Antiquarian

The silliest (and by far my most favourite) way of learning a language is by listening to my favourite Latin, Ancient Greek or gibberish songs. Then replace their lyrics with vocabulary or sentences I'm currently learning... then sing them aloud with passion. The lyrics then do not make sense, but it is entertaining, effective and addictive! Silly as it may seems yet there is fun and deep memorization taken place as I re-sing my favourite songs' lyrics with the words I am currently learning. Sincerely, The Antiquarian.

The answer is both a Yes and a No. If you move to another country and speak their language, and not using your previous languages in daily life at the same time, then you'd lose your previous languages. Simply because the old languages are not a part of your current life anymore. And if this continues for many years, then previous languages could be lost over time as they are being replaced by newer languages. However, if you keep thinking or speaking in your previous languages, then those old languages can still be preserved. Even though you are in a new land with new people and new speech, you can still maintain your previous languages if you still think or speak in them. And if you meet new people who understand your previous languages, then this is an extra bonus. You can talk in your old languages to new people. If you teach it, then you can spread the old languages. It depends whether or not you choose to maintain and discontinue your previous languages. Regards, The Antiquarian.

Yes it does. Many of our consonants and indeed complex words rely on the tongue heavily. Without the tongue, people won't be able to pronounce various words that have an intricate or complex sound to them. Especially words with heavy "r" and "d" pronunciations. The tongue is a primal communications tool and without it, we would have a complicated time pronouncing various words. The tongue is also important in languages with powerful consonants and words that have an assertive tone. Also, without the tongue, people won't be able to sing or chant well either. The tongue is important to language, music and religious ceremonies. Regards, The Antiquarian.

My goal is to be able to master basic conversational Japanese, since I have been in this country for 3 years and 2 months already. Together with that, I intend to polish my Nihon Shuwa (Japanese Sign Language) abilities while also able to converse in Japanese slang In addition, I also plan to leave Japan and relocate to another country. I like to re-polish my Cantonese, Sinhala and when I have spare time (and spare motivation), I'd like to start memorizing the Sanskrit and Ancient Greek alphabets again. Tis' my goals for 2014. Happy Holidays, Antiquarian.

A main reason would be that when it comes to reading foreign languages, a completely new writing system and unfamiliar pronunciations would be involved. Speaking is essentially mimicking the vocals and tones by using the mouth. Learning by hearing and talking is an archaic and primal talent we all have. Reading and writing on the other hand is learnt usually later than listening or speaking. Reading and writing an alien language is similar to deciphering an entirely new form of script - kind of like solving a puzzle game or secret code. And if the person was reading a foreign language whose alphabet is nowhere related to the reader's mother tongue, then the reader has to tackle new characters and new forms of communications from scratch. Like a baby and learning the language again through baby steps. Regards, The Antiquarian.

Brilliant! I do like the idea of an Ancient Languages section where Latin, Ancient Greek as well as Sanskrit could be learnt, discussed and exchanged. Doing so would enable to understand root words of many today's languages while it will also give us insight to the cultures of forgotten cultures. Likewise, I also suggest to have a forum titled Origins of Languages where people can gather and provide information, research or personal opinions on the origins of Language itself. Furthermore, people can also compare and contrast ancient languages to find common base words as well as discovering the original language. People could even share documentaries or research links relevant to finding the foundations of human languages. For example, by having the Ancient Languages forum, people who know Latin, Ancient Greek or Sanskrit can compare their words and find out about their common ancestor (Proto-Indo-European). The Origin of Languages section can provide theories and research finds from academic sources... and if the section is successful, we can have a solid discussion from linguists who could contribute startling discoveries. Regards, The Antiquarian.

For me it is by associating the words with pictures, objects, events or even with food or certain people. Other ways include mnemonics or by listening and singing to a favourite song, then replacing the lyrics with the words that are currently being learnt. Association, Mnemonics and Singing are also fun for me to better understand words. Cheers, The Antiquarian.

I have many words in mind that could stir up a giggle in me. Words like buffoon, infidel (when said in an exaggeratedly comical tone), doofus as well as other informal or vulgar words. I find vulgar (or even swear) words to be hilarious sometimes. Obviously not always but when combined with comedy or entertainment then do such words can provide laughs. However, to me it matters more on who's speaking the words. For instance if an uninteresting university professor says the word boring then it will not spark any emotion in me. But if Homer Simpson or King Harkinian of the infamous Youtube Poop Series say the exact same word with their unique and comical mannerisms, then it will make me laugh tenfold. Funny words + funny people = Gold comedy. In addition, Slang Words = Comedy treasures that could make one laugh with golden showers. Cheers, The Antiquarian.

As far as accuracy of translations are concerned, a native human speaker always trumps an instant machine translator. The native speaker is the User - the Master - of a Language whilst machinery only match and identify a Language. Furthermore, human native speakers can give extra tips, provide better translations or give sound advice while the capacity of a translating machine is limited based on its programming. Best way to get things translated well? Find a reliable, trustworthy native speaker who most importantly understands your Language... and who can adjust your Language with his/hers/its. Regards, The Antiquarian.

Google Translate is not 100% accurate. Often times the results would be comical translations, especially if one is translating from complex languages. I wouldn't recommend relying on Google Translate in terms of accuracy but it is efficient enough to be able to translate individual words or simple sentences. The site is also helpful when learning new words or translating basic meanings. However, I give kudos to Google Translate for two benefits it has viz. i.) Google Translate provides multiple synonyms for a word and ii.) Google Translate offers Romanizations or Roman alphabet versions of foreign script such as Chinese, Japanese, Greek etc. The site is useful for those who can't read foreign writing as the viewers can read the Romanized forms and same time learn the script via Roman alphabet. Tis' my take on Google Translate. Regards, The Antiquarian.

I got mad love for many English accents. However, probably the number one in the list is Australian English. It's been my lifelong favourite and also my accent of choice when communicating with other fellow English speakers. Australian Accent is fun, vibrant, dynamic and at times crazy. Aussie slang is definitely of entertainment value. Overall, Australian English is witty and sharp but also welcoming and intimate. It makes me feel refreshed when speaking the slangs! Keeps me awake and revived like a bushman's clock, mate!

When it comes to the Greek alphabet, it took me a day to learn everything... and it took me a week to forget almost everything. I started to forget almost all of them once I used the alphabet less in my life. I need to revisit them and re-learn the letters. I still have interest in the Greek alphabet as well as Greek culture and thought. Sincerely, The Antiquarian.

Oh yeah, I do. English is my base language; my native tongue and communications template. However, I lived in many different countries. I would often mix English with their native languages to establish better communications. In China, I spoke Chinglish. In Sri Lanka, Sringlish. In Denmark, Denglish. Back then when I was able to communicate in Spanish, I did enjoy my moments of Spanglish But I've forgotten the language now. Ay caramba! Olvido! Now that I am in Japan, I would speak Jingrish. And Japanese itself has many English loan words that's incorporated to daily use - both casual and formal. Regards, The Antiquarian.

Salve! Music is indeed a powerful and fun way of learning a language. Especially if that language is dead like Latin. It is because of music or songs that I was able to better grasp the Latin language. I have many songs that I like which are sung in Latin, but my favourite musical group that uses the Latin language to their lyrics would be Lesiem. Lesiem is a New Age band based in Germany, and their Latin accents have a Germanic touch into them. Nonetheless, their singing is magnificent and their lyrics are helpful in learning the language. Many of their songs also reflect the lifestyles and ideals of the Ancient Roman Empire. Here are some samples of their songs viz. i.) Pater Patriae ii.) Justitia iii.) Poeta iv.) Liberta v.) Lesiëm Regards, The Antiquarian.

By thinking about your preferences together with advanced English speaking, I recommend the following: i.) Dan Brown (Angels & Demons, The DaVinci Code) ii.) Terry Pratchett's Discworld series (combines Action, Mythology, Comedy, Fantasy and Mystery), iii.) Mystery/Crime-Genre queen Agatha Christie (Death on the Nile, Poirot) iv.) Robert Doherty's Area 51 series (Mystery, Action, Historical, Sci-Fi) or v.) Arthur C. Clarke's Space Odyssey series (Epic, Sci-Fi, Thriller). Happy reading. Regards, The Antiquarian.