Indeed, learning foreign languages is addictive. If you have learned one language, then you want to learn the second. Or you don't want to, but you need to, and in this case it is important to have motivation.
Why learn a second foreign language?
- Travel. Traveling is much more interesting if you know the language. Yes, the statement that English is the language of international communication is true, but it is better to communicate with an Italian in his own language. You will be understood in any case, but the subtleties may be overlooked.
- Work or business. An employer will always give preference to an applicant who speaks two languages over one. It's the same in business: knowing two foreign languages gives you confidence, expands your horizons and opens up new opportunities for growth.
- Education. Studying abroad is the dream of many. In most European universities, teaching is conducted in English. But ignorance of the "local" language deprives you of many joys: communication with classmates, visiting theaters and concerts, language barriers arise in everyday communication.
Will one foreign language affect the other?
The influence of one language on the second in linguistics is called interference . In simple terms, it's just a language mess. How to avoid it?
- In the case of interference, it is easier to prevent than to get rid of. Compare two languages, find similarities and differences in grammar, pronunciation and rules.
- Learn one language with another. They can not only interfere, but also help each other! The best exercise in this case is translating from one foreign language into another without using your native language. When you are fluent in one language, you can buy a textbook for studying a second foreign language in the first one - this is aerobatics.
Ways to help you learn two languages at the same time
- Hurry slowly . Don't think that you have to memorize a hundred new words every day and analyze several topics. Choose the pace that suits you best and won't be overwhelmed.
- Based on the possibilities and the amount of free time per day, create a schedule . If you fail to allocate 30-60 minutes, let it be 15-20 minutes, but effective, during which you can fully devote yourself to the language.
- In European languages, a lot is repeated, so we say again - catch the similarities in the languages studied, so the assimilation of the material will be much easier.
- Another feature of European languages is the same words that are spelled in the same way and have the same meaning, but pronounced differently, based on the pronunciation rules of a particular language. So, English and French are very similar, many words in these languages correspond to this pattern.
- Do not think that if you have studied some material, then you have learned it forever. Over time, information can evaporate and overlap . Therefore, do not be afraid to go back and refresh the material in your memory - it will not be superfluous.
- By gradually increasing the pace of learning a second language, you will significantly reduce the chance of language interference.
- Self-study is not easy for everyone. Do not hesitate to contact the teachers for clarification of the difficult points.
- Be sure to take a break from your language studies, at least 1-2 days a week.
- Learn only those languages that you like . Only in this case motivation will not need to be "sucked out of the finger", it will flow like a river!
