Q&A: Something new I’d like to learn

Every month, I publish an answer to a reader question. Here’s a transcript of my answer to one of my favourite readers’ questions:

Is there something new you’d like to learn or be better at?

Aside from mastering the writing craft, I’d love to speak several languages. It has always fascinated me to speak foreign languages, and then be able to connect and communicate with people from different cultures, and understanding their world through their own language. It feels like unlocking new parts of the world each time you pick up a new language.

I want to dive deep into different languages — not just learning the words, but understanding the culture and history behind them. From ordering food in a local dialect when I travel, to reading books or watching films in their original language, that I might otherwise miss. It’s not just a skill; for me, it’s about curiosity and connection and being able to travel the world and discover odd places and new people.

I love the challenge, and I know it will take time, but it’s a pleasant journey. Right now, I obviously speak Dutch as it’s my native language. I do speak English fairly well because most of what I do is in this language. I’m also on my way to speak Spanish, and a couple of years ago I got the chance to learn Arabic as my friend is from Syria, but at this point I can’t get any further than the alphabet.

Are you currently trying to learn or explore something new? Let me know in the comments!