teamrose

I think it depends on the language. For instance being an English language speaker, any language that uses the Arabic alphabet is easier to read than speak, since so many words are derived from similar sources. If one is to speak an Asian language like Chinese or Japanese it would probably be easier to speak than read since I have no knowledge of the characters used to form the words.

Just do it. Don't let the lack of knowledge keep you from trying to speak. Learn a few key phrases and use them often to encourage native speakers to help you.

What a wonderful idea. Music can soothe the savage breast, why not let it help with language skills. Unfortunately, a lot of music makes no grammatical sense. :amazed:

I want to learn other languages because I love travelling. Living in South Florida Spanish is almost a necessity in order to do business. I speak a little Spanish and am constantly trying to improve. I have many German and French Canadian friends and it would also be nice to be able to converse with them in their native language. Being able to speak with others in their language breaks down barriers and brings people closer. Understanding various cultures unites people. My dream is to one day speak, English, Spanish, French, German and Chinese well enough to live in any of those countries with no language problems. Wishful thinking, but a definite goal.

Perhaps some can, but for me the answer is a resounding NO! I had one semester of Spanish in grade school and remember a very few words. Living in South Florida we have a very large Spanish speaking population and again a few key words and phrases are known. However, when I turn on the TV or watch a movie in Spanish, I am totally lost except for the few words I already know. In school and on learning tapes the language is spoken very slowly. In real life people speak at speeds that are way fast. One has to concentrate to even catch the words and phrases already known. Repetition is the only way to go.

I use lol when talking online to young friends. I'm online a lot, but seldom use lol or other internet short cuts when emailing or chatting in a chat room.

I believe I'm a fast reader, but not a speed reader. English is my only language, but I am studying Spanish and German.

"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny." Aristotle"