I am now fluent in German & Spanish and am going to start Italian classes this year. It’s so nice to travel to Germany and be able to speak to them in their own language. People are much more welcoming towards you as well. As an American (of Mexican descent) I think the Germans are particularly impressed because they believe Americans are generally ignorant and uninterested in the world around them. Not true – as we all prove – and some of us really do want to connect with people from other countries, especially when we’re on their turf. I’d also love to learn French, Arabic, Japanese and Latin too! I think languages are key to being a true citizen of the world. There’s no way you can truly learn and understand a culture without learning their language.
hehe. Well, ok, so it’s not known to be an especially beautiful language, but if you hear native speakers talk, it’s not as bad as people think. And it’s not an ugly language at all. It’s a lot softer sounding but when the American tongue slays it, it can sound rather funny. I think Dutch and ANY of the Scandanavian languages (Norwegien, Swedish, Danish) sound much harsher, esp Dutch! As for learning it, I didn’t find it that difficult really. I started taking classes about 7 years ago and have been ‘fluent’ for about 4 years. My husband is German and we practised all the time but you must master the Grammar (takes about 2 yrs) then you can get it down. Good luck!
I am so excited because I’m about to take the plunge and buy a franchise opportunity. It’s an easy ‘at home’ business that just requires an initial investment of about £6000 – for equipment, business cards, advertising leaflets and training! It’s a great opp that’s especially good for women who want to still be full-time mom’s! I never thought I could do this, but now I’m positive and sure that I can…hopefully, by beginning of 2008, I’ll be up and running! Good luck to you all in doing the same!
if you’re ready for a challenge. Moving anywhere away from home is a huge adjustment, especially out of the country where you will experience culture shock. But just be ready to have some highs as well as lows. It will definitely broaden your horizens and allow you to learn more about the world and other cultures, but it will also make you realize that home isn’t such a bad place…especially if ‘home’ is sunny and warm! My only complaint with moving to London (from Texas) is that it’s a long, cold dark winter…but the city makes up for it in other ways. There’s so much to do and see and the city is full of every kind of opportunity imagineable. Like anything in life, your experience will be what you make it.
I’ve picked up this book 3 times in the last 2 years and just die at about page 200. Don’t know why. I find it extremely fascinating, but I think it has something to do with translation. I’m always aware of that and it distracts me. That and I usually try to read this at night before bedtime and the language is just so tedious and awkward that I get through about one page before falling fast asleep! Arg! I will finish this now because I hear it’s fantastic, esp the ending!
How on earth will I ever stop?! My favorite word in the world is ‘fck’. It just expresses the intensity of any emotion to the n’th degree like no other word on the planet. However, as a mother…to a 2 yr old daughter, I know things have to change asap! I try so hard everyday to be aware of her being in the room and listening (and emulating everything I do and say) and try not to curse, but when I get stressed, aggitated or annoyed with something, it’s the first thing to fly out of my mouth. I hate to admit this, but she’s now picked it up too (the other day she said ‘mommy, give me some fcking mushrooms!) LOL! I was stunned (and laughing so hard inside) but I know this is serious now. Please help!!
