primalclaws1974

Another word I like is "congruent". The word means to be in agreement, or in harmony with someone or something. The bubbling brook was congruent with the whistling of the light breeze through the trees. It just has a poetic sound and feel to it.

I have not gotten a job based on being bilingual, but I can guarantee that it is a handy skill to have in the job market. Almost every application I have filled out has asked what languages I speak. There are numerous jobs for translators. I think that would be a fine job to have.

I almost certainly would go to a class to learn a new language. Although I self-taught myself through a bachelor's degree online, I think this would require more hands-on help. I have tried language systems like Rosetta Stone, but it didn't take when I worked on it alone. I just responded to someone who claimed to learn English by watching movies. I don't think a lot of people could go at it alone like that.

I have heard that people taught themselves English through TV. I find that fascinating. How would you know if you were speaking correctly? Who did you practice on? I understand if you keep hearing a certain word, you will associate it with the picture that's displayed at that time, but who is to say it's right?

I have heard of people that are well-educated that knew five languages. A man is in the record books because he could speak over 50 languages fluently. He worked in the United Nations, and spoke to each delegate in their own tongue. Could a person learn more than one tongue at a time? Or is it easier to do them separate? Is their a purpose in knowing multiple languages?

Another word I like is "intuition". Not only is it pleasant to say, them meaning of the word is important. It means that you have an inner-voice that is telling you the right thing to do, even though you might not have experience. Intuition is directly connected to your morals, and would define you as a person. A little boy may want candy, and since he has no money, might be tempted to steal. But his intuition tells him that is mother would be very disappointed in him, so he doesn't steal it.

I haven't tried, but it sounds like a smart idea. If someone is working with what they are familiar with, they are going to be more relaxed. Being more at ease makes it easier to learn. All stress is going to do is frustrate people, and hinder their learning.

Nice topic. I worked with a Korean woman that used to get mad at customers because they would ask her to repeat herself often. I also had a hard time understanding her at first, but I got used to it, and learned. I never pointed out when she pronounced something wrong or hit the wrong syllables. I think a lot of foreign speakers are going to sound different. They are never going to sound like native speakers. As long as they are doing pretty well, why frustrate them?

I think any language translator is going to fail if the languages don't have similar origins. English to Spanish, and the reverse will do quite well, but English to an African language is probably going to cause some serious issues. Translating programs have been around a long time. I used one in an old online game 15 years ago, but I could tell that the message just wasn't clearly being communicated.

I also like the word "opaque". This means something that is not transparent, such as water or glass. I suppose it can also mean a person who hides their true personality or intentions. I have used this word in my writings several times.

Does anyone do historical research on the language they are attempting to learn? Do you try to understand how that language developed, and what the parent language was? I think this is important to get a greater grasp on the relevance of the language.

The first time I got on the internet I was 24. I have been hooked ever since (I am now 40). Because I am an inquisitive person, and I love to have facts and information, the internet has been special to me. I can remember having to go to the library or read an encyclopedia. Now the answers are easy as walking to your computer or picking up your cell phone. I genuinely believe I have learned more from the internet in the last 16 years than I would have learned in my whole life without it.

I would say the value is based on why the person is learning the language(s). If someone planning to move to the United States to better their lives is learning English, this is most certainly going to be the most valuable. They will need to be able to interact with potential bosses, etc. and speaking and understanding English would be vital.

I like the word "serendipity". The word rolls off your tongue nicely. It means to find something valuable or rewarding without looking for it. An example might be a person who is nice to people simply for the act of being kind might be rewarded by the people he was nice to saving his life. He didn't be nice to get a reward, but he was rewarded anyway.

This is an odd phenomenon, but a lot of people can really enjoy music and words they can't understand. Many American bands tour in countries that have hoards of non-English-speakers. There was a phase in the United States of Americans enjoying German heavy metal. I can relate to that, just because I enjoyed the music.

I have been on this site for about a week. I have found some useful and interesting information. I just realized I have not introduced myself. My real name is Tim. I am a father of 3, from Iowa, USA. I enjoy forums because not only do I learn facts but I can express my opinions so well.

I would love to learn Latin. It is one of the ancient languages, and where many of the modern tongues have evolved from. I don't know who I would speak to, if I learned it however. As far as I am aware (aside from people teaching it), the only people required to learn it are scientists.

I have always heard the French is the language of love. I'm assuming they say this because the French (especially men) are suppose to be superb lovers. I personal love the Portuguese language. When it is spoken it just has a beautiful finesse about it that would inspire me to think romance.

I am glad you made this thread, because I recently came across a Czech word that I just adore. The word is prozvonit. It means a person who calls someone on a cell phone, allowing it to ring one time, and then hangs up and waits for the receiver to call back. They save themselves money this way. I suppose you could also say this means "cheapskate" if talking about a person placing calls.

I am a native-speaker of English, but I have heard that learning the language can be very hard. English has over 800,000 words, and many words have the same meaning. Very few languages require a thesaurus to explain their words, but most thesauruses are as thick as the dictionary. English also has another 400,000 technical terms, which likely also have double, triple or more meanings.

The one word that I remember from college is friolero. For those who do not know what it means, it is a person that cannot handle cold weather. It also can mean those susceptible to cold. I am surprised that there are not direct words like this in English, as it has the most words of any language in the world!

I would say the younger the better. But that would really depend on the child. My daughter is three. She has a pretty good grasp of words, although she still occasionally puts words in the wrong order. But that is not the issue. She is very stubborn. She refuses to do things I ask of her sometimes. If she was a more compliant child, I would start a second language with her right now.

That sort of thing happens with me, as an native-English speaker, but I don't think it happens with everyone. With technology taking over, and spell check everywhere, I think native speakers are losing (or never having to begin with) skills with reading and writing. However, if I overanalyze a word too long that I am not sure of, I may end up getting it wrong.

I love travelling. At the moment I have only journeyed inside U.S. borders. Someday I wish travel overseas. But even if that never happens, there are many residents that speak Spanish. Spanish is a sister language to English, and are close in some respects. I want to start with the easiest and see how I do.

I personally wouldn't pay at all. There are adult language courses for English as a second language for free in the United States. A few places I have seen them in my town are in the community center, main library, and both colleges. If there were fees I am sure they are subsidized, and would be reduced or free with the government's help.