So, you’ve decided to tackle a language with a script that looks nothing like what you’re used to. Exciting, isn’t it? Or maybe a little terrifying. You’re staring at those squiggles, loops, and dots, thinking, “How am I ever going to make sense of this?” Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. I have been postponing learning Hindi and Hebrew for about ten years now. Reason? The script… Because I know I can not learn a new language to a fluent level if I can’t read and write. But now I am ready and I will share my journey with you. The important thing is to take it easy. Don’t get overwhelmed.
Learning a new script is like solving a mystery—at first, it’s a bit baffling, but once you crack the code, it’s incredibly satisfying. Let me show you how to get there, step by step, without losing your mind. I have done it twice before, with Russian and with Greek and I can still remember how.
First off, don’t just dive in and try to memorise everything at once. That’s like trying to read War and Peace before learning your ABCs. Start small. Look at the script and get a feel for it. Is it an alphabet, like Greek or Cyrillic? Or is it a syllabary, like Japanese kana? Maybe it’s a logographic system, like Chinese characters. Each type has its quirks, so knowing what you’re dealing with helps. For example, Arabic flows beautifully from right to left, while Korean Hangul stacks its letters into syllable blocks like little Lego towers.
Once you’ve got the lay of the land, it’s time to start recognising the shapes. Treat it like a game. Flashcards are your best mate here, and if you’re feeling creative, make your own. Write the character on one side and its sound or meaning on the other. But don’t stop there—spice it up with mnemonics. For instance, the Japanese katakana モ (“mo”) looks a bit like a fish hook. Picture it catching a fish that’s “motionless” in the water. Silly? Maybe. Memorable? Definitely.
Now comes the fun part: writing. Yes, you heard me. Pen and paper. Old style. Writing helps you connect with the script on a deeper level. It’s like learning to dance—awkward at first, but once you get the rhythm, it’s magical. Grab some grid paper (perfect for scripts like Chinese or Hindi) and start tracing. Follow the stroke order religiously. Think of it as a ritual; there’s a reason for those strokes, and mastering them makes your writing look sharp and professional.
But what about reading? You can’t just write beautifully and not read, can you? Start with baby steps. Children’s books are a fantastic choice—simple sentences and big fonts. If you’re out and about (and you can use google earth for this) look at shop signs, menus, or even graffiti. Anything that’s written in your target script is fair game. And don’t worry if it feels slow. That’s normal. The more you expose yourself to it, the faster your brain will pick it up.
Speaking of exposure, surround yourself with the script as much as you can. Change your phone’s language settings (just don’t forget how to switch it back). Follow social media accounts that post in your target script. Watch films with subtitles. You’ll be surprised how quickly those unfamiliar squiggles start to feel like old friends. And here’s a secret: karaoke. Yes, sing your heart out while following along with the lyrics in the new script. It’s fun, and it works.
Of course, you’ll hit some snags along the way. Maybe some characters look annoyingly similar, or the pronunciation trips you up. Don’t sweat it. Every script has its tricky bits. Break them down. Compare similar characters side by side and find their differences. Practice saying them out loud, record yourself, and listen back. It might feel cringe-worthy, but it’s effective.
Set yourself little goals. Maybe learn five characters a day or write ten new words in the script every morning. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Wrote your name in Arabic? Brilliant. Managed to read a street sign in Greek? Bravo! These little victories add up, and before you know it, you’ll be writing and reading like a pro.
And remember, it’s not just about memorising symbols—it’s about connecting with the language, its people and culture. That’s what makes it all worthwhile. When you read a menu in Japanese or jot down a note in Arabic, you’re not just using a tool; you’re engaging with a whole new world. So, dive in, have fun, and enjoy the adventure. Learning a new script isn’t just cracking a code—it’s unlocking a treasure chest of possibilities.