charahome

Thank you for your comment and suggestions. I have looked in the different sections and am getting acquainted with them. I am so new at both languages, that only understand very very basic terms. I have seen that Italian is very similar to Spanish, so it looks like it will be the easiest of the two to learn.

I am looking into getting Rosetta stone full version. Currently, I am doing the basics with the android app. I am testing the waters with Italian and French as well. So far, very basic, but I am learning it and it helps a lot with pronunciation.

These are some great tips on learning the language. I am deciding on what method I want to use. I took a couple of years in grammar school. What I learned is long forgotten, but the love of the language has stayed with me. I did not see any of you mention Rosetta Stone. Any thoughts on that software program? Is it worth the price?

Since most here know more than one language, I am sure that we all have noticed, that what is said, and what is written in subtitles, although close, is never the same intended dialogue. Additionally, when the movie is translated with other voices in different language, it takes away from the personality of the character. A lot of dubbed movies sound robotic, rehearsed, and lack much emotion.

There are two words that come to mind. One is Affect, and the other is Effect. They get misused more than they should. The second words that come to mind are Then and Than. They get mixed up too. As far as slang, when the lights get cut-off, is correct, but I hear people say, I need my lights "cut-on". There is absolutely no sense in that.

I am reading your reply and I am smiling. I cannot remember when was the last time that I owned a dictionary. It used to be mandatory to have one when I was in school. With modern convenience, I have not had a need for a print version. Whenever I am writing, I do it directly on Microsoft Word and it has a built in dictionary. Great memories. :grin:

This is very interesting. I did not know that Philippines had such a heritage. That is a great fact to know. Spanish is such a widespread language. Its roots go way back in history. I hope you learn it. It is our heritage, that allows to search and expand our thirst for knowledge. This is why I am interested in learning Italian and French.

I use the online version of Miriam - Webster. It is added to my word processor, I can highlight the word. I like the different options and usage it provides for the word searched. It is a great source to check spelling, expand on thesaurus.

I am originally from Puerto Rico, the hardest word that I still struggle with is "Literally". I cant pronounce the relly sequence. Between rolling the tongue, not rolling, soft r, followed by l's.. Yes, a big discord.

There are many words in the American vocabulary, that are becoming part of the 'Urban Dictionary'. The correct word is Doughnut, because is made of dough. However, as history of language proves, languages, change and evolve over time. Does it make it correct, hmm. we should ask the person that came up with the word in the first place. As a word comes up, gets used more and more, changes can be made, that would make the word, stand out as "now is ok to spell that way." When I first learned English grammar, phonics, and spelling, I had confusion with the language, words, spelling and meaning. I think it is natural to feel that way regarding any new language.

My fascination for French began with my father. He studied in Montpelier for 7 years. His French was perfectly pronounced. I heard him speak the language and was fascinated by the way it sounded, the distinct pronunciation, and the different facial expressions needed to get some French sounds out. I studied it as a child, but forgot most. I am starting again, with a determination, to become fluent.

I have not heard of this app. I see that another member says they have it for a different language. SOunds like a good companion app, for the enhancement of learning the language. I am not sure how I feel about learning French on a cell phone.

I have heard that Rosetta Stone works. I was hesitant because of the cost. However, reading the comments from those of you that use it, I feel more inclined to get it. I am still debating whether to learn French or Italian. It is a matter of choice more than anything. I think both languages are fascinating.

It is very good advise that you have written here. It applies to any new language. As you know, even in Spanish, there are words that are written exactly the same and mean something completely different. Do you have any good resources for videos or websites that can aid in learning Italian. That is one of the new languages I would like to learn and become fluent in? Any help greatly appreciated.

Hello; It is great to be here in this forum. I am working on learning Italian or French. I have not decided which one I really want to be fluent in. I thought being in here would help with my decision.

I find the word "humongous" very amusing. It is like Human plus 'Goes'. I think of it as "a Human goes", Hmm. Do you wonder who invented each word and how did it make sense to them that it was a good word. Now, if that is not easy. Who came up with its definition? :speechless:

I agree with you 100%. I am a firm believer that readers like to read as if it was a conversation. If I don't use the word in everyday conversation, then why would I use it in writing. There are genres, that need those kind of words included, like if the writer is depicting an old Victorian setting, romance, scene, etc. But for modern readers, they like non-heavy sentences that can be clearly understood.

I learned a little bit of French in school. I would like to fully learn it and speak well. I am also interested in Italian, as it is so similar to Spanish. I can read it and understand most of the words, but I dont understand it when it is spoken.

In Spanish, there are dialects for each country. The majority of the language is the same, but there are certain words that do not have the same meaning depending where you are from. Example, In Puerto Rico, we say "ahora" for right now, "ahorita or horita" for later on. In Mexico, "ahorita" means right now. In some Latin countries. they say "mirar" for watch, others say, "ver" for watch. There are other words, but those are two that are very different and depending on who you are speaking with and what country they are from, there lies the meaning.

My recommendation is right in your question post. Start listening to Spanish Media, music, TV, and pick up a Spanish book and read it. Those Spanish cells will come back to life. You may have lost some, but most is still buried in there.

I can communicate fluently in both languages, English and Spanish. However, my grammar is better in English. Odd enough as that is my second language. I am not bad at Spanish grammar, but i get mixed up with word order, for adjectives, adverbs, and verbs.

I learned English at a young age. I actually, do not remember at what point I learned it. I was exposed to the language, and started speaking it without it being taught to me. So by the time I was 4 years old I was fully bilingual. I realized that exposure to a different language at a young age, creates a better understanding. After i moved to US> I spoke Spanish to my kids, who were born here. I played Spanish music to them. 3 of the five understand and speak the language. The other two, had no idea, except a few words here and there. One of the two, I exposed to so much music that after being a teenager, she started doing it on her own, and has made a point of learning Spanish. She speaks it really well, and even uses it at her job to speak to Spanish customers.