[Twenty26Six]

I know some people here may have extensive knowledge of foriegn languages. Like scouse. I also know there are a few among us who are trying to pursue further undestanding of languages outside their own.

I myself am trying to learn [in my limited free-time] spanish and possibly modern arabic.

I wonder if anyone has experience with tools, classes, products which increased their understanding? Or perhaps methods which led to quicker language skills.

Maybe people could cite the languages they speak and when they may picked them up. I know we have a fairly diverse range of posters amongst us.

- Jack

[AndSomeAreAngels]

I realize I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but immersion is by far the best way to learn a new language.

I studied two languages formally, taking German for five years in middle school/high school and Norwegian for two years in college. Then, while taking a semester off during college, I traveled throughout Mexico and C. America for four months. The amount of Spanish I learned during that trip was amazing. By the end of it I was talking about politics with locals.

I realize that it's difficult to get away for a long enough period to immerse yourself in a language/culture, but that is definitely the easiest and most fun way to do it.

Nice thread, btw.

[sarabella]

I'm familiar with Dutch, French, Italian and modern Greek and I'm an English as a foreign language teacher here in Amsterdam. I can absolutely say without a doubt that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it, like AndSomeAreAngels said. Obviously, that's not completely possible unless you're planning on moving anytime soon.

I've found that CDs and tapes give you a good start (for speaking, but not necessarily for grammar, structure or even vocabulary). I used the Pimsleur tapes to learn the basics and then moved up to studying the Living Language series - they're fabulous, but horribly expensive. I've also found that the Rosetta Stone software is very useful for learning (and remembering!) vocabulary.

That being said, if you can find a native speaker to practice with, you'll improve so much more than studying by yourself. I'm currently swapping English lessons for Italian lessons, so maybe that's something you can think about.

[AndSomeAreAngels]

Good point Sarabella, re: finding a partner to practice with. The next best thing to immersion is practicing with a native speaker.

[royalstilton]

Originally Posted by kold_77_krush

I know some people here may have extensive knowledge of foriegn languages. Like scouse. I also know there are a few among us who are trying to pursue further undestanding of languages outside their own.

I myself am trying to learn [in my limited free-time] spanish and possibly modern arabic.

I wonder if anyone has experience with tools, classes, products which increased their understanding? Or perhaps methods which led to quicker language skills.

Maybe people could cite the languages they speak and when they may picked them up. I know we have a fairly diverse range of posters amongst us.

- Jack

---
if you want to learn arabic and spanish, i would think that you should move -- immediately -- to the south of Spain...

and to the Toffee fans in our midst...good to see your lads playing better.

i was correct about Tim Cahill, though...

[655321]

Being from Texas and California, I've picked up a fair amount of Spanish. I wouldn't be able to have a full conversation, but I can, for the most part, read billboards, menus and what not.

[royalstilton]

Originally Posted by 655321

Being from Texas and California

---
born in an airplane???

[AndSomeAreAngels]

Originally Posted by 655321

Being from Texas and California, I've picked up a fair amount of Spanish. I wouldn't be able to have a full conversation, but I can, for the most part, read billboards, menus and what not.

I lived in Texas for five years and now in California. Definitely lots of Latino influence in both states, which helps you learn the language a little bit.

I will say that the salsas in Texas kick a whole lot more ass than this shit I've had in Cali.

[655321]

Originally Posted by AndSomeAreAngels

I will say that the salsas in Texas kick a whole lot more ass than this shit I've had in Cali.

True enough on the salsa, but the taquerias in SF have unheard of salsa verde.

[quentinc]

I'm taking Spanish in school, and could probably have a rudimentary conversation, although I'm better at reading (my view is that reading is easy to pick up on, but speaking and writing, because they're spontaneous acts, are probably the skills most benefitted by immersion, simply because you're forced to think that way). And being in San Antonio doesn't hurt; there are regions here that are predominantly spanish-speaking.

I'm also teaching myself french, mainly because I'm a francophile, and am doing OK, although the pronounciation is nearly impossible. But I am comforted by the fact that French is one of the most phoenetically corrupt languages.