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#1
11-16-2005, 06:26 AM
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Learning a foreign language
I am traveling starting in January, and I was wondering if it would be possible for me to be come fluent in 1 or 2 different languages on my journey.
So, I need to know what is feasible in terms of time it takes to learn a language. I have taken a couple courses in spanish and a couple courses in german. I speak spanish fairly well (conversational), but my german is horrible (I can do the basics). So that is the extent of my current foriegn language experience. However, I imagine immersion is key to becoming fluent. So, assuming I study up on the language before I enter a new culture. This will involve buying a book like teach yourself french in 24 hours. You know the type. Also, I'll get an additional book on tape to listen through. 2 books of prerequisite knowledge. After this, I'll sojourn in an area that speaks the given language for a period of ~2 months. Doing my best to be maintain complete immersion in the culture and language. I want to pick up at least 2 languages. I was thinking French and Hindi. As for why I picked Hindi and French, I was hoping to stay in paris and play at the aviators club fairly often. I figure 2 months there playing at the aviators club 3-5 times a week, and talking with those guys in french should give me a chance. Plus daily life activites. No real reason for Hindi, just thought I would stay in India for a spell, and since that is the most common of their many dialects or at least most widely spoken of of any of the modern indic vernaculars, it would be the best choice. So, am I off my rocker. Is 2 months way not enough time? Is 2 months too much time? Is 2 months a reachable but tough goal? what ya think? blake 
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#3
11-16-2005, 08:19 AM
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Re: Learning a foreign language
there's about as much casual conversation at an ACF poker table as there is at an American poker table - not that much. plus, the vocab/phrases used are pretty limited.
anyway, 2 months isn't enough. I'd say that if you were paying to take a daily class, then you could become very good in 6 months. in 2 months, you'll learn some phrases, but still have trouble understanding native speakers. as for Hindu, it will take much longer, since it bears no resemblence to any language you have previously studied. you'll have to start w/ a new alphabet. I'm not sure how much longer, but at least a couple more months. the trouble with immersion is that if you start with zero knowledge of French, listening to French people speak to each other will just be complete gibberish. you need to start w/ some level of understanding. OT: you'll be bored silly playing at the ACF 3-5 times a week.
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#4
11-16-2005, 08:27 AM
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Re: Learning a foreign language
2 Months of total immersion can get you pretty far if you're naturally gifted and you study a bit beforehand. From experience I'd say this could get you to a 13-year old's understanding of grammar (thought this will only come with STUDY) and conversational ability, but with serious problems in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation and the ability to understand native language speakers with an accent.
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#6
11-16-2005, 09:08 AM
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Re: Learning a foreign language
I think it is awesome that you are doing this!
I have had formalized language training and various self-study programs. In general, two months will give you a good foundation for further learning but will rarely give you anything beyond formulated conversations (Where is the bus station? It is two blocks west, etc.). With a structured language program and a lot of work two months can give you a little bit more than this in easier languages (French, for example). Grammar is the key. A language with easy to grasp grammar (e.g. French) is much easier to excel at and become capable in faster than a more difficult language (e.g. Hindi). French is not easy, but it is MUCH easier than Hindi. I have a friend who took formal Hindi training and said it was the hardest thing he ever had to do. Once you have basic grammatical concepts down (pronunciation, sentence structure, tenses and cases) immersion is key to build vocabulary. Try to get the grammar before you focus on vocab. I know this is less fun than learning new words but it is so much more important and I cannot stress pronunciation enough. This is also difficult to do because so many of the learn [Insert Language Here] books focus on vocab vs. grammar. A key companion to immersion is having someone that can explain things to you when you do not understand. Blunt force immersion is not as effective as having someone that can explain difficulties to you in your native language. You need both. Since you have some Spanish and German knowledge I think French is a great choice. I think Hindi might be a little too daunting. I spent a week in India. I wouldn’t recommend an extended stay there for many reasons (but you do have to see the Taj Mahal before you die), many people speak English, you have to learn a new alphabet, and I think there are more useful languages to learn. Again, good luck and feel free to PM me if you would like some more info.
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#7
11-16-2005, 09:22 AM
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Re: Learning a foreign language
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#8
11-16-2005, 09:23 AM
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Re: Learning a foreign language
[ QUOTE ]
I think it is awesome that you are doing this! I have had formalized language training and various self-study programs. In general, two months will give you a good foundation for further learning but will rarely give you anything beyond formulated conversations (Where is the bus station? It is two blocks west, etc.). With a structured language program and a lot of work two months can give you a little bit more than this in easier languages (French, for example). Grammar is the key. A language with easy to grasp grammar (e.g. French) is much easier to excel at and become capable in faster than a more difficult language (e.g. Hindi). French is not easy, but it is MUCH easier than Hindi. I have a friend who took formal Hindi training and said it was the hardest thing he ever had to do. Once you have basic grammatical concepts down (pronunciation, sentence structure, tenses and cases) immersion is key to build vocabulary. Try to get the grammar before you focus on vocab. I know this is less fun than learning new words but it is so much more important and I cannot stress pronunciation enough. This is also difficult to do because so many of the learn [Insert Language Here] books focus on vocab vs. grammar. A key companion to immersion is having someone that can explain things to you when you do not understand. Blunt force immersion is not as effective as having someone that can explain difficulties to you in your native language. You need both. Since you have some Spanish and German knowledge I think French is a great choice. I think Hindi might be a little too daunting. I spent a week in India. I wouldn’t recommend an extended stay there for many reasons (but you do have to see the Taj Mahal before you die), many people speak English, you have to learn a new alphabet, and I think there are more useful languages to learn. Again, good luck and feel free to PM me if you would like some more info. [/ QUOTE ] You are an awesome poster! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I'll most likely be contacting you later. thanks for the imput blake
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#9
11-16-2005, 09:25 AM
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Re: Learning a foreign language
I lived in Hong Kong for 9 months without knowing any Cantonese beforehand. My Cantonese now still sucks. However, this is probably due to the fact that 90% of people in Hong Kong speak English and I relied on that too much. Still 2 months isn't gonna cut it. Yea, you'll be speaking the language everyday, but you won't want to be studying it hardcore. You'll want to see the sights, explore the cities, and have fun.
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#10
11-16-2005, 09:35 AM
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Re: Learning a foreign language
[ QUOTE ]
To the OP: Highly variable, but sounds like a lot of fun and the effort you put in beforehand will certainly pay off once you are en route. To loyalguard: WTF...."I wouldn't recommend spending an extended time there for many reasons." Thats nice. And irrelevant. "I think there are more useful languages to learn." Like French? "But you have to see the Taj Mahal before you die." Okay... [/ QUOTE ] Yes, like french. If you speak french and english you can speak to just about anybody in Europe, and lots of other places as well. If you can speak hindi, so what, everyone speaks english there already. Really useful languages to know in my opinion: English, Mandarin, French, Arabic, Spanish, German.
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