I started a community college class in Spanish..
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31634)
United States
September 4, 2018 1:42am CST
I signed up and paid for a class to learn Spanish since my DIL is from Mexico and her mother doesn't speak English. I really like her mom!! She tried to learn English but was afraid of being laughed at. Well, now I know how she feels! My third class, the teacher said we had to pair off and perform in front of the class. Well, I left. I could not do that. The last time someone forced me to perform in front of people I was physically ill.
Same thing with learning guitar--I took lessons for two years and could play the basics before arthritis got the best of me but I could never play for other people, not even my teacher.
I am continuing the class online and hope that I can learn enough to be able to have a conversation with my DIL's family in Mexico, they are so nice.
Have you ever had performance anxiety to this degree? 
7 people like this
7 responses
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
1 Oct 18
That's great that your taking classes so you can converse with their family. Would you be talking with them in person or over the phone?
I've spoken in front of people before. It doesn't scare me unless I'm not prepared
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
12 Jan 19
I would be speaking with her on Facebook and when she visits. Unfortunately, I did not attend any more classes. I'm working on some more resources, though!
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
12 Jan 19
@dragon54u You may be able to find free online classes to work through too.
And I wonder whether any mylot people could help with your instruction, although hearing the words would be helpful too because with many languages inflection makes a big difference.
You know, many schools now teach Spanish beginning at a young age. I wonder whether any of those teachers might tutor you for a minimal cost or whether you could sit in on any of the grade levels and learn with them?
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
12 Jan 19
@dragon54u Is duolingo one of the resources you're talking about? I see that both Anna and Judy mentioned that here.
@BarBaraPrz (47274)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
4 Sep 18
So that's what you've been doing with yourself. Nice to see you here again.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
12 Jan 19
Thank you BarBara! You know, when I see your name I always think of that Twilight Zone 1963 episode, "Uncle Simon"..he knew his niece would kill him for his money--he was a scientist and in his will specified that she care for the robot he left. It has his personality and would frequently demand her to do things, always calling her "Bar-bara" if you can imagine that said in a robotic voice! 
I did not finish the class but am looking into other avenues to learn Spanish!
I did not finish the class but am looking into other avenues to learn Spanish!1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47274)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
12 Jan 19
@dragon54u Yup, that's me, completely living in the Twilight Zone.
I hope you get to overcome your anxiety though@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
12 Jan 19
I never will. If a person knows their limitations, their path is easier to forge. I'll learn it somehow. Someone gave me a good suggestion that I plan to follow. I love myLot people! 
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
12 Jan 19
I understand completely!! I will try Duolingo, I just bookmarked it, Judy from Australia made the same suggestion so I will look into it tomorrow. Thank you!
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@LadyDuck (471354)
• Switzerland
12 Jan 19
@dragon54u Duolingo is really great if you want to learn a second (or third) language.
@JudyEv (339574)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Sep 18
I learnt piano for many years but could never play in front of others without making huge numbers of errors. I very quickly gave up. Do you know about Duolingo? It is a free site and it might be of some help to you. And I think this is a marvellous thing you are doing. Good for you. 
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
12 Jan 19
Thank you, Judy! I've been away for awhile but I was glad to see your suggestion. I will look into it!
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@JudyEv (339574)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Jan 19
@dragon54u Nice to see you back here again. I'm back on Duolingo doing French again. I did it at school for five years but that was many years ago. Since we've been going to Ireland to see our son, we've also been to France a couple of times so I'm trying to relearn it.
@ilocosboy (45156)
• Philippines
4 Sep 18
That's nice you learn new language, sometimes I want to learn Spanish and Korean languages but no time.
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