Learn the Lingo
At various times in my life, I’ve tried to learn another language. So far I’ve failed miserably.
“Miserable” is the way to describe the experience. It all has to do with vocabulary. While I can easily recall things that I’ve directly experienced, in vivid detail and for decades afterwards, it is extremely difficult for me to remember abstract things. If I meet someone, I can tell you every detail of their appearance, dress, and the setting like I was Sherlock Holmes on a case. Let a few years go by and I can still recall that very day just like I was standing there.
But ask me what their name is a few minutes after shaking their hand and, more likely than not, my mind will be a complete blank.
Right now, I’m waiting for wearable computers to be developed that can function as a universal translator. It is my only chance to communicate with non-English speakers.
But, my own quirks of memory notwithstanding, there are many free resources available online to help those with, shall we say, a more traditional mind learn a new language. This website provides a partial list. Dig around and many more will be revealed.
(I wrote this post because Milo is looking to improve his own multiple language skills.)
October 9th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I speak German as well as English. Studied it in high school and college, then spent a total of about 7 years living on the economy while my husband was stationed in Germany. Now we live in an area with a very high Spanish-speaking population. I’ve learned some Spanish words, but the frustrating thing is that if I want to use them with a Spanish speaker, it comes out German - which is _not_ particularly useful.
A website that your link does not mention is BYKI.com (Before You Know It), which has a free downloadable program, as well as a more extensive cd program that can be bought pretty reasonably - about $70, I think. Rosetta Stone runs about $500 - so it’s a deal!
October 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am
At various times, I’ve studied French, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. I remember very little; languages do not come easily to me.
Last week I had a library patron who spoke Farsi. She was in urgent need of something, but it was really hard to find out what. Google Translator didn’t have Farsi, but I did find a free online translator. Unfortunately, the Farsi alphabet is different from the Latin alphabet, so the translation only worked one way.