The Power of Perception: Language as a Lens with Mohamed Soliman
Mohamed Soliman is a multilingual educator and language enthusiast. Having lived across the Emirates, Germany, the Netherlands and Egypt, Mohamed brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to his teaching. He specializes in German language instruction, utilizing his experiences to enrich his students' understanding of different cultures. Mohamed is passionate about the transformative power of languages and how they shape our perception of the world.
Almost two years ago, I did something BOLD and moved to Germany. After working with music producers mostly located in the UK and Europe, and falling in love with my now husband, who is German, it felt like the right thing for me to do. After a couple of years, I can confidently say that it was, and for so many more reasons than I could have ever imagined before I took the leap. One of those reasons, and a huge part of building my new life here, has been learning German and the effect it’s had on me. I can’t lie - it’s been so very challenging, but learning an unfamiliar foreign language in my 30s, at the same time as immersing myself in the culture, has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life! A lot of the enjoyment and expansion that I’m experiencing in this process is thanks to my fantastic german teacher, Mohamed Soliman. Mohamed is a polyglot and teacher with a passion for language. He not only teaches me German, but also how Germans think, how the language facilitates the culture, and how to appreciate new ways of thinking.
I know it’s a bit unorthodox to tie this in with spirituality, but having experienced a huge mental shift while going through this process, I wanted to shine some light on one of many ways to expand your view of yourself, the world, and the people in it - learning a new language.
So, in this episode, Mohamed shares his insights on the positive sides of learning a new language as we discuss the impact of language on self-perception, the role of age in language learning, and how speaking the same language can help to humanize others. We also highlight the importance of curiosity, open-mindedness, and cultural understanding in language learning. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
✷ Perception is the process of translating sensory stimulation into organized experience, and learning a new language can improve our ability to perceive the world.
✷ Learning a new language helps us see ourselves differently and boosts self-confidence.
✷ Age plays a role in language learning, but it should not be seen as a hindrance. Patience and an open mind are key.
✷ Speaking the same language as someone else or learning their language can lead to humanizing them and fostering closer connections.
✷ Language learning opens doors to exploring different cultures and helps us accept and appreciate differences.
✷ Learning a new language rewires the brain and can help develop the ability to set emotions aside and be open to new experiences.
✷ Curiosity, open-mindedness, and cultural understanding are essential in language learning.
Support:
Mohamed on Preply: https://preply.com/en/tutor/3048206
Follow Mohamed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfsh_soliman/
Our Show’s Theme Song: Grey Rock Shuffle by Ray Alex ft. Sydney Jane