I'd like to learn Swedish, Chinese, Japanese, (improve my) French, and several others too... You going to pay for my travel and housing? :wink:
You know.. if you were a bit handier to New England instead of Old England I'd give it some good consideration given that I think you're beyond wonderful. But realize too Kotch that I studied French from fourth grade through college. I did not get the opporunity to actually apply it until twenty years later after my career here in the States was well-established. It was only then (my first visit to Provence) that it all dropped into place like cogs in a wheel. That sensation is the only formula (IMO) to real fluency.
Even as I plan for Italy soon I think "Oh shit! I've forgotten so much!!"
My honey says "oh pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeze. You'll be prattling on till I'm ready to crack you over the head in twenty-four hours". It's amazing how it floods back.
Seriously though, I've always loved languages, my problem is that I love them all so can't decide which I want to learn. I've been seriously looking into these and other packages, but they are all so damned expensive, especially if the one you happen to choose ends up not being right for you :frown1:
My advice?
Learn the neo-Latin languages (also called "romance languages"). Invariably when I'm in Italy and am fumbling for a word I access my French and give it an Italian ending
I tell you in all seriousness it works about forty percent of the time.
Italian is far easier than French. It's less riddled with idioms. I'm glad I studied French first.
cigarbabe said:
I was wondering about that product.
Exactly how expensive is it if you wouldn't mind telling us?
Stronzo is there a course you would recomend?
C.B.:saevil:
This is what I did for my Italian in 2003 CB.
Since you and I live so close to one another it's doable for you too.
I went to Wheaton for four semesters and audited classes four mornings a week. I think you're even closer to Wheaton than I am.
There were twenty-one students in the class the first two semesters and nothing but Italian was spoken. All you need do is contact the language dept. at Meneely Hall at Wheaton and they interview you to see how sincere you are. You get no credit or anything but you take all the quizzes and exams and finals right along with the kiddies.
I met my cultural liaison Fulbright scholar Vera (from Venice) there and she's the gal with whom we'll be staying in Italy shortly. It was a MIND BLOWING experience.
The entire cost? ONE HUNDRED BUCKS TOTAL (plus the one hundred and seventy-five spent on textbooks).
Of course my dad was inclined to call me "my professional student".
I love the learning process and the academic atmosphere.