Learning a new language...

[Dixie_Peach 1]

Okay... my posting buddy sriniv reminded me that I need to learn my SO's language(s)... but alas, french and arabic are not taught at the vocational college here. So, my question to you guys is this:

to learn your fiance's language... what internet tools did you use? ie: cd's, websites, etc..

any and all information will be greatly appreciated!

[Ladylethal 12]

Well, English I learned through a private course here in Brasil, which I took since a child, for 7 years, studying all the grammar, etc. After that I spent 6 months in US as a student, for fluency.

My fiance is from PR though, so I actually dunno much spanish. I did take a course for 2 years, graduated and all, but I´ve forgotten it already since I don´t use spanish like I use english, and since I never had a chance to practice it. I will learn it when I go there, through immersion, either that or get isolated.

I also know a bit of French and Japanese, both which I took for 2 years, although I can´t remember much of it either.

And well, I speak portuguese, of course! Luis have started to speak portuguese as well, after 6 trips to Brasil.

[mikeize 0]

a hammer! j/k

My wife got me a bunch of children's books. Like the ones where you learn the alphabet and trace the letters n stuff. That was (and continues to be) a big help. Of course, being immersed in a foreign language environment helps a whole lot, if possible. You can get books that have each page written in both languages too. Start with VERY simple ones (obviously), like for kids learning to read. Pick up vocab as you go. Good luck.

-mike

[Ladylethal 12]

Find a course for the language, they even have them online if you don´t have time to attend.

[canadalaura 0]

I have heard good things about the rosetta stone software series ($$$ but you could download it if you were so inclined) - they take an integrated approach and attempt to teach you the second language in the same way you assimilated your first (though it is debatable if adults can learn languages purely in this manner). I tried the Japanese one as a way to keep up my second language skills, but I found it too easy for someone who already speaks the language.

I have also tried pimsleur CD's in the car - they are good for beginners and VERY repetitive.

Also try a google search for free language learning podcasts - there are lots of good ones if you look and you can make the most of your commute!

Good luck!

Edited April 11, 2006 by canadalaura

[Jenn! 918]

My husband and I speak in Italian, even though it's neither of our native languages!

I studied Italian at university for three years, then lived in Italy for three years.

Of course, you know the best way to learn is to live in the country!

[Ladylethal 12]

Me and my fiance use english since I´m not profficient enough in spanish and he´s not profficient enough in portuguese.

[canadalaura 0]

Me and my fiance use english since I´m not profficient enough in spanish and he´s not profficient enough in portuguese.

I'm predicting ultra-employable tri-lingual kids for you guys!

[Ladylethal 12]

We have that plan indeed, usage of both spanish and portuguese at home,and Puerto rican speak english as a second language anyway.

We´ll be trilingual parents as well, he wants to learn port and I´ll have to learn spanish to live there.

[noemij 0]

Well I studied Italian in high school and in college, and then lived in Italy for a while. The best thing is to be immersed in the language, have your significant other speak to you in his language. Another good idea is to buy children's books in his language. I speak Italian and English with my husband, but since I speak Spanish with my parents and other family members, I'm noticing that my husband is picking up Spanish as well.

[Fandango 1,440]

I just immersed myself in it while I lived there...granted, it was British English...and his accent is lovely...but omG...the people in his town......might as well have been Mandarin Chinese

On a serious note, perhaps learning cds? Adult education classes at the local high school? Community college anywhere nearby?

[RaspberrySwirl 20]

http://www2.rosettastone.com/en/offer/googlepage

It's really expensive, but I found a complete download on a torrent site.

[Ladylethal 12]

I´m not sure we´re allowed to post illegals here.

[Fischkoepfin 1]

Buying a grammar workbook and some tapes to get used to the sound of the language for starters. And trying to read as early on as possible, like comic books. I'm currently learning Dutch and it gets slowly better that way.

[canadalaura 0]

torrents are your friends.