Do you speak any languages other than English?
If so, when did you learn and have you spent much time in the countries where that language is spoken?
I used to be near fluent in my teens in German. It's slipped a lot now but I am trying to relearn it. I love Germany and the German - sure, their history isn't necessarily the best, but I have always found them charming and intelligent people.
It's amazing when you are good at another language. Sometimes, if you want to say something in your mother tongue but a word in the other language is closer, you have to stop yourself using that word. It seems to expand your mind and your view of the world.
Foreign languages...
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all new Phil
- Posts: 2023
- Joined: Sun 13 Feb, 2005 00.04
- Location: Next door to Hell
I've studied French, German and Japanese and not done too badly in all of them. The biggest problem is getting them mixed up - I was studying French and German at the same time and had no problems, but when I took up Japanese I couldn't help thinking in German.
Unfortunately I feel like I've reached a mental barrier and as such, I find it hard to absorb any more. It probably doesn't help that I've never been to France, Germany or Japan, to be honest the only *real* way of learning to speak fluently in another language is to spend time in the country.
*OBVIOUS JOKE ALERT*
I love a foreign tongue.
Unfortunately I feel like I've reached a mental barrier and as such, I find it hard to absorb any more. It probably doesn't help that I've never been to France, Germany or Japan, to be honest the only *real* way of learning to speak fluently in another language is to spend time in the country.
*OBVIOUS JOKE ALERT*
I love a foreign tongue.
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Lorns
- Posts: 3149
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- Location: A room with a view. 15 Hookey street, the Edge.
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I'm not fluent in any language. A number of years ago i used to spend alot of time in France and Italy. I was taught French in school and know enough of the language to get by. I only realised how good my French was when the lady in the Patisserie started chatting back to me in French . I felt well chuffed but had to tell her that i was infact English and couldn't understand everthing she she was saying to me. She finished her sentence in English and said my French was very good for a Brit.
In Italy i made alot of friends. My Italian was very poor to begin with but we would go to the beach for the day, i would teach them English and they would teach me Italian. It was the best 6months of my life. I can't remember much now but about 7 years ago i was in a cafe in Canterbury some Italians were asking the staff for sugar, salt and an ashtray. The waitress was confused so i stuck my nose in and told the waitress what they wanted. It's surprising how much you do actually remember after all those years. They then wanted me to give them directions to the Cathedral but i thought it would easier to take them there by foot than give directions in their native language.
In Italy i made alot of friends. My Italian was very poor to begin with but we would go to the beach for the day, i would teach them English and they would teach me Italian. It was the best 6months of my life. I can't remember much now but about 7 years ago i was in a cafe in Canterbury some Italians were asking the staff for sugar, salt and an ashtray. The waitress was confused so i stuck my nose in and told the waitress what they wanted. It's surprising how much you do actually remember after all those years. They then wanted me to give them directions to the Cathedral but i thought it would easier to take them there by foot than give directions in their native language.
Mental anxiety, Mental breakdowns, Menstrual cramps, Menopause... Did you ever notice how all our problems begin with Men?
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Gavin Scott
- Admin
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- Joined: Fri 15 Aug, 2003 13.16
- Location: Edinburgh
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I do a little sign language.
