How To Learn A Second Language, Ideas, Thoughts On Which To Learn?

by Bubblegum Apotheosis 22 Replies latest jw friends

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  NOLAW

  Ancient Greek!
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  blondie

  In this area it would be Spanish, though sign language could be better if you specialize in medical or legal terms. It depends on the major language group after English in your area. We have a large Chinese and Hmong population. This can enhance your work skills and perhaps your earning possibilities. The local vocational college has traditional language classes not just for travel. The teachers tend to be teaching assistants and assistant professors from the local university. Remember just being able to speak a language doesn't mean you can teach others. Just like driving a car doesn't mean you can fix one.
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  00DAD

  Pimsleur is supposed to be good, or Rosetta Stone
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  MrFreeze

  I say study Spanish. If you study Spanish, picking up Italian won't be too difficult (they are pretty similar). So you could learn three languages!

  The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. My cousins are fluent in German because they lived in Germany for a year. The kids there refused to speak English to them so they would learn the language.
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  jgnat

  I thought it would be French or Spanish, but my most fluent second language is ASL. I had a deaf employee and my employer paid for evening classes. I was signing and observing the language every day.

  If you want to learn fast, find an opportunity to immerse yourself in it. College students sometimes stay at a family's home in a foreign country. Fastest way to learn!
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  LouBelle

  It takes about 3 years of studying the language and being immersed in it to become fluent.

  I'm styding Spanish.
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  Band on the Run

  My mind boggles at how many people learn Mandarin now. It is very impt for business reasons. I used to hear the classes and heard people practicing in the lab, it seemed impossible to me. Yet vast numbers study it so it can't be that hard. Romance languages are so much easier.

  People swear if you learn Latin that you will never screw up English.

  Rosetta Stone is great but pricey. I was shocked that my local public library has all the major languages available in a Rosetta Stone type program through a digital link. I sampled the French program and was impressed.
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  Bubblegum Apotheosis

  Spanish would be the most useful language for day to day situations, lots of Spanish speaking people. I like puzzles, Japanese, Chinese (60 percent Mandarin, 40 percent 7 other languages) they have 56 dialects, that's too problematic for me!)

  Spanish with a hint of arabic! thank you for your input, gracias!
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  Wonderment

  I agree with those who recommend Spanish. If you know English and Spanish both, you can communicate with a lot more people than with the other languages worldwide. Even here in America, knowing Spanish can get you a job in unexpected places.

  Good dictionaries are a must. A Verb conjugator book is also a must. And having similar literature of your choice of the language you intend to learn to compare with English. Hey, the WT literature can help you learn a language. You have the NWT Online in numerous languages to compare Scriptures. Etc...

  As others indicated, submerging yourself in the culture will help greatly. Short of moving to another country, one can join an organization, religious or other, and take part in their activities. Practice, practice, practice and after that practice!

  Learning a new language is harder than most folks think. It requires lots of discipline and determination. A cursory interest in it won't do it. But the rewards are great! Millions of people prove that when there is a will, there is a way.
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  Wonderment

  P.S.

  I meant "immerse" yourself in the culture and language you intend to learn, not "submerge" in it.