Languages

I want to learn many languages. I’m very interested in learning languages and learning about the cultures and people who speak different languages. I think it will be helpful when I travel to Europe and other countries. I think it is very important for Americans to learn other languages, especially if we are going to travel.

And, with more and more people moving to the United States, I think it is also important to know other languages even if you have no plans to travel outside this country.

I have read over and over again how Europeans would rather have Americans butcher their languages than to never even try it. I think part of the reason Americans are not liked much by many, many people around the world is because they are known for their rude habit of just EXPECTING folks in other countries to speak English. Yes, many foreigners do speak English, but that isn’t a good reason to not learn the native language of the country you are visiting.

I think at the very least, you should learn the polite words, food words, shopping words and other basic phrases and words you would need as a tourist.

I am interested in visiting Europe first–and so the languages I would like to start with are Italian, French, German and Spanish.

I have been studying Italian for a couple of years–although I have not stayed on top of it and am still a beginner. I know the alphabet, most of the polite words and phrases, a lot of food words, shopping, some colors, and other phrases a tourist may need to know. I want to know their basic grammar and learn how to form sentences, etc, so that if the conversation moves from the basics in my phrase book, I can still join in.

I know some French as well and just a couple of things in Spanish and German.

I started with Italian because my daughter took it in college and gave me her textbooks.

One thing I like is that many of the root words of Spanish, Italian and French are the same or close. That makes it easier to figure out some words. As long as you know what the root is, you can get a good idea of what the word is or the gist of a sentence.

In addition to the languages mentioned above, I have also studied some ASL–American Sign Language. I have an understanding and appreciation for the deaf and the deaf culture.

So, with this blog, I plan to note my progress, phrases I have learned and anything else related to languages and culture.