parlate italiano?
We've decided to learn another language together. Spanish makes the most logical sense, as I've had four years of classes in the past. But it isn't nearly as interesting to me as Italian. If pressed to choose another country to live in, Italy would be at the top of the list. Therefore, getting that pesky language barrier out of the way is a nice goal. Practical? No. Life enhancing? Yes. And who am I kidding... I'd love to be able to speak privately to my husband in Italian... not to mention, be able to more easily converse with the locals when we travel.
I would easily spout out helpful phrases such as "Questo viene nel mio formato?" (does this come in my size?), "Quando ha luogo andare seguente del traghetto per Capri?" (When is the next ferry leaving for Capri?) and "Quali pesci suggerite oggi?" (which fish would you recommend today?) without hesitation. Ahh, the good life.
Have any of you taken up another language in your adult life? Any input?
I really want to learn to speak French!
Posted by: richie | March 19, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I am currently learning Hebrew so that I can whisper sweet nothings in my Israeli husband's ear ;)
Posted by: Allison Roach | March 19, 2008 at 10:50 PM
I took up Spanish last year - self-taught, as I haven't got enough spare time to attend classes, so I only managed to learn basic grammar and build up elementary lexicon.
I plan to try and learn French, too, sometime in the (near) future. :)
As for Italian, it's my mothertoungue, so I think I can help there:
- Does this come in my size? >> C'è anche nella mia taglia?
- When is the next ferry leaving for Capri? >> Quando parte il prossimo traghetto per Capri?
- Which fish would you recommend today? >> Quale pesce mi consiglia, oggi?
Posted by: Giorgia | March 20, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I grew up speaking spanish, since my maternal side is hispanic. I can honestly say that because spanish, portugese and italian are so similar, it'd quite a bit easier to pick one of them up after learning spanish. then you can say you're trilingual! :)
Posted by: candi | March 20, 2008 at 12:12 PM
You are so right. I picked up some Italian very easily before our last trip, partially due to my knowledge of Spanish. They are so similar. I love your trilingual idea ;)
Posted by: franki durbin | March 20, 2008 at 07:16 PM
ooh if you learn Spanish I'll FINALLY have someone to practice with! :)
Posted by: glamazini | March 21, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Spanish and Italian are so similar I often confuse words in the two - LOL! I've recently started learning Danish which is a little more of a challenge. I find a good interactive computer course helps, along with traditional taped lessons that you can pop on the iPod and have playing when you're in the car, at the gym, just anywhere the info might sink in!
Posted by: minxlj | March 25, 2008 at 10:55 AM