Learning new language - questions

[regulus]

I was just curious on how long it would take (roughly) to be able to have a basic conversation in a new language. Is it true that some languages are harder than other to learn? I was under the impression that if it's new to you, it's all 'Greek' anyway until you learn it. I'm not new to languages as I'm semi-fluent in Dutch, passable in German and spent 6 months last year trying to learn Swedish (which was an interesting mental challenge). Looking to have a go at a Central European language such as Czech or Slovak.

What is the best way learning a new language? When I tried Swedish I had no idea where to start and just tried brute forcing it by memorising hunderds of words without looking at sentence structures, tenses or verbs. I have a Swedish friend that helped me with prenounciation so I got it right. The idea was that if I knew enough words, I'd be able to recognise some of them in sentences and figure out what the conversation was about. While it worked to some degree, it didn't feel like the best way of doing it. I'm sure there is people here that knows how to go about it.

Oh, the reason for wanting to learn Czech/Slovak is a 9 week trip through Central and Eastern Europe next summer coming up and would be so much easier being able to speak some of the Slavic languages. Even if knowledge is just basic.

 

[whitecrook]

Given you speak these languages already - you should know your self how long it takes? ???


In my (limited) experience the best way to learn a language is just constant exposure to it. Want to learn a language ? Live in the country where they speak that language for a few months at least.

 

[theleg]

For english speakers, chinese, japanese, korean and arabic are the hardest to learn..
Best way to learn is classes and immersion in a native speaking country.

In your case id say the best way is to take classes or get a tutor. In london im sure you can find someone to teach ya..

 

[regulus]

Given you speak these languages already - you should know your self how long it takes? ???


In my (limited) experience the best way to learn a language is just constant exposure to it. Want to learn a language ? Live in the country where they speak that language for a few months at least.

Not quite as I learned those when I was young due to living in those countries for short periods of times and kids absorb and retain languages in a way adults don't dare dream of.

 

[apeZ]

In my (limited) experience the best way to learn a language is just constant exposure to it. Want to learn a language ? Live in the country where they speak that language for a few months at least.

This.

4 days in Paris did more for my language skills than 4 months in a classroom. Go to the country, immerse yourself in the culture and the language.

Just seeing all the signs and hearing people converse in the language is how you pick it up. Which reminds me I need to head back to France...

 

[whitecrook]

This.

4 days in Paris did more for my language skills than 4 months in a classroom. Go to the country, immerse yourself in the culture and the language.

Just seeing all the signs and hearing people converse in the language is how you pick it up. Which reminds me I need to head back to France...

With the emphasis on living/working rather than 'visiting'.

 

[apeZ]

With the emphasis on living/working rather than 'visiting'.

I agree, but I met up with a penpal who spoke barely a word of English, so I spoke mostly in French.

Living/working there will give you the best cultural 'integration' though, no doubt.

 

[regulus]

That won't be possible as I'll only be travelling there. I guess I will have to do this the hard way and memorise thousands of words and sentences for potential situations

 

[apeZ]

That won't be possible as I'll only be travelling there. I guess I will have to do this the hard way and memorise thousands of words and sentences for potential situations

Focus on learning how to form questions. Who, what, where, why, when, how. All very useful.

Thousands of words, nah. But make sure you have all the obvious ones under your belt, especially if you need to describe things.

Can always take a dictionary with you too, learn as you go

 

[whitecrook]

Focus on learning how to form questions. Who, what, where, why, when, how. All very useful.

I was going to type that earlier, as it's much more important than sheer vocab.

As with a lot of things if it comes down to do or die then you will 'do'. If you have to speak a language to buy food, or buy a bus ticket then you will.. eventually.