Juggling three languages

While I am in Paris, Italian begins and ends my day, I speak French during the day, and write in English. I talk to myself in a mix of languages though. Sometimes, I’m not even sure which language I’m using. Here it’s mostly French and some English while when I’m in Florence, it’s a mix of Italian and English. When I was learning Italian initially, I would always speak to myself in Italian. I found it an effective way for me to immerse myself in the language. I find it a little more challenging to juggle three languages than when I’m juggling only two. Usually, my brain divides them into "my" language and "foreign" language.

For me, English is always clear. Maybe because I read and write a lot in English generally. I rarely will forget an English word although sometimes a word that fits better in French or Italian might come to mind quicker.

What I find interesting is that sometimes I don’t know which language a person is speaking to me because I understand what they are saying, but don’t necessarily pick out which language it is. The other day I was in the street and I heard a couple arguing loudly. I felt a little embarrassed as I walked past, thinking that everyone must know their business. Suddenly I realized that they weren’t speaking French, but Italian.

In the morning, when I speak to my husband, he’ll speak to me in Italian, but I’ll respond in French. It’s odd because I don’t realize I’m speaking the wrong language until the words come out of my mouth. I know what I want to say and I say it. It’s almost as if when I’m in Paris, my first reaction is to speak French.

I wonder if the brain always interprets meaning or if we normally interpret speech word for word. I think in English I do the same. I don’t get stuck on a word, but rather take in the meaning of what was said.

I am certainly enjoying the challenge of juggling three languages. It definitely keeps me on my toes. I am so happy that French, my first great love, has come back to be a part of my life again. For me, it is a joy to speak another language, to communicate with other people I wouldn’t necessarily be able to in my mother tongue, and to learn the many nuances that make up the culture in which a language is spoken. Returning to Paris has definitely enriched my life in many ways that go well beyond the language.

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