Learning languages should be fun, not a chore.

Today someone asked me how long would it take to learn the Spanish language. WOW! This takes the fun out of it. My response was: I don't know. I speak the language fluently and can't say that I know it all. Everyday is a new discovery, new words, new expressions.

Conversational anything is for communication, for fun, for understanding. If you are planning to get a college degree because you intend to teach, write books, being a writer for a newspaper where accuracy and command of the language is very important, then, you have a horse of a different color.

I am an advocate of learning a language the easy way, then if you are really serious and have the commitment for a long term learning, go for it.

In the meantime, learn 365 sentences and travel, have fun, get dates, ask for directions, well, you get the idea. My questions is: When are you going to start?

Did you know that you already speak some Spanish?

If you can say taco, muchacho, fiesta, cinco de mayo, corona, hasta la vista baby---you are already in your way to master the language.

Ah, but it takes more than that. What about a sentence a day?

English: Hello
French: Salut
Italian: Ciao
Portuguese: Oi/olá
Spanish: Hola

English: What's your name?
French: Comment vous appelez-vous?
Italian: Come si chiama?
Portuguese: Qual é seu nome?
Spanish: Cómo se llama? Cúal es su nombre?

If you keep up with learning short sentences, you will be able to ask for a date in no time.

So you want to learn 5 languages?

It's easier than you think. The first thing to do is to erase the message in your brain that isn't possible. Of course, trying to get the "learning curve" going is somewhat difficult, but not impossible. Remember what I said, learn little chunks of information every day and one day you will be able to have a basic conversation in five different languages.

I carry 3 x 5 cards with me all the time. One or two sentences at the time. I read them while I wait for the traffic to clear, when someone puts me on hold or any other situation where I have to wait. Don't get aggravated, learn something useful and fun.

So here is the first installment. I this time I can't give you the pronunciation, but this will come soon I hope.

English: My name is...
French: Je m'appelle
Italian: Mi chiamo
Portuguese: Meu nome é
Spanish: Mi nombre es/Me llamo

Next time you hear these words, they will make sense to you.

Have a great day.