Hi Language Buddy!

I'd like to share with you some of the unexpected treasures I've discovered in my language learning journey. More specifically, I want to talk about those hidden gems in other languages that you would never find in your own, ones that move you and resonate so deeply that it would be a shame to go through life without encountering them.

My personal journey has been dotted with these discoveries. I can recall countless songs in French and Spanish that have moved me, pieces of art I would never have encountered had I not delved into learning these languages. Likewise, as an aspiring children's story writer, I've been captivated by works from other cultures that have broadened my creative horizons.

One such discovery was a collection of Dutch children's stories penned by an author named Toon Tellegen entitled Misschien Wisten Zij Alles. I was so taken with the creativity and depth of these tales that I found myself translating a handful of them into English. These stories were treasures I would have missed had I not ventured into learning Dutch, and I consider their discovery one of the joys of my linguistic journey.

This experience got me thinking about parallel universes, a concept I've previously written about. What incredible works of art, literature, or music am I missing out on simply because I don't speak Finnish, Croatian, or Romanian? It's humbling, even a bit overwhelming, to consider the vast wealth of knowledge and beauty out there, inaccessible only because of a language barrier.

But rather than being disheartened by this thought, I find it inspiring. Yes, it's unlikely that we'll learn every language on Earth, but that shouldn't deter us from learning a few - or even just one. In doing so, we open ourselves up to a universe of content, ideas, and emotions that we were meant to discover. And that is the beauty of language learning. It expands our horizons, bringing us into contact with things we might never have encountered otherwise.

In closing, while the vastness of what we might miss can be daunting, let's remember to celebrate the wealth of what we can find. Each new language we learn is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unlocked. And if you've found something meaningful through your language learning, consider sharing it. Remember, we're all on this journey together, supporting one another and celebrating our shared discoveries.

Until next time, keep learning and discovering!