Exploring My First Non-Native Language Books
Language learning and book exploration are two passions that have intertwined beautifully in my life. I have been drawn to various non-native language books that have not only expanded my cultural horizons but also enhanced my language skills. Looking back, my first substantial non-native language book that I completed, outside of children's books or adapted materials for foreigners, wasPouca terra... poucá terra... by Júlia Nery in the original Portuguese language.
Adventures in Portuguese
When I was 17, in my senior year of high school, I had spent about a year and a half learning Portuguese by myself. I had a small dictionary to help me along the way. However, as fate would have it, my passion for this book was interrupted in my French class. A math teacher even asked me to show him the book, which was quite a surprise. This adventure in Portuguese literature has stayed with me, and I often reflect on how this book solidified my interest in foreign languages and cultures.
Classic Quest: The Lord of the Rings
Before taking on Portuguese, I had already explored a more widely recognized book, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I took this epic journey in English relatively early in my teenage years. Although I have re-read it multiple times since then, it remains one of my earliest non-native language discoveries and has a special place in my heart.
Teen Romance and Sweet Valley High
My journey in non-native language reading was partly motivated by a need to improve my reading and comprehension skills. As a teenager in the early 1990s, I read several romance novels borrowed from my aunt. Later, a friend introduced me to the Sweet Valley High series, which resonated with me and sparked my interest in Young Adult (YA) literature. Even though I enjoyed the series, it was not enough to spark a lifelong passion for genre exploration.
Foreign Books as Academic Awards
My love for books and languages was also recognized and rewarded with books as academic achievements. My first complete book in German was Helden der City by Kristina Dunker. I received this book as an award for my diligent learning in high school. Additionally, I read a couple of Tove Jansson's Moomin books in their original Swedish, with the first being "Smtrollen och den stora versvmningen".
Exploring Unique Cultures: Karelian Literature
In a more niche exploration, I delved into the Karelian literature with the book "Muumitata da meri" translated from Finnish. Although the original was "Pappan och havet", this Karelian translation added another level of cultural richness to my reading experience.
Conclusion
Books have been a window into different cultures and languages for me. Starting with Pouca terra... poucá terra... and moving on to The Lord of the Rings, Sweet Valley High, and others, my journey with non-native language books is an ongoing adventure. Each book added a new dimension to my personal and cultural growth. As I continue to explore and re-examine these books, I am reminded of the joy and learning that lies in every page.