Thanks John, I just read your article about how languages shaped your life and it was a fantastic piece! I knew Monica had the best network here on Substack ;)
Excellent idea, Monica! And Barbs, I think you are on to something with the sense of humor being language-dependent. I realized that I was truly bilingual when I started making cracks in German as well as my native English.
Thanks, Caroline! I agree, you can say you're truly integrated when you are able to make jokes in a certain language (bonus if you also include cultural references).
Loved this. I love Barb's sense of humour, now I'm wanting to learn Italian so I can laugh even more! 😂
I found this interesting, "I even struggle to explain to my family, in Italian, what my job is." My bilingual husband occasionally tells me he can't translate something, and I get surprised, as I know how good his English is, and Japanese is his mother tongue. What do you mean you can't translate it?! Barb, you've given me more understanding, thank you.
Thanks for reading it, Debbie. It's true that some things are untranslatable, whether into your mother tongue or another language you speak well otherwise.
@Monica, The questionnaire is such a nice idea. I am also preparing something very similar, and I am very happy yours turned out so nice!
@Barbs, thanks for sharing this info. For us it might be a nice post, but I can imagine that some of the answers might be very personal to you.
It is also funny how, after reading some of Barbs's posts and Notes, her answers feel very natural. As if I know her somehow and I expected what she would reply in some of the questions.
This was a very nice read and thanks both for making it happen.
Thank you! Great, looking forward to discovering what you are preparing!
It's so true, we get the feeling we really "know" a person/writer, from her words. The more you read someone, the more you get used to their style. This is confirmation that Barbs was truthful in her answers to my questions. 😄
Really enjoy reading this, Monica! I can relate to Barbs and the challenge of being funny in a foreign language 😂 And I can also see myself reflected in Barbs' cultural shocks about seeing people doing things in different ways when you've been told a million times your way (that of your culture) was the only acceptable one. It's so fascinating to observe other customs and challenge the way we do things.
I love the end points, so blooming true and I something pre travelling me didn’t know. You’ll leave to travel but you, as you left, will never return. My bestie calls them various versions of myself which I love. Thanks for sharing this, as always wonderful reflections and I’m enjoying this new interview thing (maybe you’ve done it pre me finding you, but I like the way you do it!).
She says things like Shiela Ireland merged with Sheila in Spain to create Shiela.2 haha. It’s such a lovely way of recognising travel changes you but that you’re still you, just a new version. She’s the bestest bestie.
That was Awesome :) Monica ! Please interview Me next :) !
Loved this, Barbs and Monica, thank you both.
Thanks John, I just read your article about how languages shaped your life and it was a fantastic piece! I knew Monica had the best network here on Substack ;)
Thank you so much, Barbs, for reading!
So many great insights on living abroad. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading it!
Thank you Monica for putting together such great questions ! It's a wonderful initiative
This is brilliant. I love Barbs and her Substack and find her perfectly funny in English. What a great interview and answers. 🤩🫶🏻
Thanks for the kind words, Elaine! 🤩
Thank you! :) you're too kind
Excellent idea, Monica! And Barbs, I think you are on to something with the sense of humor being language-dependent. I realized that I was truly bilingual when I started making cracks in German as well as my native English.
Thanks, Caroline! I agree, you can say you're truly integrated when you are able to make jokes in a certain language (bonus if you also include cultural references).
Thanks! For a moment I feared that was all in my head :S
Loved this. I love Barb's sense of humour, now I'm wanting to learn Italian so I can laugh even more! 😂
I found this interesting, "I even struggle to explain to my family, in Italian, what my job is." My bilingual husband occasionally tells me he can't translate something, and I get surprised, as I know how good his English is, and Japanese is his mother tongue. What do you mean you can't translate it?! Barb, you've given me more understanding, thank you.
Thanks for reading it, Debbie. It's true that some things are untranslatable, whether into your mother tongue or another language you speak well otherwise.
Thanks! I'm glad my struggles with language made sense to you! It would be funny if your husband didn't know a Japanese word you understood perfectly.
Haha! I now have Buddy Holly singing in my head, "That'll be the day..." 🤣🤣🤣
@Monica, The questionnaire is such a nice idea. I am also preparing something very similar, and I am very happy yours turned out so nice!
@Barbs, thanks for sharing this info. For us it might be a nice post, but I can imagine that some of the answers might be very personal to you.
It is also funny how, after reading some of Barbs's posts and Notes, her answers feel very natural. As if I know her somehow and I expected what she would reply in some of the questions.
This was a very nice read and thanks both for making it happen.
Thank you! Great, looking forward to discovering what you are preparing!
It's so true, we get the feeling we really "know" a person/writer, from her words. The more you read someone, the more you get used to their style. This is confirmation that Barbs was truthful in her answers to my questions. 😄
Awww thank you so much you guys!! :) I feel the same about reading you too. It is a bit like getting to know you because you are true to yourselves
Really enjoy reading this, Monica! I can relate to Barbs and the challenge of being funny in a foreign language 😂 And I can also see myself reflected in Barbs' cultural shocks about seeing people doing things in different ways when you've been told a million times your way (that of your culture) was the only acceptable one. It's so fascinating to observe other customs and challenge the way we do things.
Thanks, Cristina! I think that's one of the first aspects we all get challenged on as we emigrate: things are not done just *your way* anymore. 😄
I love the end points, so blooming true and I something pre travelling me didn’t know. You’ll leave to travel but you, as you left, will never return. My bestie calls them various versions of myself which I love. Thanks for sharing this, as always wonderful reflections and I’m enjoying this new interview thing (maybe you’ve done it pre me finding you, but I like the way you do it!).
"various versions of you" is such a great way to put it!!
She says things like Shiela Ireland merged with Sheila in Spain to create Shiela.2 haha. It’s such a lovely way of recognising travel changes you but that you’re still you, just a new version. She’s the bestest bestie.
Thanks, Sheila. It's the first time I've done the interview format and I really like the result. Barbs' perspective is wise and witty. 😍
You’ve done a great job! It’s a skill being able to present the words of another. I look forward to reading more from you 😁
You and your interviewees!
It is a fun project, more coming soon!
Woo hoo 🙌 I’m here waiting for more 💚
Lovely piece. LIved in seven countries, and having a hell of a lot of fun. Lovely to run into people on the same wavelength.
One of our people! :)
Thanks, Dany! 7 countries, that's such a mosaic of experiences!