Hi Angelina, so impressed that you can write so well in a second language. I'm a mono-lingual Australian with some oral fluency in Italian but that’s it. My son has lived in Sweden for 7 years and now writes it fluently as do his children. I'm in awe! So write on! Substackers like you, @katerinagod and @veronicallorcasmith have wonderful gifts to share in your second (or third?) languages.👍
I'm Italian. I started loving the English language in middle school. Now I'm 42.
I waited until a couple years ago to start publishing in English. Too much.
It was just stupid self doubt.
Readers and editors appreciated my content since the beginning. I know my use of the language is not a the level of native expert writers. But it's more than enough to write helpful content.
I can relate :) and I feel bad that I lost almost 5 years being intimidated and scared to write publicly and rebuild what I built once in my home country, Serbia.
Thanks.
I enjoy reading your articles on Medium and here as well.
I can relate to what you wrote. I'm French and mostly writing in English these days. But I always feel like an imposter, scared of the comments I might get for my poor English. I haven't had any of these bad comments yet, but maybe it's just because not many people read my articles. Oh well... 😕
Thanks Laurence, obviously we need place where we can talk about our struggles and realise they are not real, just our imagination.
I’ve never had bad comments either. Even at my work my boss told me multiple times he never had issue with my English and that I write better than many Aussies. Thanks for your comment and support.
English is my third language, but it doesn't stop me from writing. On the contrary - if you are a non-native English speaker, it can give you an advantage. The power of online writing lies in its simplicity and clarity. Most people need help understanding such fundamental matters as the constitution or legal writing.
If you can write in a way, everyone can understand - you are an excellent online writer.
I don't feel like an emigrant after living for over 20 years abroad (including Australia). I feel like an explorer. Traveling and living abroad are the best universities, and they taught me more than my PhD. I recommend them to everyone.
Oh, you’re right. Living in different places make your life better in many ways. In our case, we left too old - both my partner and I were over 40. In that age, you feel like you left entire your life behind. It’s odd feeling, but I keep choosing it over staying in one place.
What are your first two languages? You’re really rich man :)
I see your point about age. On the other hand, this is the perception of your age, not the reality. 40 is young. We live much longer than previous generations, and the number of people over 80 will triple in 30 years.
We were brainwashed by society to believe what you should do or what you should not do or be at a specific age. I don't believe in any of those rules.
My native language is Polish, and Russian was my first foreign language. But now I hardly use any of them.
I can semi-agree :) 40 is still young (I started my masters at 40), and it’s not that I suffer from norms. I do like that we turned our family life into adventure.
I’m just that nostalgic, old soul that is really deeply rooted into country, language, national culture and I feel that disconnection sometimes. But at the end of the day, that’t the price I am ready to pay.
I went off topic - I love reading comments from all of you as I feel we all share the same experiences.
Such a good read about an important topic. Thanks.
Most of non-native English writers are hesitant to publish at the beginning. I wasn't an exception.
I'm Swiss. So, naturally it's complicated.
My first language is German. In school I've learned French, English and Italian.
Because I emigrated to Transylvania at age 36 I've learned Romanian.
I'd like to encourage everyone to write in whatever language you like. If English is a foreign language for you, write anyway, learn, use Apps to help you. Make the little mistakes your style, your voice.
Hi Angelina, so impressed that you can write so well in a second language. I'm a mono-lingual Australian with some oral fluency in Italian but that’s it. My son has lived in Sweden for 7 years and now writes it fluently as do his children. I'm in awe! So write on! Substackers like you, @katerinagod and @veronicallorcasmith have wonderful gifts to share in your second (or third?) languages.👍
Oh, yes, I follow and like both of them :)
I'm Italian. I started loving the English language in middle school. Now I'm 42.
I waited until a couple years ago to start publishing in English. Too much.
It was just stupid self doubt.
Readers and editors appreciated my content since the beginning. I know my use of the language is not a the level of native expert writers. But it's more than enough to write helpful content.
I can relate :) and I feel bad that I lost almost 5 years being intimidated and scared to write publicly and rebuild what I built once in my home country, Serbia.
Thanks.
I enjoy reading your articles on Medium and here as well.
Thanks!
I can relate to what you wrote. I'm French and mostly writing in English these days. But I always feel like an imposter, scared of the comments I might get for my poor English. I haven't had any of these bad comments yet, but maybe it's just because not many people read my articles. Oh well... 😕
Thanks Laurence, obviously we need place where we can talk about our struggles and realise they are not real, just our imagination.
I’ve never had bad comments either. Even at my work my boss told me multiple times he never had issue with my English and that I write better than many Aussies. Thanks for your comment and support.
English is my third language, but it doesn't stop me from writing. On the contrary - if you are a non-native English speaker, it can give you an advantage. The power of online writing lies in its simplicity and clarity. Most people need help understanding such fundamental matters as the constitution or legal writing.
If you can write in a way, everyone can understand - you are an excellent online writer.
I don't feel like an emigrant after living for over 20 years abroad (including Australia). I feel like an explorer. Traveling and living abroad are the best universities, and they taught me more than my PhD. I recommend them to everyone.
Oh, you’re right. Living in different places make your life better in many ways. In our case, we left too old - both my partner and I were over 40. In that age, you feel like you left entire your life behind. It’s odd feeling, but I keep choosing it over staying in one place.
What are your first two languages? You’re really rich man :)
I see your point about age. On the other hand, this is the perception of your age, not the reality. 40 is young. We live much longer than previous generations, and the number of people over 80 will triple in 30 years.
We were brainwashed by society to believe what you should do or what you should not do or be at a specific age. I don't believe in any of those rules.
My native language is Polish, and Russian was my first foreign language. But now I hardly use any of them.
I can semi-agree :) 40 is still young (I started my masters at 40), and it’s not that I suffer from norms. I do like that we turned our family life into adventure.
I’m just that nostalgic, old soul that is really deeply rooted into country, language, national culture and I feel that disconnection sometimes. But at the end of the day, that’t the price I am ready to pay.
I went off topic - I love reading comments from all of you as I feel we all share the same experiences.
Thanks Jerry :)
Such a good read about an important topic. Thanks.
Most of non-native English writers are hesitant to publish at the beginning. I wasn't an exception.
I'm Swiss. So, naturally it's complicated.
My first language is German. In school I've learned French, English and Italian.
Because I emigrated to Transylvania at age 36 I've learned Romanian.
I'd like to encourage everyone to write in whatever language you like. If English is a foreign language for you, write anyway, learn, use Apps to help you. Make the little mistakes your style, your voice.
But foremost, be proud of your skills.
Hi,
first, sorry that I missed your comment.
And I’m so glad that many people can relate. Thank you for your kind words.
Clear not clever wins online. You should be proud of yourself!
Yes, but getting clear in the second language is sometimes harder - which makes any success even more fulfilling.
Thanks for your comment and kind words.