Yale-NUS Language Exchange

24/04/2022

Daphne (Class of 2023) just completed Beginning Spanish 1! Here are some of her thoughts on taking Spanish at Yale-NUS:

1. Why did you decide to study Spanish?

I have always wanted to learn a third-language because I believe it’s the best way to build a connection with people of other languages. I chose Spanish because it’s the third most commonly spoken language in the world, so I thought it would be beneficial to learn it! But also because I just want to learn more about a culture I am unfamiliar with.

2. How do you see yourself using Spanish after graduation?

I would hope to use it when I go travelling, or use it as a springboard to learn other romantic languages. Being a polyglot is a goal of mine hehe.

3. How is the language program at Yale-NUS like?

Extremely well thought out and structured in a very comprehensive way! Professor Eduardo is very nice and patient, and the peer tutors are extremely helpful too! You never feel like you’re being left to study the language on your own.

4. What advice would you give to Yale-NUS students interested in learning Spanish?

I would say just go for it! It’s really fun to learn; so fun that even when you are confused, you won’t get frustrated. It’s really nice to work another area of your brain and immerse yourself in a different culture!

15/04/2022

Zhala (Class of 2023) is taking German 6 this semester. She shares some of her language learning experiences!

1. Why did you decide to study German?

I started learning German in middle school. I went to an Afghan-German School in Afghanistan, so we had to learn German on the side. My interest in German got stronger, so aside from school, I started to take classes at the Goethe Institute in Afghanistan. Since then, I do my best to practice my German whether it is by taking classes or speaking to people.

2. What advantages do you see in learning German for your plans after graduation?

I think I would definitely want to move to Germany for a while at some point, even if it is not permanent. I have always wanted to live in Germany, but unfortunately, I have never had the chance to visit yet. My mom and brother also moved to Berlin recently, so I will visit them as much as I can, and German will, of course, be very helpful!

3. How is the language program here at Yale-NUS?

The language program at Yale-NUS is very helpful. I appreciate that students can take courses at NUS if the language that they want to learn is not offered at Yale-NUS. The courses are designed in a way that allows students to maximize their learning and take away a lot.

4. What advice would you give students interested in learning German?

Go for it! Try to enjoy the experience without stressing yourself out too much about the grades. Try to speak to others, watch movies, read, and listen to music on the side! It will help out a lot!

23/03/2022

Evan (Class of 2023) is taking Bahasa Indonesia 2 this semester. He shares some of his language learning experiences!

1. Why did you decide to study Bahasa Indonesia?

As a History major, I study the history of Southeast Asia, mainly the Malay world in the early modern to the modern period, and I’ve always wanted to be able to read the texts I use in their original language. Though my level is nowhere near high enough to do that, I’ve nevertheless found it useful to understand some of the languages every time I encounter familiar terms in my research.

2. What advantages do you see in learning Bahasa Indonesia for your plans after graduation?

I’ve got half a mind to continue pursuing my current research field after graduation, so that will come in handy if I keep studying it. But even if my plans go a different way, I live in a country whose national language is Malay and sit next to two other Malay/Indonesian-speaking countries. It certainly opens up many more doors for either work or travel opportunities.

3. How is the language program here at Yale-NUS?

It’s great! I’m really appreciative of the peer tutoring system and my tutor in particular and how much they’ve helped me keep up my practice. I’m also part of the Meja Nusantara (Malay/Indonesian Language Table), where I get the chance to practice with other learners.

4. What advice would you give to students interested in learning Bahasa Indonesia?

Don’t be too concerned about grades, what’s more important is that you enjoy learning the language for itself.

19/03/2022

Nicholas (Class of 2024) is taking Beginning Spanish 1 this semester! Here's what he has to say about learning Spanish:

1. Why did you decide to study Spanish?
i decided to study spanish because i really wanted to diversify my understanding of different cultures - knowing a bit of Portuguese, i kinda wanted to learn how the languages were similar and how they differed. and i just want to know what people are writing online too!

2. How do you see yourself using Spanish after graduation?
i think that i won't really be using Spanish on a fluent basis unfortunately - but it might come in handy while travelling or if i have to work with people fluent in the language! or it would be great to just be able to understand the menus at mexican restaurants...

3. How is the language program at Yale-NUS like?
i think that it's very fun to take Spanish at YNC - Profe is really dedicated and makes sure that we understand the language to our best ability! and the fact that we learn so much about Spanish and Hispanic culture along with the language itself really augments the experience too.

4. What advice would you give to Yale-NUS students interested in learning Spanish?
certainly, go for it! I really think that it's a great opportunity and it will be a great experience, so why not!

09/03/2022

Meet our faculty feature Cendana's Rector and Professor Steven Bernasek!

1. What languages do you know? How do you use them in your research or daily life?

My native language is English. I have studied German, and am able to read German and speak it OK. My vocabulary and ability to speak increase when I am in Germany. I have also studied Czech a bit (my grandparents spoke Czech when I was growing up). I am able to order food and beer in the Czech Republic and shop in the stores OK. I have used German during visits to research laboratories in Germany, and during longer term visits and sabbatical stays in Germany. When I was a student I also used German in reading the scientific literature.

2. What languages did you study in college or graduate school?

I studied two years of Latin in high school, as well as a year of Spanish. I studied German in University, and had a minor in German (four years of courses) as well as my major degree in Chemistry. I also passed a German language exam for chemistry graduate school.

3. What advice would you give to students interested in learning languages?

Study a language. It makes travel more interesting, and it enables living abroad. It also stretches a different part of the mind, especially if you are working in a technical area (science, mathematics, engineering).

4. Anything else that you would like to share about language learning?

Everyone should have more than one language! This is probably already obvious to the typical Yale-NUS student.

22/02/2022

Adeline (Class of 2024) is studying Classical Chinese at Yale-NUS. She shares with us her experience:

1. Why did you decide to study Classical Chinese at Yale-NUS?

I decided to study classical Chinese to better understand complexity of the Chinese culture through it’s stories and language, as well as be able to use this knowledge to find connections between the modern world and historical world!

2. What advantages do you see in learning Classical Chinese for your plans after graduation?

Being able to interpret these texts and understand different cultures and politics through a language will definitely put me in good stead in any field I plan to go to. I plan to major in ES and I believe tackling real world problems in modern society always needs us to incorporate different nexus of cultures and perspectives from the past, to better understand the world we live in now.
Bringing the best of culture and and language into modern policies and global solutions is definitely one of the biggest advantages.

3. How is the language program here at Yale-NUS?

The amount of support and guidance you will have whilst learning a new language was definitely so much more than I could have ever expected. The access to peer tutors and the encouragement and patience from the prof really eases you into the language no matter how foreign or difficult it might be. There are so many resources and support for you as long as you are willing to reach out and find them, so you’re never alone in your journey of learning a new language!

4. What advice would you give to students interested in learning Classical Chinese at Yale-NUS?

Don’t be scared and be patient with yourself. It still gets really confusing for me sometimes as it is completely different from the modern Chinese I am used to, but do forge good friendships in your class and work with them, it helps a lot!

09/02/2022

Daniel (Class of 2024) is studying French at NUS CLS. Here's what he has to say about his experience!

1. Why did you decide to study French?
I would like to become a polyglot one day, so after having learned Spanish for almost a decade the next most natural language to try and pick up was French! Access to French language opens up a whole new world of appreciation for things like French history, art or fashion.

2. How do you see yourself using French after graduation?
I do plan on using not just French, but also the other languages I’ve learnt, to travel the world and unlock new cultural experiences. The Francophone diaspora is so far flung, I’m sure that I will have many adventures to come, thanks to my understanding of the language.

3. How is the language program at Yale-NUS like?
Taking classes with CLS allows one the opportunity to be exposed to and make friends with the larger NUS community. It is fun to be able to step outside of my comfort zone!

4. What advice would you give to Yale-NUS students interested in learning French?
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. We are all learning, and sometimes part of that process means sounding a little stupid when trying to vocalise new words or phrases. Embrace that!

25/01/2022

David (Class of 2024) is studying Chinese at Yale-NUS! Read on for some of his thoughts on learning the language!

1. Why did you decide to study Chinese at Yale-NUS?

I love studying new languages because it opens the door for many exciting discussions and allows me to empathize better with other people. When I arrived in Singapore, I noticed that many people use Chinese in their daily conversations. Hence, I thought it would be worth trying it out and seeing if I enjoy it. I've loved it so far!

2. What advantages do you see in learning Chinese for your plans after graduation?

While I haven't decided on my major yet, I am interested in social sciences, such as Anthropology and Global Affairs. I would love to be able to engage with Chinese scholarly work, as it would allow me to expand my knowledge on different subjects and understand different academic perspectives.

3. How is the language program here at Yale-NUS?
I think the Chinese language program is very well-structured. The classes focus on reading and listening comprehension, as well as on writing characters and oral performance. Learning Chinese requires a lot of memorization and repetition, and I find the seminars very useful for practicing this.

4. What advice would you give to students interested in learning Chinese at Yale-NUS?

I would definitely recommend students to take the Beginning Chinese course. It is a very fun experience, and students can learn the basics of the language, such as the correct pronunciation, tones, and grammar structures. After this course, the students would have a much clearer idea of whether they would like to pursue the study of Chinese.

29/11/2021

Rounding off this semester is a faculty feature: Prof. Stuart Strange (Social Sciences, Anthropology)! Read on to hear about his view on learning languages!

Language is the stuff of which social relations are made. For humans, at least, language is the ultimate means of understanding who we are through those who speak to us and to whom we respond. Studying language is first and foremost about embracing a new world of possible relationships and ways of understanding what a relationship, like friendship, can be. This was not a lesson I was ever taught but one which I learned through learning to live other languages through the relationships they enabled. It is this facet of language learning that I love the most; beyond the seeming arbitrariness of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are the people who live these patterns as they live their own lives. Through language, then, we learn to share our lives with others in new ways.

05/11/2021

Cathy (Class of 2024) is studying Chinese at Yale-NUS! Read on for some of her thoughts on learning the language!

1. Why did you decide to study Chinese?
I wanted to learn Mandarin since I spoke Cantonese at home and it felt more useful in society.

2. How do you see yourself using Chinese after graduation?
I think more casually if anything because I don't see myself learning "business chinese" but if I go to China or even in Hawker centers, I'll definitely use the Chinese I learned.

3. How is the language program at Yale-NUS like?
I think it's very strong and supportive. I felt that my Chinese language skills have grown so much so quickly and it really does help to have class almost everyday. The need for constant repetition is so important and useful, and my teacher is very supportive so I think that definitely helps with my learning. Additionally, since Yale-NUS has summer programs with funding from CIPE, it is very conducive to learning Chinese (or any language for that matter) over the summer and keep growing your language skills. I know a lot of people who were able to jump from beginners to advanced because of the summer programs, and I think that's very helpful.

4. What advice would you give to Yale-NUS students interested in learning Chinese?
It does take a lot of time, especially when you're learning to write new characters, but it's important to drill it in. The only way to improve your writing is just to constantly practice writing it, and even though it is tedious, you will eventually get there. On the otherhand, to improve your speaking and listening skills, it's really helpful to practice speaking in Chinese with people outside of class and engage in Chinese media like songs are tv shows, even if you're still reading subtitles.

29/10/2021

https://vimeo.com/25215616

Ever wanted to know how different languages interpret animal sounds? Featuring English, Mandarin, French, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Hindi, Canadian-French, Romanian,…

27/10/2021

Tinotenda (Class of 2024) is learning French this semester! Read on for some of her tips on learning the language!
Why did you decide to study French at Yale-NUS?
I did French for some years in high school and I knew that it was something that I wanted to hold onto and develop in college. What I think has made my learning experience unique in Yale-NUS is how I can practise my French with a French-speaking peer, which has helped me greatly in developing my confidence in speaking French (shout out to my peer tutor!)

2. What advantages do you see in learning French for your plans after graduation?

Besides being able to speak the language of love, I would say that just learning a secondary language to a good proficiency is already impressive enough to put on a CV. It shows dedication and a desire to learn and a possible ability to be able to hold an eye out for detail. Also considering how multilingual people are nowadays, I think it is always good to have a second language up your sleeve since you never who you will meet!

3. How is the language program here at Yale-NUS?

What I appreciate about the language program at Yale-NUS is that it does its best to make the language as accessible as possible, be it because we can also take language classes at NUS or how Yale-NUS has language ambassadors and peer tutors that students can approach as they embark on their learning journey. It is truly a program that is catered to maximise the learning experience.

4. What advice would you give to students interested in learning French at Yale-NUS?

I think this can go for anyone learning a language, especially at Yale-NUS, but take advantage of the diverse community we have. I am certain there is someone who you can buddy up with and practise your second language with. Exposure is key in acquiring a language and we are blessed in that we are in a community that can foster that. Plus this is a great way to make friends as well!