My first language was German, since my parents immigrated from there to the US. I had to learn English in my neighborhood through the other children. My parents then sent me to eight years of German weekend school which was HORRIBLE. I decided to take French in high school, and you're right, what a beautiful language. Of course, German is so guttural, so anything would have been an improvement (I think.) My husband is 1/2 Greek, and we've been to Greece multiple times now, so I recently switched my Duolingo from Spanish to Greek. Spanish is so easy compared to Greek with its weird alphabet, and also it's not as pleasing on the ear like French. Nothing beats French, mon amie!
How nice to hear your journey with languages Ilona (also a Hungarian name!). Actually, I have come to really appreciate German because of its rich literature and excellent, thought provoking cinema! I’m planning to learn it one day. But probably after Portuguese! :)
Thank you for sharing your experiences with languages! I agree with you that Italian and French are absolutely beautiful. But when I was learning English as a second language, I drive so much pleasure from learning it well :) I say Turkish is one of the hardest languages to learn 😁 - but I can’t wait to learn more of Hungarian!
Hey Imola, I’ve returned to Hungarian via duolingo and am really enjoying it! When it makes me translate ‘Az író írja’ I think of you. I have a set of words and phrases lying dormant in my brain from my time in BP the 90s which has been a good headstart.
Although there’s very few common words with English like French and German, it means there’s no dangerous ‘faux amis’ and it’s so refreshing not to have to remember noun genders.
Because it’s so different from most other European languages in its structure, it’s a very interesting insight into a different logical approach to communication, which, I understand would have formed deep in Siberia many years so.
Maybe one day I’ll be ready to tackle some Magyar literature and I’ll come to you for recommendations but I think I have a steep hill of ever more noun endings to master before then!
Danny? Anyone deciding to take on Hungarian has my deepest respect. Not the easiest language to learn, but it is full of hidden gems. And Hungarian literature is really something. I’m slowly discovering it myself.
I loved your story and agree with your comment on Italian which for lack of practice i'm slowly losing.
I would love to help your great writing financially but with mortgage, house city tax, income tax ++ I have realized that if I want to remain retired in the same house I have to go back to work.
English spoken with an Irish lilt, French with an English accent, and my Italian has a Spanish tinge to it. But I can say hello good morning and thank you in 10 languages. It's a start. Have a super week Imola.
How amazing Michael! Enjoy the learning process. The thing I love the most about languages is how humbling it can be. And you are already supporting me by reading me! It is an honour! Thank you / grazie/ Gracias!
My first language was German, since my parents immigrated from there to the US. I had to learn English in my neighborhood through the other children. My parents then sent me to eight years of German weekend school which was HORRIBLE. I decided to take French in high school, and you're right, what a beautiful language. Of course, German is so guttural, so anything would have been an improvement (I think.) My husband is 1/2 Greek, and we've been to Greece multiple times now, so I recently switched my Duolingo from Spanish to Greek. Spanish is so easy compared to Greek with its weird alphabet, and also it's not as pleasing on the ear like French. Nothing beats French, mon amie!
How nice to hear your journey with languages Ilona (also a Hungarian name!). Actually, I have come to really appreciate German because of its rich literature and excellent, thought provoking cinema! I’m planning to learn it one day. But probably after Portuguese! :)
Another beautiful, insightful read! Grazie mille cara Imola.
Prego cara! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your experiences with languages! I agree with you that Italian and French are absolutely beautiful. But when I was learning English as a second language, I drive so much pleasure from learning it well :) I say Turkish is one of the hardest languages to learn 😁 - but I can’t wait to learn more of Hungarian!
You say “Budapest” properly :) That is a good start! 😜♥️
Hey Imola, I’ve returned to Hungarian via duolingo and am really enjoying it! When it makes me translate ‘Az író írja’ I think of you. I have a set of words and phrases lying dormant in my brain from my time in BP the 90s which has been a good headstart.
Although there’s very few common words with English like French and German, it means there’s no dangerous ‘faux amis’ and it’s so refreshing not to have to remember noun genders.
Because it’s so different from most other European languages in its structure, it’s a very interesting insight into a different logical approach to communication, which, I understand would have formed deep in Siberia many years so.
Maybe one day I’ll be ready to tackle some Magyar literature and I’ll come to you for recommendations but I think I have a steep hill of ever more noun endings to master before then!
Szia!
Danny? Anyone deciding to take on Hungarian has my deepest respect. Not the easiest language to learn, but it is full of hidden gems. And Hungarian literature is really something. I’m slowly discovering it myself.
Igen!
I don’t know why this igen just made my day, but it did :) köszönöm !
I loved your story and agree with your comment on Italian which for lack of practice i'm slowly losing.
I would love to help your great writing financially but with mortgage, house city tax, income tax ++ I have realized that if I want to remain retired in the same house I have to go back to work.
English spoken with an Irish lilt, French with an English accent, and my Italian has a Spanish tinge to it. But I can say hello good morning and thank you in 10 languages. It's a start. Have a super week Imola.
How amazing Michael! Enjoy the learning process. The thing I love the most about languages is how humbling it can be. And you are already supporting me by reading me! It is an honour! Thank you / grazie/ Gracias!
I enjoyed reading this. Thanks!
Thank you for reading Dan!