btripp2

I would teach my kids by speaking the language around them. I think some, if not all, kids form their interests around things they are exposed to. I will expose them to language learning so they are better able to interact with people and even understand them more so than others. I feel like learn languages is a gateway to better understanding and accepting a culture that is different from yours.

I like to study in the library. My library's fifth floor is quiet and I like working in quiet. But sometimes I go to the other floors where I am able to talk so I can study and interact with others. But the library in general puts me into this certain mode where I actually get my work done.

I think the potential to be smarter has grown with the access to so much information. And if taught correctly how to think critically and evaluate evidence, people have the potential to effectively sift through this information to find what they believe to be "good" or "bad" information. I am happy with the advancement of technology. Especially things like MOOCs where people can go to sites like Coursera and anyone can have access to learn certain topics that are generally only taught on a college campus.

Hygge is a Danish word that means "complete absence of anything annoying, irritating or emotionally overwhelming, and the presence of and pleasure from comforting, gentle and soothing things." Apparently it is associated with things like Christmas time. It is a very beautiful word. There is also another German word that was really long that I learned a long time ago. It also does not have an English equivalent, but I cannot remember the word or its meaning.

RedRose makes a good point. I also suggest that if you want to practice conversational Spanish (apply what you have learned), then you should use a website called WeSpeke where you can connect with people that speak that language you wish to learn. But you have to figure out what you want to learn Spanish because that will be your motivation to push you through the tough times.

I do this. But when I learn a language I like to sound like a native. And I just wish I had a British or Australian accent. I wonder if there's a science behind teaching yourself to speak in a different accent because it is possible. But what part of the brain is involved in doing that?

Really nice tutorial! I'll have to pass this along to some friends so they can be enlightened as well.

Hi I will send you a private message! Perhaps we can skype as well.

It's a Japanese word, "kaisen." It's centered around making incremental improvements to reach a goal so one does not become overwhelmed and give up.

One of my favorite Spanish teachers had us do that. It made me way more engaged in learning the language. I highly recommend it for anybody at any language level, though you may find yourself less frustrated at a higher language level.

Neat idea! Too bad they do not have this for iPhone.

Thanks! I always figured that Duolingo was not a "stand alone" application for language learning. I'm still on the quest for such a product that may or may not exist at the moment.

I started studying languages because I was tired of taking so many years of Spanish in middle and high school and not being fluent. So I decided that I would teach myself Spanish to become fluent. I am still working on the fluency part, but there is a level of satisfaction I gain when I speak to a native and they are impressed with my language skills (or perhaps they're being polite). And I know there was a study that said that language learning releases dopamine when one sees the reward of accomplishing a new word or having a successful conversation in a different language.

I would say one of the most valuable languages would be Arabic, especially for my intended field in cyber security. If I work for a governmental agency like the NSA then I think Arabic would be a valuable asset. However, if I work in the private sector (which I intend on doing because they pay way more), then I think Arabic would be less valuable job-wise, but more valuable in the deficiency of those that speak Arabic in the United States. Or rather, there seems to be a deficiency. But maybe there is not.

It's important to become immersed in the culture when you are learning the language, perhaps as a motivator to learn more. But my favorite tip for learning a language is using the language with natives as much as you can. Some people overlook this with fear of stumbling over words or having long pauses, but it is so pivotal in building your confidence and being able to become fluent in the language. So whenever you can, even if you are a beginner, you should practice with a native as much as you can. People generally seem to be delighted when you make an attempt to speak to them in their own language.