Soa

ASL is my first language and it is completely different from many other forms of sign language. Of course there are some similarities as with many other languages. I have run into that quite a bit though, in regards to people not knowing that sign language is not universal and that most countries have their own version. Hence the name American Sign Language. But I guess that might also because people don't actually say the American part. In my opinion I think the closest to ASL would be BSL, which is British Sign Language, or SSL which is Spanish Sign Language. Just like how you know a few words in other languages, people who sign know words in different forms of sign language. I personally know the most in CSL (Chinese Sign Language) other than American of course. Concerning your question as to what extent do these languages differ, I think they are all just as different as spoken ones. There are a couple with more similarities and then there are some that feel like they come from another planet. But sign language in general is easier to pick up simply because it's matching your words with a hand movement. I recommend learning your countries version of Sign Language first.

While I believe part of this is true, other parts I have to disagree with. What is easiest to learn depends on many factors including what the language is, what language you already speak, and what kind of learner you are, etc, etc. I think the easiest languages to learn are those that are alike to your own. For example if you speak English, the easiest languages to learn (given that you have the time, resources and are an efficient learner) would be Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch. If you're looking for an easy language to learn I would choose one with the same syntax of your own. Also I have a friend who has learned Japanese but yet doesn't really like the culture, she lives in the U.S and has many Japanese friends with whom she gets to converse with in their native tongue. As for me I have gotten pretty far in Spanish, but there culture is something I haven't even given much thought to whether I like it or not. I think instead it has to do with your reasoning behind why you want to learn it in the first place, rather than if you like where the language came from.

Hello Zhenni. You're the first person I've seen on the site who speaks Chinese. It's so cool that you know so many languages, many of them I had to google.Hearing of people who speak many languages sort of gives me drive to want to learn more. So it's very nice to meet you. As for me, I live in America and I am native in 2 languages and am currently learning Spanish and Chinese. My goal is to be fluent in Chinese because I will soon start saving up for a trip to China in a few years. I plan to visit for 2 weeks, around the time of Chinese new year which I see can get pretty expensive. Hope to see more of your posts around. Best of wishes. Soa

I am not sure if I can call knowing or not knowing a language a stereotype, however it is true that many Americans only know English. Furthermore if you ask them if they wish they knew another language, the answer in my experience has always been yes. In regards to another comment, I just don't see how it is fair to say that Americans take it for granted that they can go to many other places and run into people who speak their native tongue. I feel it is quite the opposite and it's probably why they do travel so much and certainly appreciate it.. I've noticed that many other countries do push upon their children to know another language, namely English. I wouldn't really put anyone at fault for what a child was taught. Sure they could learn when they get older but then you have to take into account peoples schedules, resources and whatever else that may hinder one from learning a new language. Language is definitely something that has been on the rise, so who knows maybe more Americans will start to enforce different languages as a child as well.

I certainly think so. I am learning Chinese, but I usually speak English or use american sign language. in English I listen to a lot of different genre's of music but in Chinese oddly enough I have only found one. I've tried to listen to them but they just aren't appealing to me and I believe that has mostly to do with different the cultures are. It's just not what I'm used to. My favorite genre of music in English is pop and soul and I like that as well in Chinese. I also listen to rap music in English and I love it. In Chinese...not so much. Which makes complete sense considering that the reason Americas rap music is the way it is because of who the artist were and what they went through. Which of course will be different from someone in another country. One genre that I like in Chinese and not in English is classical, and the reason behind it is one I am still not entirely sure of.

I am currently learning Chinese and it is incredibly challenging to say the least. But the best way I have found to learn a language is first, to have patience. I've been studying Chinese for quite some time and I am not as far as I'd hoped to be when I drew out a plan for myself in the beginning. Second, if you can, definitely find someone who is native in that language, if you can't that's okay. And Third is making sure you keep going! I've seen a lot of people who started to learn a language, then after just a couple weeks give up. I recommend finding a set time every day of the week to study. For me I study an hour or more right before bed, and refresh my memory in the morning. I read somewhere in an article once, that studying something before bed can help with memorizing it. But go by what time you feel is best, because there are also studies that show it will do just the opposite. The most important tools I am using is word lists/dictionaries, Videos, and music. The combination of these 3 are amazing and I really wish I did all three in the beginning.