I Learned Italian in 7 Days - Part II

Summary

In this insightful conversation, the speaker discusses the profound impact learning multiple languages has had on their worldview and opportunities. They share personal experiences of how language learning has not only expanded their cultural understanding but also opened doors to new experiences, such as studying abroad and making genuine connections with locals. The dialogue also touches on the importance of authenticity in content creation and the value of speaking the local language to foster deeper relationships. The speaker concludes with a light-hearted moment, demonstrating the Italian phrase for 'subscribe' and encouraging viewers to follow the channel.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview is about assessing the host's progress in learning Italian within a week.
• 🌐 The host believes that learning a new language involves more than just vocabulary and grammar; it also includes the cultural perspective embedded in the language.
• 🌟 Learning a language can change one's perception of the world due to the cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions inherent in the language.
• 🚪 Language skills can open doors to new opportunities, such as studying or working abroad.
• 🏫 The host's experience with English allowed them to study at a university and work with a French firm, highlighting the practical benefits of language learning.
• 🤝 Speaking a language natively can lead to more genuine connections and friendships, as opposed to just being 'the Italian who speaks English'.
• 💡 The host suggests that immersing oneself in the language, such as through watching Netflix in the target language, can be an effective way to learn.
• 👫 Having a partner who speaks the target language can be an instant and effective way to learn it.
• 🎥 Authenticity is crucial when sharing content publicly, as followers can discern genuineness.
• 📚 The host emphasizes the importance of honesty in building a long-term relationship with an audience.
• 📢 The transcript ends with a playful moment where the host asks for help with translating 'Subscribe to this channel' into Italian.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the conversation in the script?

The main purpose of the conversation is to discuss the impact of learning multiple languages on one's perspective and opportunities in life.

How many languages does the speaker claim to speak?

The speaker claims to speak 4 and a half languages.

What does the speaker believe happens when you learn a new language?

The speaker believes that when you learn a new language, you also learn the way the language thinks, including its sentence structure and cultural background, which can change the way you perceive the world.

How does the speaker feel about the role of English in their education?

The speaker appreciates the role of English in their education, as it provided them with opportunities to study and work internationally, despite some Italian friends feeling they were missing out on something by learning in English.

What opportunities did learning French open up for the speaker?

Learning French allowed the speaker to move to France for their master's degree and work with a French firm during their studies, experiences they would not have had otherwise.

How does speaking a foreign language influence social interactions according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, speaking a foreign language can make social interactions more open and interesting. People are more interested and open when you approach them in their native language rather than just speaking English.

What is the speaker's opinion on the necessity of speaking English as an international language?

The speaker believes that while English is important as an international language, it cannot replace the value of speaking local languages when trying to make friends or immerse in a culture.

What advice does the speaker give for those who want to learn a foreign language?

The speaker suggests finding a partner who speaks the language as an effective way to learn it. If that's not possible, they recommend using resources like Netflix to immerse oneself in the language.

What is the biggest lesson the speaker has learned from their followers according to the script?

The biggest lesson the speaker has learned is the importance of being authentic, especially when sharing content publicly, as people can discern honesty and authenticity.

How does the conversation conclude with regards to the Italian language?

The conversation concludes with the speaker asking for help to say 'Subscribe to this channel' in Italian, highlighting their ongoing learning process.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to having a language partner for learning a new language?

The speaker suggests using Netflix as an alternative to immerse oneself in a new language, especially if living in an area with limited exposure to native speakers.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Language Learning and Cultural Perception

The speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the interviewee's participation and sets the context for a conversation about language learning. They discuss the impact of learning a new language on one's thought process and perspective, emphasizing that language acquisition involves understanding the cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions. The speaker shares their belief that learning a language goes beyond vocabulary and grammar, delving into the cultural mindset it represents.

05:00

🚪 The Opportunities Unlocked by Multilingualism

In this paragraph, the conversation shifts to the practical benefits of speaking multiple languages. The interviewee highlights how their language skills have opened doors to educational and professional opportunities, such as studying in France and working with a French firm. They also touch on the social advantages of speaking a native language when making friends, suggesting that it fosters a deeper connection and interest from others.

10:01

🗣️ Advice on Learning Languages and Authenticity in Content Creation

The final paragraph wraps up the discussion with advice for those looking to learn a new language. The speaker humorously suggests finding a partner who speaks the target language as an 'instantaneous' method, but acknowledges that dedication and effort are required for genuine language acquisition. They also share a lesson learned from their followers about the importance of authenticity in content creation, emphasizing that being genuine resonates with the audience.

Keywords

💡Language Learning

Language learning refers to the process of acquiring new languages beyond one's native tongue. In the video's context, it is central to the discussion as the speaker reflects on how learning multiple languages has influenced their worldview and provided opportunities. The script mentions, 'Especially because, when you learn a new language, you are not just learning, the vocabulary, the lexicon, the grammar,' highlighting the comprehensive nature of language acquisition.

💡Cultural Perspective

Cultural perspective denotes the way in which the values, beliefs, and customs of a culture influence an individual's view of the world. The video emphasizes that learning a new language involves embracing the culture embedded within it, as seen in the line, 'the way you express yourself, reflects the cultural background.' This concept is integral to understanding the impact of language learning on one's worldview.

💡Opportunities

Opportunities refer to the chances or prospects for advancement or success that arise from one's abilities or circumstances. The script discusses how language skills have opened doors for the speaker, as in 'Opened doors? Gave you more opportunities in life? Absolutely, 101%.' This keyword is pivotal in illustrating the practical benefits of multilingualism.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity is the quality of being genuine, original, and not copied or imitated. In the video, the concept of authenticity is raised when discussing the importance of being true to oneself, especially in public forums like YouTube, as stated, 'It's very, very, very important, to be, authentic.' Authenticity is portrayed as a key lesson learned from the speaker's audience.

💡Immersion

Immersion in the context of language learning refers to the process of being completely surrounded by a language in order to learn it quickly and effectively. The script touches on this concept, 'then immerse yourself, automatically, in the way the people that speak the language see the world.' Immersion is depicted as a natural outcome of learning to express oneself idiomatically in a new language.

💡Perception

Perception is the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted. The video script mentions how learning a new language can change one's perception of the world, 'So automatically the way you perceive the world changes too.' This keyword is crucial for understanding the cognitive shift that occurs with language acquisition.

💡International Language

An international language is a language that is spoken and understood by people across the world, often facilitating communication between different cultures. English is highlighted as an international language in the script, 'Because it's the most international language.' The discussion around this keyword explores the limitations and benefits of relying on a single international language for global communication.

💡Education

Education in this context refers to the academic study and learning process, which the speaker underwent in English, as mentioned, 'I studied everything in English.' The keyword is used to illustrate the personal experience of the speaker and to discuss the broader implications of language in educational settings.

💡Regret

Regret is a feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened, especially when it involves a loss or a missed opportunity. The script refers to the regret felt by some Italian friends who studied in English and felt they missed out on something, 'They had regrets.' This keyword is used to contrast the speaker's positive experience with language learning.

💡Subscription

A subscription in the context of online content, such as YouTube channels, refers to the act of signing up to receive updates or new content from a creator. The script ends with a discussion on how to say 'Subscribe to this channel,' indicating the importance of audience engagement and support for content creators.

💡Communication

Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings. The video script discusses the role of language in communication, particularly how speaking a native language can facilitate deeper connections, as in 'It's different if you are 'the Italian who speaks English' than 'The Italian who speaks French'.' This keyword is central to the theme of how language skills can enhance interpersonal relationships.

Highlights

The conversation aims to assess how much Italian was learned in a week.

Learning a new language involves not just vocabulary and grammar, but also the cultural perspective embedded in the language.

Language learning can change one's perception of the world by immersing them in the cultural background of the language.

Speaking multiple languages has opened up opportunities, such as the ability to study and work abroad.

Speaking a foreign language, rather than just English, can make social interactions more engaging and open.

English is important but it's not sufficient for making deep connections; local languages are crucial.

For those wanting to learn a foreign language, having a partner who speaks the language can be highly beneficial.

If finding a language partner is not possible, using platforms like Netflix can be an alternative way to immerse oneself in a language.

Authenticity is key when sharing content publicly, as people can discern truth and honesty.

Long-term success in content creation relies on being genuine and avoiding 'fake' behavior.

The importance of engaging in honest ways is emphasized for building trust with an audience.

Learning a language can be a transformative experience that goes beyond just communication.

Cultural immersion through language learning can lead to a deeper understanding of different worldviews.

The conversation highlights the personal growth that comes with language acquisition.

The dialogue underscores the value of multilingualism in enhancing life and career opportunities.

The transcript discusses the social advantages of being able to converse in the native language of the people you meet.

The conversation suggests creative solutions for language learning, such as using media and finding conversation partners.

The interviewee shares personal anecdotes about the benefits of speaking multiple languages.

The transcript includes a light-hearted moment about learning to say 'Subscribe' in Italian.

Transcripts

Ok, ready?

Yep

Yea? Ok.

For starters, thanks for being here.

For doing this with me.

Thank you

Obviously, we are here to see how much I was able to learn in a week.

How much italian I was able to learn in a week.

And

So

No worries -

it's gonna be an easy conversation,

that I wanted to have with you.

It's fine, I'm not worried.

And

So

I wanted to ask you a couple of questions.

Uh-huh

Two or three questions.

And then, if you want,

you can ask me

a question, two question*

Two questions

Good

As you wish, ok? Yes? All good?

Perfect, so...

You, speak like 5 languages right?

4 and a half

4 and a half? Well, almost right?

Yeah, almost.

Yea, so I wanted to know:

do you think that being able to speak these languages, these foreign languages...

changed your thoughts? Your perspective?

Of the world I mean

Hard question.

Yeah?

But, I have an answer.

I mean-

In the past I already had friends who asked me this

And usually my answer is something like:

Yes, absolutely

Especially because

when you learn a new language,

you are not just learning

The vocabulary, the lexicon, the grammar

You are also learning the way the language thinks

Totally

So, the sentence structure, and the way you express yourself

reflects, the cultural background

meaning that the culture is reflected in the language

of course, and that's normal. So, once you learn how to say things

idiomatically

and not translated with like google translate

idiomatically

then you immerse yourself, automatically, in the way the people that speak the language see the world.

So automatically the way you perceive the world changes too.

I mean, it's automatic.

So the answer is yes.

Yeah, I agree with you.

I agree with you.

Ok,

So I wanted to know,

do you think that -

How can I say it?

Learning these languages, being able to speak these languages

Opened doors?

Gave you more opportunities in life?

Absolutely

101%

How? How?

From the start of my university education,

I studied everything in English.

Some Italian friends (at school) would tell me:

"Yeah but ... do you think"

They complained

Let's say they...

How can I say this?

They had regrets

Because, everything they were learning was in English, but they are Italian

and they felt they were missing out, on something.

Ok, but you're talking about the English language, right?

Yes, I mean

I wanted to look more at the bigger picture.

Like all foreign languages

Ok, yes

Because, obviously, English is important

Yes

So, what do you think?

Yes, so as I was saying, that was the perk of studying English for me.

Then, French gave me the opportunity to move to France.

For my master's degree.

And working with a French firm, in France, during my studies.

which I would have never been able to do

And you were also able to make friends.

Absolutely, when you go to a club, a party...

It's different if you are "the Italian who speaks English".

Than "The Italian who speaks French".

I mean, approaching a person

and wanting to speak the native language

The person goes: "Oh but you speak French? You speak Slovak?..

...Well, let's speak then"

The person is much more interested, more open.

The person opens up.

When you speak English, It's like...

English is a step.

Then you have all the ramifications.

Of course, of course, yeah.

So, yeah absolutely.

I mean, starting to talk to another person with their mother tongue.

It opens up a whole new world

I mean, you have just become best friends

Because today I think that

there are a lot of people who think that

you only need to speak English.

Right?

Because it's the most international language.

But I think that

In my opinion,

it's not...

It can't do everything,

because as you said

to make friends

in France, for example

or

I can imagine, in Italy too

We need to speak the language of the locals, right?

Yes

So, do you have suggestions for the ones who want to learn a foreign language?

Yes, I mean, there is one solution that

which is, let's say, instantaneous...

..which is to get a boyfriend or a girlfriend, a partner,

a partner that speaks that language.

Yes, true, true

That's huge.

But, what if it's not possible?

You do it, that's all.

I mean,

if you really want to learn a new language

you go all the way,

and, you do what's necessary.

and here it's necessary to find someone that speaks that language.

If you really can't

and you live in a small town,

or live in a city where there are not that many foreigners,

I would say

well, Netflix.

Netflix

is the solution.

Well, I asked all my questions already.

So, I don't know,

if you want to ask me anything?

Well, yes, I wanted to ask

what has been the biggest lesson

that you learned

from your

your followers?

Very interesting, this question

I think that

when

I publish the videos on youtube

everything is public, right?

Yes.

So, it's very, very, very important

to be

authentic.

Because

people

can see

the truth

Do you understand?

Yes, yes

I think that

yeah,

if I want to do this long term,

Yeah,

It's very important

to do things

in an honest way

If I do something

fake

Yeah.

Yea, I get it.

Yea, I mean, people will feel it.

Uh-huh

They feel it.

Yeah.

Okay.

That answer was hard

Okay hey, I did it, right?

Yep, that was good.

Nicely done.

Alright, well

something to add?

No?

No, do you mean comments?

Yea, or

another question for me?

I don't know.

To show my level of Italian.

Of course

No, it's fine, it's fine

Thank you again for doing this with me.

Thank you.

Thank you for

giving me some of your time

and

oh yeah, yeah,

I wanted to ask you this question:

how to say, how do you say

"Subscribe"?

"Subscribe to this channel"?

You know what? I don't know.

No way.

Wait, wait.

Subscribe, yes.

Subscribe, to suscribe.

Wait what?

To subscribe?

Yes.

Or you can say: subscribe to my channel if you liked it.

Okay, can you do that for me?

Okay.

Please?

Okay.

So

Subscribe to his channel, if you liked the video.

Perfect, thanks a lot.

Thanks a lot.

Okay, enough of this already.