Trellum

Nope, but I guess I know more words in spanish than in english   I'm sure as heck my dutch vocabulary is minimal  I really wish there was a way to really know how large or small our vocabulary is, but in my opinion our vocabulary is rarely large enough. 

My english might seem good enough, but I actually lack a large vocabulary. I used to have a larger vocabulary (my old job required me to write in enlgish and use a lot new words), but ever since I stopped working there... I have stopped putting an effort on using new words everyday  

Fortunately I might be able to get a job soon that will require me to expand my english vocabulary and keep it that way

Hello guys!  Everyone seems to be talking about resolutions and so on, well, instead of doing that and since we are on a language forum, I thought it would be nice to create a thread focused on our language goals for 2014.  So let's get this started, shall we?

I don't have a lot language goals for 2014, I think I will just focus on Dutch next year, since I might be moving there in the future.  I guess I'll try to finish the Pimsleur course (30 lessons if I recall right), then I might start checking ''Dutch for dummies'' or something like that.  I'm still not sure if I should start creating vocabulary lists or if it is too soon.  I guess I'll let thigs flow smoothly

I might work on improving my english if I have the time.

So those are my only language goal for 2014. What about you guys?

Awesome site, I gave it a look really fast and it looks really good.  I like how it groups all those language learning resources in a single place, but there are other great sites for that.  It was interesting to see some of those courses were offered by itunes. That web sites is really worth checking

Sadly the dutch section of this web site has very little resources, but I'll definitely check this out I might even download itunes so I can check the podcasts I just found a set of really nice looking dutch podcasts ''Laura speaks Dutch''.  I must say the reviews on the web site are really encouraging!  Maybe this is the push I needed!

It really depends on the language and your level of fluency in it.  For english, I try to use it as much possible.  This is done mostly by writing a lot in english, I also like to speak english with some friends on Skype who also have english as their second language.  Sometimes the latter isn't very helpful,  because the other person might not have the best pronunciation, and might actually confuse you more.  But it still is better than nothing

For the language I'm trying things are really different... first I need to learn enough to reinforce what I have learnt.  So far the pimsleur course seems enough, but later on I need to find something better.

Well, using the internet can help a lot to learn a new language   It did for me, I basically learnt english when I was a teen thanks to the might Yahoo! chat.  I just sat there watching what the people wrote, paying attention to the phrases and the context in which they were used, I also listened to what they said on the mic.  I started to participate as well!

I later found some pen pals online... I learnt a lot that way.  I made a lot funny mistakes, but that was the most important part of my learning.  Not sure what name I'd give to this super unorthodox method, but it really worked for me.  It was so natural! Wish learning Dutch was as easy as it was to learn english.

It's funny you ask this, Denis.  I actually had a lot interest in dead languages when I was younger, specially old norse, since I have this fascination with the norse mythology and vikings since I was a teen.  So back then it really seemed to be worth it, all because of my fascination with vikings and their mythology. But if you asked me right now if I'd put all my time and effort on learning a language like that or a language I don't even need to learn... then I'd say... NO WAY!!!!

Seriously, things change as you age and start living in the adult world.  Priorities chance, so as priorities chance, the way you percieve things might change as well. Before, old norse was a language worth learning for me, now it isn't.  Mostly because I'm way to busy, and I already have to learn a language I actually need to learn and plan to use on a daily basis.

It's not too difficult for me to find time, as I constantly think about it throughout the day. I often repeat phrases I've learned in my mind while I do my chores or walk to destinations. As for the initial part of learning, there's way too many tools and gadgets now that helps a lot. I browse language lessons while I'm in the bathroom, for example. I think just dedication and willpower will help you get through it. Just one hour a day is all it takes.

You're a very dedicated person, thart's really admirable   Sadly not many people have the chance to do what you do.  I'm a clear example of that, I think what makes it even harder for me is the fact I'm just starting to learn the language.  If I was a bit more advanced, maybe things would get easier. 

Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks for the amazing tips.  You actually gave me a couple of really good ideas.

Ah, but at least you haven't given up learning a language alltogether!  At least you're still learning spanish, that's much better than doing nothing.  I guess I'll have to give up my night breaks after my online shift is over so I can study Dutch.

Sometimes giving up certain things is necessary, most of the things that are worth the effort require you to give up something. Ah, this is the reality of life!  Best of luck with your goals I hope you can start learning french very soon, but if you want my opinion... is actually good you're now focusing on learning just one language.

The only time I'm able to grab some free time to do stuff that's not on my schedule is at night. Unlike you, I'm learning Spanish just for the fun of it but I'm serious about being fluent in the shortest time possible. Because of that, the time I spent watching movies after supper is now used for learning the language. It's a huge sacrifice because, to be honest I'm a die-hard movie buff.

I'm sure if you tried hard enough, you can cut some of the hours you sleep to make time for learning Dutch. But don't push yourself too hard. Most likely your potential in-laws won't mind that you're unable to speak their language unless you wish to pass yourself off as a Dutch lady. . .

Hahaha, yeah Denis   You are right, I still have plenty of time to learn the language, since I'm not moving there so soon.  I'll probably move there next year! We will see how things go.  I'm so lucky my potential in-laws speak really good english.  My boyfriend isn't so lucky tho, since my parents can't understand or even speak a word of english!  But we will never let that stop us

That's cool, Denis, sorry to hear you have to sacrifice your movie time   I guess I will have to sacrfice that small break I take before going to bed every night after work.  Is usually 30 minutes long... I just lie on the bed and watch some TV...

That's so exciting that you'll be moving soon.  I know it is stressful, but it is also a new and wonderful opportunity!

I think consistency in studying languages is also very important. This can help in avoiding that feeling of being overwhelmed. 

For instance, a half hour a day every day will yield much more progress than a couple times a week for, say, two or three hours.  At least this is what I have found to be true.  Plus if you are doing even a small amount every day, it helps to build momentum and confidence.  I think stepping away from language study even for a day or two makes the return potentially  more anxiety provoking.

So bottom line, I would say, decided on what is a reasonable and achievable time to allot on a daily basis and schedule in that time just as you would any other important appointment. 

I find this works for language study as well as other tasks that need daily attention.

I hope this is helpful. 

Thank you, Laura   It is really exciting, my trip is going to be in just 6 weeks!!!  The time is getting closer, but this will be just a visit, I'm not going to stay there yet, but I'll probably be moving there next year, and by that time I really hope I can at least speak or understand some Dutch.  I was told I really have to learn Dutch in order to stay there, is a requisite for me.  So there is much at stake!

I will try to do this, but I haven't studied in a week now I think.  Shame on me, I know!!  I need to try and put a lot more effort! I'll try to schedule this... so I can do it everyday after work.  Hopely I make it.  Thanks for the advice, Laura

Hahahahaha, I hadn't noticed this either   But to be honest I wasn't paying a lot attention, I just skipped the rest of the sentence.  I usually do that, then pay a lot more attention once I open the thread and I see is an interesting topic worth commenting   Otherwise I just go.

Very interesting thread, I think I read something about this a while ago.  They explained you actually see with your brain, and is very common to skip some words when you are in a hurry.

Nope, but that doesn't mean I'd not love too   I just need to get a smartphone   I had a tablet, but I barely use it anymore   So I haven't a platform to run all those apps on... I'd love to find a dutch app, do you know any?  That would be super helpful for the future, I'd surely buy it!  Since I really need to learn that language.

In my experience the really good apps are always paid ones, but it's ok.  I think that's a really good investment when you are really interested in learning a new language. A very good investment in my opinion

I personally love Pimsleur   For a beginner I think the Pimsleur approach is better than nothing, but isn't for everyone tho. It can work for some people, but for others might not.  The usual method used to teach a language doesn't work for me, so I have to find ways that catch my attention, at least for a few minutes   Pimsleur is one of them. 

I think it does a good job at teaching you the basics and some culture bits   I love it!  I'm so happy with my Dutch audio course... now, if I only had the time to study it, lol! 

It's not secret I'm trying really hard to learn Dutch, because I plan to move there in the future with my loving boyfriend and start a family, but gosh!!!  This language is really hard to learn, plus I can't seem to find enough time to even study it   So far I have only learnt a few phrases and words: I don't speak dutch, you speak english, good morning, see you later, etc.

This is scary, because I'll be traveling to the Netherlands in just a few weeks, I'll be meeting my boyfriend's parents   I'm excited, but also extremely nervious at the same time! I know a lot people speaks and understand english over there, but I really wanted to know some dutch before going there (that can never hurt, right?).  I just can't find enough time to study!!!

How do you guys find the time to study a new language? Do you have to sacrifice some activities in order to be able to study the new language? If yes, what activities do you have to sacrifice in order to be able to study a new language?

Ah, I'm still trying to learn Dutch, but I barely have any time left at the end of the day, but when I do... I like to listen to my Dutch audio course. I haven't taken a lot notes so far, because I know that's not very effective for me.  I mean, I learnt english on my note and never took any kind of notes!  It was all in my head, which is weird, because I wasn't even trying (I believe it was my destiny to learn english, I really do!).

So basically my studying method is quite relaxing and passive, lol.  I just do it when I have the time to study Dutch... which is rarely nowadays.  So scary...! Considering I'm just 6 weeks away from my trip to the Netherlands!!!!

Well, it depends on where I am in the precise moment I'm speaking that language. If I'm in my own country, I might feel weird with all those stares of the people around me, who probably think I'm a foreigner. When I'm in the US  I feel a bit weird speaking that language, because I know they're all natives!  So I might feel a bit shy too!  But when I'm in a different country where the mother language isn't english, then I feel super natural and don't feel like a different person at all.

I think it really depends on the context But in general, I feel better speaking english! I feel weirder when I speak my own language and I hear myself!

Awesome article, but I really don't need an article to know why Google Translate is no match to learning a language and knowing it well.  To be honest I only use Google Translate when I'm truly desperate or to check single groups, but rarely full phrases and paragraphs.

Because I know Google Translate does a very funny job when translating full texts.  I'd never trust it... not even in a very casual conversation.  I'd rather not talk to the person, since Google Translate makes translation mistakes that would make the autocorrect mistakes look like nothing, lol.

What do you guys think?  I've noticed smartest people seem to know more than just one language, so sometimes I think knowing more than one language is a sign of intelligence, but sometimes I just think that capacity is just a talent to learn languages.  Because some of those persons I know aren't good at other things, like for example math or lack a lot common sense.  Some are tho.  I guess everyone has strenghts and weaknesses.

I know someone who speaks 4 languages, he's a very smart person, but lacks a lot common sense.  He didn't got a formal education tho, mostly a religious one... since he's an ultra orthodox jewish man.  His intelligence has always anazed me!  Too bad he never got to have a formal education   I also know another man who speaks 6 freaking languages (puts me to shame ).  He's very articulate and educated  

What's your opinion on thid?  Do you really think that knowing more than just one language is a clear sign of intelligence?

I once read it was the english language, I remember I did a research a while ago.  Because my teacher had said spanish had more words, but I doubted it.  So I googled that question, but I couldn't really find a lot answers.  I landed on a web site later, there was an article written by a professor that claimed that english had way more words than spanish.  Go figure!

Yeah, I find intelligence to be a really attractive trait.  Actually people who are dumb are a huge turn off, specially if we're talking about a partner!  No matter how handsome or muscular a guy can be, if he's shallow and slow... there is no way we'll be on a second date. 

That being said, yeah, I get impressed when I find out a guy speaks more than 2 or 3 languages! I consider that to be a huge plus!!! It also makes me feel more interested on the person

Awesome post, thanks for share this amazing articles!  Actually many of those words describe things I've felt or seen in the past, but I failed to describe them in the past with one single word, because they don't exist in my own language either.

I wish they existed in my own language, but sadly it doesn't.  The english language is said to be even richer than my mother language.  So if those words don't exist in the english language, there is no way they can be found in spanish. 

Uhm I usually greet people with a ''hola!'', ''Buenos dias!'', ''que onda?'' or my friend's fav: ''que rollo?''.  LOL.  It depends on the person I'm greeting really, the more formal greetings are for older people or people I just met.  I generally avoid to use ''tu'' when I just met someone or when the person is obviously older, so the greeting must fit the circumstances

For younger people anything will  do   Where I like they like to greet each other with things like: ''que rollo? ''que pex?'' (que pedo - very rude, lol).  Or my most hated greeting phrase: ''que onda wey!''.  Ugh... I never use those, by the way. I think those sound so bad, I usually use ''hola'' with young people

I guess watching Telenovelas can help you when you already have some knowledge in spanish, but it can be tricky... because you might learn some spanish words that might not even be part of the spanish variation you are learning. I mean... a colombian telenovela is totally different from a mexican one!

They use a totally different vocabulary, sometimes it would seem as theiy're speaking a totally different language, and don't get me started on venezuelan telenovelas!  It's way worse, so I'd be wary when watching telenovelas... specially if you are interested in learning the spanish spoken in certain country. If you want to learn a more neutral spanish... I'd advice you to stay away from telenovelas!

I'm quite fluent since I'm a native speaker   But seriusly, I do know a few persons who are quite fluent in spanish, so fluent they almost sound like a native spanish speaker sometimes.  It's truly amazing, because managing to do that is not an easy job!  I know, because my language has some really tricky words

Actually I know a guy, he is american and married to a mexican lady.  He stutters a lot when he speaks in english, but it seems his problem isn't as severe when he speaks spanish!  His amazing!  His accent is good, not 100% good.... but for a foreigner I must say he is doing great! So I believe a good fluency in spanish is completely possible.

''Desearia ser un jugador de tennis profesional, para asi poder verl el mundo''

Sorry about the accents (my keyboard is an english one, not a spanish one  

No soy la clase de persona a la que le guste salir de noche a bailar y beber en los antros.