I have had this strong desire to learn a different language. I think it all started when I almost failed French in High School. It stirred something inside me that I should try harder, and how wonderful it would be to speak another language. Now it's been a little over 10 years and I have only made feeble attempts to learn another language, (that is except for baby talk which I have actually find pride in translating my kids, especially when it is to my husband.). I have come to the conclusion that it's not the actual learning part that is hindering me from starting, it's deciding which language I really want to learn. I'm torn between Spanish, French and German. Since I can't commit it keeps me from buckling down and just doing it.
I think Spanish is beneficial for everyday use. The area we live has a Spanish Ward, and that would be awesome to be able to communicate with them. Also it is the second most dominate language in the U.S. I would love to go to Spain, and they speak Spanish. =) S0 all in all some pretty good points.
Then there is French. Like I said I attempted it in High School, but the outcome was grim. I find that now that I'm older, I understand the phrase, "You need to apply yourself.". All the time my Dad would say this and I really didn't know what it meant. You mean I can't learn while I'm jamming to my tunes on the radio, or watching my t.v. shows and doing my homework in between the commercial breaks? I get it now, so I think with this new found enlightenment I could really get into French. It's the language of love, it's also a European language as well as our neighbors to the north. It could be beneficial...right?
I feel a bit of attachment and loyalty to Germany since I was born there. I was born a U.S. citizen in Berlin, Germany while my Dad was working over there for the Army. I was there for the first 3 years of my life. My parents loved it, yet they didn't learn the language. I would love to go back and visit, so knowing the language would be a good thing to have. It's an awesome language, but other than the fact that I may go there one day, I can't think of any other reason to learn the language.
I thought I had committed myself several times to any of these three at one point or another. But then I feel guilt for neglecting the other two languages. Why can't I just pick one? If I was really ambitious I would just learn all three! But then which one would I learn first?
Since this question is just too hard for me to answer I am taking it to my friends, family and random readers. There is a poll to the right of my postings asking which language I should learn first. I really need your help, so I hope I get a lot of votes!
Gracias, Merci (or) Danka!
Weeks1-6 Pantry living
3 years ago
2 comments:
I voted Spanish first because so many people speak it here and you will have a lot of people to practice with.
I vote German. For a few reasons. Yes, Spanish would make the most sense...but the stubborn part of me still believes if you move to the U.S. you should learn to speak English, not the other way around. And I, too, have a soft spot for German (Dad served mission there, step-mom is German citizen born and raised, my sis speaks it). French...ah, I took a community class when I was a kid and it just didn't stick with me. So, I poo-poo French. And, whenever I find myself in a foreign country or the minority english speaker, my brain goes to German. What does your brain go to? I would pick whatever your brain goes to. Sprechen sie Deutsch? Ah, sehr gut.
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