Languages

[Chubbs]

Just wondering what Languages our users are fluent in?

Growing up to Polish parents i naturally leaned to speak the language. I didn't spend my Saturdays paying in the park, i spent them going to Polish school.

If you're thinking of learning Polish, here is an example of the world of pain you are in for.

[Flashheart]

I can get by in Thai, but I don't speak it as well I should be able to by now. I'm lazy like that; pretty much everybody that I know speaks English.

[Nomoreheroes]

No wonder your name is 'Chubbs' if you have to do all that eating!  

[Chubbs]

I can get by in Thai, but I don't speak it as well I should be able to by now. I'm lazy like that; pretty much everybody that I know speaks English.

Its a lot easier these day, which is why i think people have gotten lazy with learning languages. Why bother when everyone can speak English. 20/25 years ago this was not the case, especially in Poland so you had no choice.
As I've got older, my speaking has deteriorated, but I've no issues reading or understanding it and love eavesdropping on conversation when they dont think i can understand what they are saying. 

[Chubbs]

No wonder your name is 'Chubbs' if you have to do all that eating! 

Its very apt...

[reeves4england]

I do love languages but am not fluent in any other than English, sadly. I was pretty good at French until I left school. I've also picked up little bits of Italian, Czech, Thai and Malay (and probably others) when visiting places but as soon as I stop using a language I tend to forget it all.

[4D]

Latin, I did it at school. Bristolian, I had family there  

[Gnasher]

Russian, but not as fluent as I should be.

[Chubbs]

I do love languages but am not fluent in any other than English, sadly. I was pretty good at French until I left school. I've also picked up little bits of Italian, Czech, Thai and Malay (and probably others) when visiting places but as soon as I stop using a language I tend to forget it all.

I think that's the issue, you have to use it constantly to keep up to speed. Growing up, as well as school, my mum and dad would watch polish TV and we would holiday to Poland sometimes twice a year so it was always fresh. As I've grown up, and seldom needed to use the language, my speaking is not as good as it should be.

[Red Frog]

Love languages and how they open doors for you. It's true that most people speak some English these days, but if you want to sell stuff in Europe, as I've been trying to do for 35 years, you need to speak their languages. I'm native-level French, and get by in German. Also did Latin at school, which has been helpful in deciphering Spanish and Italian.

Looking at that Polish only makes me feel I should have started 40 years ago. There isn't enough time left to start working it out now!

[4D]

I've always fancied having a go at learning Gaelic or Welsh.

[Reg Smeeton]

I've always fancied having a go at learning Gaelic or Welsh.

Down the years having done a lot of walking in Wales, learning the basics of place names and pronounciations, was fun.

I've a mate who's a poyglot, his most recent language was Turkish, he swears by watching satellite TV as a way of learning. Perhaps you could do the same with Welsh.... S4C etc.

[Batch]

I'm barely fluent in English!

Chuubbs, are all of those standard polish or regional variations or what?!

[horlock07]

I love the idea of learning languages but I am on the whole shite at them.

I could probably just about cobble by in French (if I had the confidence - I don't) and can probably order a beer in Spanish and Italian and that's just about it!

Embarrassing really! I spend most of my time abroad these days cycling in Belgium and the Netherlands, and almost without exception everyone speaks English better than I do! Have been toying with the idea with having a go at Dutch as its one of the easier languages.

[horlock07]

I've always fancied having a go at learning Gaelic or Welsh.

Talking of which I notice my Garlic has come up in the garden this morning, hopefully a sign of spring.