A language, just a language ore more?
Once a month member of our social club meet for discussion on philosophy, psychology, environmental solutions right out of our front door or elsewhere in the world. Strictly excluded are themes of politics, religion, health e.g.
Out of the blue one member who has nearly reached the 80 now spread the question into the round, if the English Language was the most ambitious language in the world one can learn?
Is he right or wrong, that sounds to be indeed a challenging question?
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No. The fact that few speak it properly is not proof. LOL I was told The Dutch Language is very hard and you almost have to be born Dutch to speak it. I need to google it.
I think all languages are equally hard to learn for certain people. Its to do with how you hear things. Some could pick up mandarin but struggle with german. Memory has a lot to do with it as well……….. Basically I think what I mean is, If its not your native language its hard to learn it.
English has roots in Latin, Greek and several Germanic languages, so from that perspective it is similar, in some ways, to other languages.
I am told, however, that Finnish seems to be related to no other language. The closest anything comes, or so I read, are some ancient middle eastern languages which are no longer spoken.
On that basis, I would have to say Finnish would probably be the most difficult.
I feel as though one has to grow up with a language other than english ,to speak others correctly, i grew up with three other languages in my family , a mixed marriage, and with the extended family we spoke three languages and English, my Mom being TEACHER made sure we spoke English correctly, so English first and the others follow, just my opinion .
Whereas many speak the English language poorly, it is widely used in official communications almost all over the world.This functionality does not need one to be born English but to understand it as a medium for transacting any form of business, be it academic or otherwise. With such a global requirement to know English , I guess it is an ambitious language to learn in my opinion.
Interesting perspecitive Beatrice. I was fluent in French after 4 years n high school. Having never used it, I dont remember much at all. I think the older you are, the harder it is to learn a language – well for me anyways. No, I dont think English is the most challenging. I have heard many people say Finnish is; and some people say Latin. I would vote Finnish myself; although growning up catholic my childhood religious education included Latin. Great post!