Languages and cultures! Trying to make friends...

[nitabunni]

I posted this elsewhere, but feel I should post it here too. Hope I get a response.

Brief intro: I'm a 23 year-old woman, Afro-American, married with a small son, and my most avid passion is probably learning about world cultures and languages. In my opinion, bettering knowledge in other cultural aspects and languages opens doors to many opportunities, experiences, as well as other markets that otherwise would not have been opened as widely. It's really hard for me to find people with these interests who take my same approach to viewing the world, and now that I have a family it seems even harder to reach out.

So what I'd like to find are friends, genuine and sincere friends, that would like to learn and explore with me as we grow in our studies of the world.  The options can be limitless in what we could do with what we learn. If I could just make some friends with someone that understands where I'm coming from... 

These days, my only real availability is during the weekend and sometimes during the weekday when I have the energy (I work during the weekdays). I don't mind Skype if push comes to shove (though I haven't really tried Skype much yet).

I guess I have a large capacity to retain languages I think, so maybe this is why I take on so many language-learning projects at once (and it's really not as time-consuming as it may seem on the surface). So that you have an idea of the languages I really would like to learn more of and cultures that I would like to understand better, here's an idea below:

*Spanish: This is a must for me at some point! My Spanish is mediocre at best, and when I try to practice it I'm either not skillful enough to carry on more conversation or the person I'm speaking to only wants to talk English. I would like to learn Spanish to better communicate with and understand Hispanic cultures in the Western Hemisphere. I've always felt some kind of kinship with Latinos because of the mixed African, European, and Native American backgrounds of many of the people, as I'm essentially of the same technical mixture. I also am very interested in Native American cultures in Latin countries. I hope that once I understand enough Spanish, I can continue onto Portuguese.

*Mandarin Chinese: I'm somewhat fluent in Mandarin, and what I hear incorrectly I understand once it is written down. I'd love to be able to make new Mandarin-speaking friends. I've always loved China's culture and have spent a certain amount of time studying Chinese history and culture. It is very fascinating. I also am interested in Taiwan.

*Cantonese Chinese: Since so many people seem to speak Cantonese as opposed to other dialects in the US, I wouldn't mind brushing up on my Cantonese. I have a so-so understanding of Cantonese and I am familiar with a fair amount of special Cantonese words that don't really exist in Mandarin. Personally, I prefer traditional characters over simplified. I've always thought Hong Kong must be really cool.

*Japanese: I've studied Japanese by myself since I was 11. Japan is obviously a very prominent country in Asia, but my interest in Japan has more to do with the society itself. It's interesting to see what new things are always coming out of Japan - pop culture, art, music, inventions, etc. There are actually many reasons I continue to study Japanese. Yes, I admit that I went through a manga and anime phase as a teenager, but who didn't in the generation that I'm from? Oh, and just on a side note, my husband and I really like Japanese hip hop, lol.

*Tibetan: I've been enthralled by Tibetan culture for a while. I also respect the philosophies of kindness and karma passed down in Tibetan culture. The amount of spirituality within the culture is also something that I love, as I also believe in many similar things such as karma, rebirth, nirvana, etc. My husband in Tibetan and I am learning the language, and I would definitely enjoy running into someone that can relate to Tibetan culture. Oh, and I LOVE Tibetan art.

*Nepali: Actually, I really love the idea of the whole Himalayan region.  It would be great to learn Nepali, plus my husband would probably remember the Nepali he forgot since he was born in Kathmandu.

*Hmong: I have been told that it is not that hard for a Chinese speaker to learn Hmong, but I'm not sure if it's true? That's one reason I'd like to learn, as I'd have a basis to begin with grammatically having studied Mandarin. Another reason is that I am originally from the Midwest where many Hmongs reside. I am a bit moved by the situation with many Hmong refugees coming from Southeast Asia and being relocated in the US. I also really like Hmong ghost stories and am really interested in learning anything about Hmong Shamanism.

*Thai/Lao: I really admire the Theravada Buddhist elements of Thai and Lao culture. I also really think Thai and Lao languages sound interesting and would like to learn more and practice what I've already learned. I also try to make Thai dishes a lot-- lots of coconut milk, curry, garlic, peppers, etc. It would also be awesome to meet someone who practices Theravada Buddhism.

*Tagalog: I have been interested in the Philippines and Filipino culture for a long time now. Maybe it is because of the history and mixed culture of the Philippines that makes me want to understand better. I tried learning Tagalog before and it was hard! I liked learning though and I'd love to make more friends that can speak a Filipino language (or speak some). There's so much to talk about! If you wonder why I would want to learn Tagalog, look at the present US-Philippines Ambassador, he's fluent isn't he?

*Indonesian: I tried studying Indonesian before, but I wound up forgetting it because I don't use it. It's a language that I really enjoy learning because I can pick it up quickly and it's not overly complicated. I used to listen to Indonesian music a while back and that helped ("Terbaik Untuk Mu" is so sad). A side note: Indonesian food is yummy (especially satay!) and I really am amused by Balinese culture as well.

*Haitian Creole: I just plain think Kweyol is cool. I have studied French in the past, and to see how some of the words are transliterated in Creole is cool. I also have heard that Louisiana Creole is somewhat similar.

*Swahili: Swahili is one language that I've wanted to learn for a long time, but never really have known anyone to speak it to. It would be awesome if I met someone that could speak it and has used it. Places like Kenya and Tanzania also fascinate me, especially the natural environments. I have taken a liking to Swahili music like Nameless, Ogopa DJs, etc.

*Yoruba: Yoruba is another language that seems really cool and I have latched onto well, but I haven't really been able to make use of it. I really want to know more about Nigeria because of its large population and because I can see traces of things in Afro-American culture that seem to have originated in the region. I also watch Nollywood films (as if this would make a difference, lol).

*Hindi: I watch a lot of Bollywood films!! Haha, jk (I do though). My mother-in-law speaks Hindi as one of her first languages (Tibetan from India), and I think it would be cool if I could brush up on Hindi other than "Kya wo?" and "Thora thora samajti hai". India is another place that gives me chills when I think about the history and stories over the ages. It originated so much wisdom! I feel an affinity to India for just no plain reason in sight.

*Vietnamese, Khmer, Twi, Tamil, etc -- I haven't started learning, but I wouldn't mind just getting into these for fun (I don't know if I'd use them in the future, but I'd still like it).

So in a nutshell, I can help you out with whatever I know (I have a knack for helping other people in things I'm good at) and I hope you can help with whatever I don't know. Hope I can make some really nice friends.

If you aren't interested, maybe you can pass this on to someone else (hopefully a woman) who can relate to this that is looking for a new friend.

Thanks!

 

[NiqNaq23]

HI there, what a very interesting post~ Reason being not to many people are open enough and willing enough to learn about different cultures. From your list of cultures, I am somewhat familiar with the Spanish culture. I am bilingual.  My 3rd culture that I am embracing is Samoan because my husband is Samoan, and kids are mixed.  My native American blood is from the Hopi tribe, but my dad is the one up on that. I don't know much about it. But just wanted to reply to your post. Sorry I am not much of help, but is here as a friend. I'm not on here much though. Facebook has become my 2nd home. :o) Take care, and good luck!

[nitabunni]

Quoting NiqNaq23:

HI there, what a very interesting post~ Reason being not to many people are open enough and willing enough to learn about different cultures. From your list of cultures, I am somewhat familiar with the Spanish culture. I am bilingual.  My 3rd culture that I am embracing is Samoan because my husband is Samoan, and kids are mixed.  My native American blood is from the Hopi tribe, but my dad is the one up on that. I don't know much about it. But just wanted to reply to your post. Sorry I am not much of help, but is here as a friend. I'm not on here much though. Facebook has become my 2nd home. :o) Take care, and good luck!

Hey! I actually remember you from the Blasian group!

Thanks for replying to the post.

How fluent is your Spanish and how did you learn it?

I've actually always been interested in Pacific Islander cultures as well, I just have never actually met anyone from the islands. I've thought the languages were really cool-sounding, especially Hawaiian.

Look up Anita Andrugsurba on Facebook and feel free to add me. :)

[NiqNaq23]

Quoting nitabunni:

 Hey! I actually remember you from the Blasian group!  Glad someone remembers me..LOL

Thanks for replying to the post.

How fluent is your Spanish and how did you learn it?  I was getting bilingual pay for work, so I am considered fluent.  I have a certificate for L.A.. County. I was an exchange student my sophmore year to Tepic Nayarit, Mexico. That's how I learned it on hands.

I've actually always been interested in Pacific Islander cultures as well, I just have never actually met anyone from the islands. I've thought the languages were really cool-sounding, especially Hawaiian.  My daughter's name is Hawaiian. It's Keonahi'ilani (Key-O-Nuh-He-E-Lawn-Knee). It means God's gracious gift, held in the arms of heaven. I like the Hawaiian language better then the Samoan language.  The Samoan language just sounds harsh.  I am not fluent in it, but I do know the basics. :o)

Look up Anita Andrugsurba on Facebook and feel free to add me. :)  Will do!

[Teal]

I'm in, although I'm not fluent in any language other than English anymore.

I can understand French although sometimes I need the speaker to slow down but I answer in English.  I'm teaching myself Korean and that is slow going.

[luvmy3keiki]

 Aloha!  Hawaii will be such a perfect place for you to visit.  We are such a melting pot here.

I am Filipino, Chinese & Spanish.  I was born in the Philippines but came to Hawaii when I was 10.  My first language was Tagalog.  I still speak it but not as fluent, but fluent enough to have a decent conversation.  The Tagalog language is actually pretty comparable to Spanish, since a lot of our words came from Spanish due to the Spanish invasion of the Philippines.  I would love to learn Chinese.

Like you, I also like learning about different cultures.  I hope to travel a lot someday but I like to immerse myself in the culture, not the touristy stuff =)

[OrchidSunset]

This post is intriguing! I wish I could help. As it is, I just wanted to respond since I have a similar interest in language and culture.

The languages I am most in love with and definitely want to learn are: French, Spanish, Japanese and Samoan. I understand basic Samoan but don't speak it fluently, despite being born and raised in Samoa. I'm fascinated by Japanese culture (probably because Samoan culture is sort of opposite) and all the different nuances that make up their traditional world. 

NiqNaq- your comment about the Samoan language being harsh sounding made me smile. I love the language, but it really does sound rough around the edges! I remember all of us Samoan kids in grade school joking about how when grandma says something nice it still sounds like she's affectionately scolding.

Best wishes, nitabunni! This is a beautiful goal you've set for yourself!

[Evelinasmom]

Hi! your post is so interesting! :)

I'm Indonesian, and i'd love to help you practice your indonesian, lol. My name is Starlet, i'm married to a Ukranian/scottish/cuban guy, and we have a 2 1/2 year old girl, Evelina Christa.

i'd love for my daughter to speak several laguanges. I think it's very important, and..... cool! lol

[newmom1980]

u have interesting interests and I too want to learn how to speak Kiswahili, I have wanted to learn for almost 10 years a my friend married a man from kenya so that helps. there is also this tutoring website from actual teachers in Kenya that conduct classes through live window online. Also Hindi is a wonderful language and another that i want to learn, though for where I want to live in India I think Marathai would be best. U should check out that language too.