My language goals for 2023

With just over a week left to the new year I’ve pinned down my language goals for 2023. Some of these I’ve been putting off for a while and I’ve resolved to getting around to them in the new year. Others are brand new goals that I’ve drawn up.

I’ve been working on trying not to expect too much of myself. So I’ve decided to set goals that are achievable while still leaving room for a challenge. If, God-willing, I achieve half of these goals then I will consider the year a success.

Here are my language goals for 2023.

Start Latin

Latin has always been my greatest ambition. As a Potterhead I’ve been intrigued with the language ever since I first picked up the books over 20 years ago. The language’s connection to the Roman Empire makes it even more interesting. After all the entire Romance language family has Latin to thank for being in existence!

In terms of where I will learn it, I came across this course by YouTuber Luke Ranieri.

Try Japanese

I’ve yet to attempt a language from the Far East and I want Japanese to be the first. I know that Kanji adds an extra dimension to it but that’s where the fun is for me. The only time I’ve had to learn a new script thus far was when learning to write Arabic in high school, so this will be a fresh challenge.

Aside from writing, learning Japanese grammar and consequently delving into aspects of Japanese culture such as morals, ethics and honor are what I can’t wait to experience.

Practise Italian

After just over two years of studying Italian I recently sat the PLIDA B1 certification exam. While the results will only be released some time around early February 2023 I do feel fairly confident in my ability to speak Italian at the moment. I want to make the most of this momentum and solidify my knowledge by becoming comfortable with speaking.

Sometimes the best language learning you can do is strengthening a language you already know.

Continue Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge)

In 2021 I decided to have a go at Irish Gaelic. I came across a beginners course that offered fantastic online material. Unfortunately the free package only offered access for a few weeks. I absolutely loved learning it though and I’m hoping to find another resource online that I can use this time. If you’re aware of one let me know in the comments.

Irish Gaelic is a language whose numbers have dwindled over the last few centuries almost to the point of extinction. While a lot of effort has been made to revive the language over the last few decades there still only exists around 70 000 native speakers worldwide. Part of the reason I want to learn Gaelige is to contribute towards its revival.

Improve my Afrikaans speech

Afrikaans remains my official second language having picked it up in my youth. While I’m able to understand most of what I hear I still struggle somewhat with speaking so I’ve thought about taking a few lessons. I’m certain that given a little practise I’ll be able to speak just fine. My Afrikaans-speaking colleagues for one will be pleased I’m sure. 

(Bonus) Attempt some more German

Earlier this year I visited Switzerland and needless to say it was one of the best trips of my life. I was itching to travel somewhere following the pandemic and the opportunity to be exposed to a bit of (Swiss) German only made it that much more enticing.

German has a reputation amongst English speakers for being something of a “harsh” language, at least as far as the way it sounds goes. However the more of it I’ve explored the more beautiful it’s started to sound and read. Now that my curiosity is piqued I’d love to delve a bit deeper. Nevertheless I’m leaving this as an optional goal as I know I’ve already demanded a lot of myself for the year overall.

Do you have any goals for 2023? Let me know in the comments.

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