Thread by @PeopleOfFinland

Today’s topic continues to be language (again, due to yesterday’s divergence)
I was raised monolingual English-speaking. But in Ireland everyone has to learn Irish throughout school. I never really cared much for Irish until I was about 16/17.

I have dyslexia and for many dyslexic people, you are given an exemption from studying Irish. I talk more about my relationship with Irish (and a bit about Finnish!) in an early episode of @Motherfocloir
headstuff.org/motherfocloir/…

Falling in love with Irish was like a gateway drug for me. I love learning languages. I began to learn Swedish back in 2014 when I studied at Åbo Akademi and I think I have a pretty decent level of Swedish now, partially thanks to Duolingo, partially to Swedish speaking friends

I can read pretty decent French but these days I struggle to respond as it’s been so long since I’ve spoken it. I wish language was riding a bike - that you never forget. Unfortunately it’s like the muscles required to ride a bike. You have to exercise.

That’s why Duolingo can be so good if you actively use it. It keeps you fresh, keeps you on your toes. Even though it’s not perfect, it’s a great resource to keep you active. I’m just hoping they do Finnish soon!

I mentioned yesterday that I was learning ISL. ISL is like riding a bike, I think! I find it a lot easier to recall signs because they require a physical act. Your body remembers them before you do. It was such an innovative way to learn and I would highly recommend it!

We had no notes, we had no desks, we hardly spoke in class, my teacher was Deaf and we all managed! I’d love to see Sign Languages more commonly part of school curriculums