When I was in high school, I was taught Dutch, English, German, and French. Sadly, at the time I wasn’t particularly motivated to learn the latter two, and I could already speak the former two, so I took the easy route. Now, looking back, I realize how valuable it is to speak the languages of the countries surrounding you. Of course, I now also realize just how cheap, relatively speaking, that education was, compared to exploring language classes as an adult.
I figured to have a look at brushing up on my French, given that it’s the second language in Canada. So, I downloaded the Duolingo app on my phone, and I’m putting in some practice every now and then. I’m amazed at how quickly some things come back, even after twenty years. Obviously I’m still at the early stages of the Duolingo programme, but words and grammar come back easily, and I noticed I could even mostly follow along with an entry-level French podcast they offer.
My high school French teacher was so much better at his job than I ever realized at the time. Chapeau, professeur.
It’s amazing how much you retain from what you learned when your brain was young and impressionable. All it takes is a little bit of exposure to the thing to make it all come back — more so with a little practice.