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Today I'm talking about my experience doing a #PhD in a second language (pros, cons, and tips). I open a thread:
#phdlife #L2 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #bilingual
#phdlife #L2 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #bilingual
I'm a Chilean, Latina psycholinguist, born and raised in Chile. I did a PhD in psycholinguistics in Scotland, at Edinburgh Uni. When I moved to Edinburgh (25y) my everyday-life-English was crappy and my experience with academic English was very limited. It was VERY frustrating.
As a language person, I was used to feeling comfy reading & writing both academic and non-academic stuff, and was passionate about creative writing. I didn't realise how important language skills were for socialising (& networking!), until I migrated. So, things to keep in mind:
1. It's hard, but it GETS BETTER. The first few months are difficult bc you're not only settling down in a new country, where you're (most likely) alone and scared. You're also dealing w/a constant feeling that you're about to say something utterly wrong...
But (& I say this as a linguist) linguistic immersion is the most effective method to learn a language fast & well. You'll struggle a little at first, but you'll pick up (your brain WILL do the job) & in no time you'll be fluent. It'll pass, & you'll be bilingual! How about that.
2. Strike the right balance btwn exposure to the new language and exposure to your native tongue. You might be tempted to hang out A LOT with ppl who speak your native tongue. That might delay a little bit your learning, and extend the pain & confusion. If you do the opposite,
& end up speaking your second language all the time, you might boost your learning quite a great deal. However, speaking your native language is important for MANY reasons: 1st, it brings you back home - that's good for your heart and mental health; 2nd, it gives you a break
(which is good for your brain, & helps manage the anxiety associated with speaking an L2 all the time); 3rd, it helps you take care of your native language (if you don't use it for too long, bad things can happen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_attrition); 4th, it's a part of your identity! 
3. INSECURITY. You might feel insecure about doing things that you normally do pretty well in your native language (teaching, writing, giving a talk, asking questions, having an important meeting). Be kind to yourself, it will get better with time as well. How to make it faster?
4. PRACTICE. Speaking an L2 is v demanding for your brain, if you're anxious, things get messier. I dealt w/that by practicing a lot in order to feel comfy with certain tasks. The hardest were: Meetings with supervisors very early on, Academic Writing, & talks (bloody hell...)
5. To do that, you need to STAY ORGANISED and plan ahead. (I know, how annoying... but it's true). Sadly, you'll need to work harder than native speakers for certain things. Make peace with that as soon as you can. Again, it will get easier every single day. And you'll be proud.
6. You'll make BILLIONS of mistakes in your L2. Let it go. It's part of the learning process. Don't get caught up with perfectionism. You're doing something really hard: emotionally, psychologically, and cognitively. Make sure ppl can follow what you say - that's (usually) enough
7. You might be tempted to 'lose your accent'. This is a v personal decision, but (as a & feminist linguist immigrant) I strongly advise you NOT to do that. My accent is part of who I am, it says a lot about me: I'm a Latina, L2 researcher, immigrant. NOTHING to be ashamed of!
8. You might experience racism. Both in academia and outside of it. Pls DO report that behaviour if you can. Don't let academics get away with unprofessional b*llshit. This can happen anywhere, anytime. Find your community, ask for help, and take care of yourself in the process.
9. Writing papers. Be patient, it will be a little harder than it was in your 1st language, but you'll get there. Academic writing is a skill in itself, & the PhD is a great opportunity to develop it. If you're stuck, ASK for help (supervisors should direct you to resources).
10. You speak WAY BETTER THAN YOU THINK. Even if you feel that you can't a form ONE sentence in your L2, that's only anxiety speaking. By the time you start the PhD, you've: written an application, (prob) got a visa, booked a flight, found a flat, went to the pub... See?
11. If you're struggling with your language skills, ask for help at Uni. There's usually A LOT of resources available to students (at least that was my case, I really hope this is the case for everyone). But pls correct me if I'm wrong. I'd like to know.
12. Don't let yourself get lonely bc' you don't want to speak your second language. Find a community and take care of your mental health. I wish someone would have told me this: THERE ARE SO MANY STUDENTS IN YOUR SAME SITUATION. Support each other & make things better together.
13. By the time you finish your PhD, you'll be ABSOLUTELY FLUENT in your L2. I don't worry about my language skills anymore. I now feel comfortable with talks, writing, teaching, etc, & can enjoy a whole new world of movies, books, music, & PEOPLE <3
14. Again, Pimienta says hi and not to freak out, and encourages you to read a spooky book in your L2 during this spooky weekend (bonus if it's by a #Latinx author, e.g., #mexicangothic)
*thread by @anitatobarh :)
