Is anyone around here learning a new language or is bilingual? I am currently teaching myself Spanish through CDs and computer courses...kind of a hobby of mine.
I keep trying to learn Japanese via CDs. I end up trying to learn too many things though and give up.
I started out with a couple of Michel Thomas language CDs that I got at Barnes and Noble. I liked them and bought the 8 CD set, which I also enjoy very much. He doesn't teach much written Spanish though, so you will probably want to find some grammar courses.
That is my wife's and mine's hobby , I currently read write and speak several and she has me beat with a total of 7 languages she speaks reads and writes. She went to school to be a international business translator - we have slowed down a bit - now that we are getting old...lol (40)
The thing I can suggest to you is ... when you learn your first language learn it and use it to the point that you can think in it... when you have done that you are well on your way to Easily learn other languages... Its not the language thats hard , its the ability to switch your mind to it .. So that comes with immersing your life in it ... and fight being lazy when you see you can use english/natural tounge to communicate
My cousin speaks seven languages fluently and at the moment is also learning Chinese. I once asked her how she knew she was fluent and she said because she could dream in those languages. My dreams are weird enough without all the bit players speaking different languages but that impressed me.
The Spanish words for things keep popping in my head when I see them, so I think I'm making pretty good progress (about 4 months of casual learning ).
That's good- IMO, it really depends on your motivation. If you're motivated you will find ways to learn.
yes , now take it one step further and only listen to the news or read the news in spanish! everyday - dont read or listen to any news in english! It forces you this way not to be handicapped And join a spanish chat group cause when you are able to do all 3 ... it all works together
One of my hobbies is learning languages via book & CD before travelling to a country where it is spoken, e.g. German and French before vacationing in Switzerland. Currently learning (or trying to) Arabic - made progress with a few words
I will offer to help some one learn Norwegian if anyone is interested - we can do it 2 times a week for 1 hour via voice chat and also via email