Cinco de Mayo

Languages don't stick to my brain. I'm not sure why.

I took Spanish in middle & high school for multiple years, but barely know my numbers and colors. I took Ancient Greek in college (to avoid the verbal exams), and failed each level of the program once before scraping by with a C– on the second try. Even my native tongue, English, is a mystery to me. I don't know the grammar, turns of phrase make zero sense... of course, this could have something to do with being autistic, but it's frustrating.

My partner is fluent, as is their family. When we see them, I miss out on so much because I don't know the language... and then I miss out on even more because of my audio processing disorder.

Thanks to Duolingo, I've learned a few phrases. Thanks to my partner I've learned some funny responses to use as catchphrases with their family. But it's embarrassing that they learned a whole other language, and can live + work within it, but I can't do the same.

I know this day is more about americans drinking marg's and ordering shitty taco's from yt-owned restaurants.

But it's a reminder that I should keep trying. One day, it's gotta stick, right?

05.05.2022 / milwaukee, wi