Should I dream of a day, in the future, when I'll no longer need the dictionary, the notebook, the pen? A day when I can read in Italian without tools, the way I read in English? Shouldn't that be the point of all this? I don't think so. When I read in Italian, I'm a more active reader, more involved, even if less skilled. I like the effort. I prefer the limitations. I know that in some way my ignorance is useful to me.
In Jhumpa Lahiri's "In Other Words," she contemplates the possibility of a future where she can read Italian fluently without the aid of a dictionary or notebook. While this thought is appealing, she questions if that should be the ultimate goal. Lahiri believes that the struggle of reading in a new language enhances her experience, making her a more engaged and active reader, despite her limited skills.
She finds value in the challenges and limitations that come with reading in Italian, as they contribute to her growth and understanding. For her, ignorance serves a purpose and fosters a deeper connection with the language, allowing her to appreciate the effort required to communicate and comprehend. This perspective highlights the importance of the journey in language learning rather than solely focusing on the destination.
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