how to learn a language like an anthropologist
(this is for the "social route" to language learning. it's not relevant for literature-focused language goals; for that, try "learn a language like a classicist".)
- focus on the goals, not the language itself.
- accept that you will interact socially while talking like a child.
- accept that even if you put a lot of dedication, you will likely stay at "less-than-fluent" skill. think of what this implies for your goals, and avoid pitfalls of overestimating your understanding.
- protagonise native speakers, ask help with things you can't do alone, and return the favour with things you can do for the community.
- accept embarassment; accept that the embarassment will sting; leverage embarassment as a positive tool for social dynamics. be the fool.
- notetaking and transcription aren't just ways to generate data, they're great tools for learning too.
- language practice is a social dynamic in itself; nourish the bonds you create in this context.
- language is a factor of group identity. you can make people feel respected, like you're not just a tourist, by putting effort to get decent in their language. but don't flex as an expert, as someone who came to appropriate their thing and make it your thing.
- know how to get information about the language in the language itself, going their way (cf. Everett's demonstration of monolingual fieldwork https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYpWp7g7XWU ).
Actual reason I do it on my right hand for playing guitar.
Although after I started doing it, I think it’s pretty practical to have at least one pointy nail.
A diversity of tools in the toolkit if you will.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
via https://archive.org/details/amiga-world-premiere-1985/page/n105/mode/1up?view=theater
TIL about https://scribe.rip "An alternative frontend to Medium" ala Nitter and Invidious
To view a Medium post simply replace medium.com with scribe.rip
(thanks @edwardloveall for making it this looks awesome!)
the fully open source hardware RISC-V Precursor from bunnie studios is now shipping out to people. pretty insane this thing was actually made
"Ms. Scott had no formal training, no education to speak of, could not hear or speak and had Down syndrome. Her work exists without explanation, even as to how it should be displayed. Right-side up or down is a curator’s assumption. Every one of her 200 or so pieces is “Untitled.”"
Saw a thing about #savetf2 today, basically a call to try and get any kind of support/maintenance updates.
I’ve had such a good time playing over the years, and love that silly, goofy, absurd game so much.
@SuricrasiaOnline reality fundamentally does not conform to arbitrarily contrived categorizations or social constructs, therefore assigned gender is a sloppy approximation even at best, ergo everyone is at least a little trans. qed
Perpetually curious spirit haunting the sprawling suburbia of central Florida.Big time generalist, learn everything, absorb the universe, chase utopia.I enjoy being surrounded by life and a lack of concrete.