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I met my in-laws last summer when they flew in from Hong Kong to New York. They are probably the world’s nicest in-laws. The only barrier that we really had was the language - they speak Cantonese and Mandarin and I speak: Korean, Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese (for my Grandmother’s side). Even though their English is not bad at all, there were still a few moments of: “Huh?” The Cantonese that I learned on cds helped, but not enough for me to converse with complete understanding.
After they left, I continued the Cantonese cds and talked with my Chinese friends whenever I could with them correcting me or praising me. I feel pretty comfortable with listening and basic conversation now - I can go to Chinatown and actually ask where things are, how much things cost and things of that sort.
But talking to my mother-in-law last night put the biggest grin on my face. She has been learning Korean online and tried out so many phrases on me, we giggled and laughed. At times she forgot what things meant and when I told her, I didn’t even realize I was explaining in Cantonese! We were both so happy to communicate in Canto-Korean. I couldn’t believe we were talking for over an hour, having so much fun and actually understanding one another. 
I’ve been really fortunate and this Thanksgiving season there were many things I was thankful for. But this particular Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for having two moms. Twice the love, for one daughter.
that’s so cool that you both have been learning languages. i’m totally in awe [and a bit jealous] of your language reportoire. i’ve been dying to learn korean for years now. any advice?
aw don’t be jealous. i’ve lived in all those countries and plus my school requires me to learn italian and french. 
as far as learning korean, maybe check out a korean language school? they usually have a ton of those around. but korean i learned from growing up there
wow miss poppy, you sure know your languages, that’s very cool and you must have had a great traveling experience! no wonder you’re a professor!
and that’s so sweet that your mil learned korean to communicate with you!
that’s really cute!! you have such nice in laws!!
My FMIL & FFIL speak English fluently, but they pretty speak tagalog wherever they’re able. I really want to learn, but there seem to be relatively few resources for this language. I’m impressed you know so many languages, even though you’ve lived there, that’s still really amazing.
You are so luck to have your in-laws! (well, they’re lucky to have you too) :p
such the linguist! that’s awesome. what CD are you using to learn cantonese? is it any good or are you just really good at picking up languages?
thanks gals!!
well languages as far as japanese, korean, spanish and italian.. i’ve lived in those places long enough to know the languages. (childhood in korea, japan; italy later childhood and spain also)
i have to say i got a knack for learning langs only cuz my mother was a opera singer and she needed to know those as well.
as for the CDs i’m using pimsleur set. it’s good! hehe
you so rock. thanks for the CD tip
did you get the $20 one?
i think so, it’s pretty basic but it’s good enough for me
oh girl, you’re the one that rocks! hehe
It’s awesome that you can speak so many different languages and that you have a great relationship with your FMIL.
Very sweet entry!
I’m soooo impressed with your language abilities–and her picking up Korean! Wow!
OooO, Miss Poppy. What is the name of the CDs that you use to learn Cantonese? My bf is Cantonese, but doesn’t know how to speak it (just English). My Cantonese mother wants him to learn… Thanks.
very awesome! my korean is slowly but surely going down the drain, along with what little french and spanish i knew. mr. lime’s basic cantonese and thai are slowsly going to mush, too. luckily, both mr. lime’s parents and my mom speak and understand english well (which doesn’t help our declining mastery of langues other than english).
awww thats really sweet!
I’m completely the opposite — I know a little Cantonese and Mandarin, and am trying to learn Korean. It’s been quite the challenge, but you are an inspiration to us all!! Italian and French — makes sense, since you studied music … I minored in piano and I remember all the actual majors walking around talking different languages. I so admired them!!
You are so smart! Very impressive! That is the cutest story ever…
hehe you girls are a confident booster! thanks you
miss plumeria - maybe you and i can practice and teach each other hehe
and yep we have to learn italian, french and german at a level where we can read literature in those languages! eeeps. good thing i already know french and italian! 
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Mrs. Poppy, New York Age and Occupation: 27, PhD Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, High End Retail General Manager Engagement Date: February 25, 2006 Wedding Date: July 2007 Venue: Astoria World Manor, Queens, New York About Me: I'm a graduate student majoring in Piano Performance. I love knitting, crochet, cooking and learning languages ( I know six so far!). You can find me at your local karaoke bar, yarn shops, sheet music store or any store with Hello Kitty!
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