When I first moved to Madrid, I didn’t speak a single word of Spanish. I still remember standing in the bank, trying to explain a simple transfer with hand gestures and a hopeful smile. Now, I can handle all my daily tasks without a problem. But deep conversations? That’s another story.
Speaking a second (or third!) language is not just about vocabulary and grammar—it’s about identity. You’re suddenly not the same person. You can’t express yourself with the same depth, wit, or nuance. Your jokes don’t land the way they used to, and sometimes, you laugh at a joke 30 minutes too late. There’s always a slight fear of being misunderstood or not fully understanding others.
And yet, this experience teaches patience, humility, and resilience. It pushes you to listen more, to find new ways to connect, and to embrace moments of awkwardness with a smile.
For those navigating life in a foreign language—how do you deal with this? Have you ever felt like you’re not quite yourself when speaking another language?
The Language Barrier: More Than Just Words
