As I mentioned in my initial 20% project, another way in which I plan to learn the German language is through immersion. Of course, I dream of spending extended time in the country itself. However, the immersion I plan on immediately taking advantage of is through sport, specifically, soccer. The German soccer league is called the Bundesliga, and is one of the top European leagues. The team that I associate with is Bayern Munich (Bayern München). Why Bayern? Well, to put it simply, they are the New York Yankees of German soccer. Last year, they were the champions of every circuit they participated in (five trophies in all!). I enjoy cheering for a team that people are not as familiar with because it makes me feel unique. Many American soccer fans are active supporters of English teams, but I feel like this connection sets me apart.
So why learn German? After all, I can follow this soccer league using the English version of their sites. The big games are usually broadcasted in English. There's no immediate need. However, after visiting Munich this past summer, I became completely enamored by the German culture. After visiting the home stadium of my favorite German soccer team, I was hooked. I wanted to learn the language so that I could truly feel a part of things. It's nice to support and enjoy a culture, but to become a part of it? That would be sweet.
Step one: learn German. Easier said than done. However, there might be a way to integrate my love of German soccer with the desire to learn the language. Spoiler alert: there is. Bayern Munich has their own website and iPhone app that makes it easy for fans to keep up with their favorite team. Is there an English option? Sure, but I decide to keep it turned off to help force me to immerse myself in the language as much as possible. Of course, the terminology is restricted to soccer terms. However, I feel that this helps me establish an understanding of the informal use of the language. I have learned words like "tor" or "abseits" ("goal" and "offsides") and their use in context, which I am hoping will eventually lead to a richer understanding of the language further down the road.
I also try to listen to German radio and highlight reels when following my soccer team. This way, I am receiving input through both reading and listening. I would like to know, however, if there are any good German movies or shows that any readers out there would recommend to help broaden my knowledge of the language. My next post will provide another update with Duolingo as far as the success I am having with its use as a tool to help learn a language.
I apologize in advance if my casual German chat is very sports-oriented to start with.
So why learn German? After all, I can follow this soccer league using the English version of their sites. The big games are usually broadcasted in English. There's no immediate need. However, after visiting Munich this past summer, I became completely enamored by the German culture. After visiting the home stadium of my favorite German soccer team, I was hooked. I wanted to learn the language so that I could truly feel a part of things. It's nice to support and enjoy a culture, but to become a part of it? That would be sweet.
Step one: learn German. Easier said than done. However, there might be a way to integrate my love of German soccer with the desire to learn the language. Spoiler alert: there is. Bayern Munich has their own website and iPhone app that makes it easy for fans to keep up with their favorite team. Is there an English option? Sure, but I decide to keep it turned off to help force me to immerse myself in the language as much as possible. Of course, the terminology is restricted to soccer terms. However, I feel that this helps me establish an understanding of the informal use of the language. I have learned words like "tor" or "abseits" ("goal" and "offsides") and their use in context, which I am hoping will eventually lead to a richer understanding of the language further down the road.
I also try to listen to German radio and highlight reels when following my soccer team. This way, I am receiving input through both reading and listening. I would like to know, however, if there are any good German movies or shows that any readers out there would recommend to help broaden my knowledge of the language. My next post will provide another update with Duolingo as far as the success I am having with its use as a tool to help learn a language.
I apologize in advance if my casual German chat is very sports-oriented to start with.