of the other beautiful languages I’m obsessed with, through my own means. If learning languages doesn’t interest you, this post will still help you to go after new hobbies. So, my dear spoonies, feel free to use this information for your own adventures!
Remember!
The most important thing to remember is this: don’t give up! Having an activity other than survival will be difficult, but it is not impossible. It will take you a longer time to accomplish your goal than an abled individual but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. For example, if it is your dream to run in a competitive race, start small. Try to walk in a mile fun run. If you can’t do that, then ride in a wheelchair to complete the race. Thinking outside of the box may be necessary for you to do something new but don’t let that discourage you. It will only make you smarter. Along the way you may even realize that you’re strong enough to do the impossible. But won’t happen at all if you just give up.
My Experience Learning Languages
In learning languages, my memory is impacted by my chronic illness. I’m not going to remember Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, easily. I might forget what the difference between the words, “que” and “qui,” in French actually is. I could even confuse the entirety of the Spanish language with French because of these memory issues. However, I will cease to improve in these languages if I give up.
You might also need to consider accommodating your illness to maintain your health and continue your favorite hobby. If you want to read, but the weight of a book causes pain in your hands, then purchasing a kindle could be a good next step for you. You might have to spend a little more money but being joyful or hopeful is a vital part of one’s health.
In my efforts to study Korean, I decided to buy a TTMK, Talk To Me in Korean, textbook (this is an affiliate link). This way I don’t need to physically go anywhere to learn my “something new”. I can lie down in bed and read. If that’s too much for me, then I can continue learning by listening to K-pop music, shutting my eyes, and picturing myself dancing around in my bedroom. What? Picturing myself at a real concert in South Korea might be going a little too far!
The Key to Learning Languages (& Other Things)
No matter what, though, in order to learn or do something new, you must commit to it. If you want to try getting a job and keeping it, then start with a small job you work on a little bit each day. This might be something like dog walking for your neighbor, working for a freelance writing or transcription company, or even volunteering with a local organization for an hour every day to prepare yourself for longer shifts. Commitment is key to actually gaining new skills or developing endurance for something as significant and time consuming as a job. If every day seems like too much, then you could start with a weekly commitment and slowly increase the time you devote to this “fake” job.
In learning a new language, I know I need to commit to study it for a little time every day. Daily exposure to each language I’m learning will help me to better retain the new vocabulary or grammar. Since my health will vary day by day, so will what I do to learn. If I’m particularly tired, I’ll read a picture book in the language of my choice. If I’m merely in a ton of pain, I will listen to a podcast about Latin culture or listen to my favorite musicals in French. There are plenty of ways for me to continue my work what I love, just different than before.
Conclusion
If you have a chronic illness, you can go to that party–even if it’s through FaceTime. You can get an A in math class, but you might have to beg the teacher to come over to your house. If you have a chronic illness, you can do something—anything—besides rewatch that TV show for the tenth time (I know it seems impossible). Being bedridden does not require you to stay glued to your smartphone or TV. Having a chronic illness does not require you to stop living your life. Life can have mobility aids and special diets and everything else in between and still be better than any life you could imagine. Yes, you were born different; so let’s not let that difference be all consuming. This difference is not about to go away. Why let it ruin your whole entire life? Yes, you will make mistakes in trying something new, but what will you regret more? Trying to succeed or writhing in pain without any potential success or happiness?
