Thread: I Am New

Hello,
I am 21 years old and would like to learn another language. I am not sure what language I want to learn yet so I was going to try a couple of them out. I only speak english. I took some spanish a long time ago, forgot most of it. Anyone know what languages are easier to learn than others?
Thanks
CW

Spanish is as easy as it gets for English speakers. Russian isn't easy, but it's not impossible by any means. If you want to learn the language for practical reasons, because you like Slavic languages/countries/cultures, or if you're just a polyglot, fine. If you want something just because it's easy, then this language isn't for you -- brush up on your Spanish. Unless you consider "pig Latin" to be a language, then go with that.

Would you say German is easier than Russian?

Probably, considering how much English is derived from German...I still think you're going about this all wrong. Don't learn a language because you're lazy. Learn it because you want to.

Thank you much...

I wanted to live somewhere outside of the US for a couple of years to experence a non american culture. I wanted to get a headstart on the language.

Yep, that is the best way to learn a language. Go to a foreign country.

But, hey, Russia is the most non-American type of culture you can get... west Europe is already pretty americanized...

Er, yeah. Don't just go to Russia without a year or two of language. You will die. A slow, horrible death. I exaggerate, but only a little bit...

Well, you would either die or you will stand up to the challenge and shine with your mighty tongue!!!

Actually, no prior knowledge of Russian is needed, all you need is some good people to look after you

Judgung by some your adventures, KV, they didn't look after you much.

lol, actually I was taken good care of... If I wasn't...

If your tongue is shining, then you've got bigger problems than being a mute... Do we need to throw in a "do not drink the toxic sludge" disclaimer?

If you want a completely un-Americanized culture you are going to have to try some place like Djoubouti, Africa.

Now about this whole "easy languages and stuff." I am always surprised by people who label particular languages as easy who don't have an advanced or superior command of that language in the first place. The truth of the matter is that there are NO easy languages to learn. Some perhaps, are easier than others (based on what your first language is) as I would agree that Spanish is MUCH easier than Russian but make no mistake... language learning is not easy period... Now some of us are much more gifted than others at learning a language (ask basurero about this! ) but there is still a lot of hard work that goes into it.

So if you are going to half-ass anything don't even bother getting started. You will end up very frustrated. Why not just do what most Americans do and study business? With no luck You'll probably end up with a good GPA and a nice pride. That is my advice.

Originally Posted by uno

If you want a completely un-Americanized culture you are going to have to try some place like Djoubouti, Africa.

The fact that you have to list the continent after it should reenforce that point.

Now about this whole "easy languages and stuff." I am always surprised by people who label particular languages as easy who don't have an advanced or superior command of that language in the first place. The truth of the matter is that there are NO easy languages to learn. Some perhaps, are easier than others (based on what your first language is) as I would agree that Spanish is MUCH easier than Russian but make no mistake... language learning is not easy period... Now some of us are much more gifted than others at learning a language (ask basurero about this! ) but there is still a lot of hard work that goes into it.

Valid points. I think that you are talking about the difference in having a "working knowledge" of a language vs. "mastery" of a language. I'm still surprised how much Spanish I can comprehend despite a)hating/being bored with the language, b)half-arsing it, and c)having done so several years ago. Still, someone can spend years and years of dedicated study of a language and still not completely master it (heck, some people here still haven't mastered the English language after decades of use ).

Why not just do what most Americans do and study business? With no luck You'll probably end up with a good GPA and a nice pride. That is my advice.

What!?!??!?!

Originally Posted by kalinka_vinnie

west Europe is already pretty americanized...

That's debatable.

Originally Posted by TATY

Originally Posted by kalinka_vinnie

west Europe is already pretty americanized...

That's debatable.

He was probably making a reference to.... McDonald's fast food. Just kidding!

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Er, yeah. Don't just go to Russia without a year or two of language. You will die. A slow, horrible death. I exaggerate, but only a little bit...

This makes me look forward to my (potential) year in Russia beginning in the fall with very little Russian.

Like it or not, american culture is everywhere in Europe. It is taking you over, like a disease... soon you will all be zombies!

Originally Posted by demoiselle

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Er, yeah. Don't just go to Russia without a year or two of language. You will die. A slow, horrible death. I exaggerate, but only a little bit...

This makes me look forward to my (potential) year in Russia beginning in the fall with very little Russian.

That was really directed at someone who was just going to "go" -- without a program/university. I think it's obvious that if you are part of a structured, reputable group, it's a different story. After all, you don't need to arrange fore lodging, transportation, food, etc.