Learning another language...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
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From: Perth WA
Learning another language...
Hello, I have decided to do a summer course and learn another language and wanting advice on what language you believe to be the most useful applying for airlines and also just for general overseas travel. I know of course it depends where you are travelling to etc. but would just love to hear some different opinions…
These are my options (I live in Australia)
Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French and Nihongo (Japanese)
These are my options (I live in Australia)
Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French and Nihongo (Japanese)
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
Hey there,
I would say Japanese is best for the airlines - as they are one of the main players for tourism in Oz.
In terms of learning a language - I don't think a summer course will quite cut it for you. It will be great for giving you an introduction to the language but that's about it.
As someone who has lived in Japan and taught in Japan, I was there for 1.5 years, and am no where near fluent at all.
Fluency in Japanese comes at around the 3 year mark, and this is from even living in the country. Most of my firends who speak it fluently said it took them that long, and that was studying daily too.
Hope this has given you an insight.
Enjoy your weekend,
Raver
I would say Japanese is best for the airlines - as they are one of the main players for tourism in Oz.
In terms of learning a language - I don't think a summer course will quite cut it for you. It will be great for giving you an introduction to the language but that's about it.
As someone who has lived in Japan and taught in Japan, I was there for 1.5 years, and am no where near fluent at all.
Fluency in Japanese comes at around the 3 year mark, and this is from even living in the country. Most of my firends who speak it fluently said it took them that long, and that was studying daily too.
Hope this has given you an insight.
Enjoy your weekend,
Raver
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I'm with Sydgirl, however it helps if you have a passion for the language, culture and food.
Made learning Italian and French more interesting for me.
Better if you can practice with the odd friend or colleague.
Learn a language you have an interest in the people and main country.
Made learning Italian and French more interesting for me.
Better if you can practice with the odd friend or colleague.
Learn a language you have an interest in the people and main country.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 594
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From: ---
Hi!!!
I enrolled in Spanish classes today. I am already flying but am determined to do this!!!!! As said i think you need to have a genuine interest in the language, culture etc. I have always wanted to do Spanish but thought it best to study an asian language, however i tried Japanese and didn't feel comfortable with it, so i tried Auslan (sign language-something different) and didn't feel right with that either, so i should've done Spanish right from the start when i had more of an interest in it than the others?
Oz
I enrolled in Spanish classes today. I am already flying but am determined to do this!!!!! As said i think you need to have a genuine interest in the language, culture etc. I have always wanted to do Spanish but thought it best to study an asian language, however i tried Japanese and didn't feel comfortable with it, so i tried Auslan (sign language-something different) and didn't feel right with that either, so i should've done Spanish right from the start when i had more of an interest in it than the others?
Oz
PPRuNe Co-Pilot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 931
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From: The Sky
Hi OzCC,
I do not believe Spanish is a difficult language to learn, i mean if you are willing to learn ( which by reading your posts, i conclude that you are ) then it will be easier.
I'm sure you will have fun 
By the way, can you give me any opinions on where to stay in Sydney got my flights booked for 3 weeks ( April ) and now im trying to arrange some accomodation, something not too far from Sydney city centre. The other day got a hotel with good rates in Kings Cross, but someone warned me that it's a Red Traffic Area
Thanks
Airway
I do not believe Spanish is a difficult language to learn, i mean if you are willing to learn ( which by reading your posts, i conclude that you are ) then it will be easier.
I'm sure you will have fun By the way, can you give me any opinions on where to stay in Sydney got my flights booked for 3 weeks ( April ) and now im trying to arrange some accomodation, something not too far from Sydney city centre. The other day got a hotel with good rates in Kings Cross, but someone warned me that it's a Red Traffic Area
Thanks
Airway
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: MIDLANDS
Picking up Latin-based languages if you are an English speaker, is meant to be far easier than picking up an Asian or Slovonic language.
Spanish is an excellent language to learn, as it opens up South & Latin America, parts of Asia, the growing number of Spanish speakers in the United States, and of course, Spain.
As a French, Portuguese & Spanish student, I can tell you Spanish is by far the easiest, with easier grammar and vocabulary. Portuguese writing and reading is easy from Spanish, although speaking and listening is very different. French is also easy to pick up from Spanish, and is a very attractive language, which is widely spoken in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Spanish is an excellent language to learn, as it opens up South & Latin America, parts of Asia, the growing number of Spanish speakers in the United States, and of course, Spain.
As a French, Portuguese & Spanish student, I can tell you Spanish is by far the easiest, with easier grammar and vocabulary. Portuguese writing and reading is easy from Spanish, although speaking and listening is very different. French is also easy to pick up from Spanish, and is a very attractive language, which is widely spoken in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 6
From: In Frozen Chunks (Cloud Cuckoo Land)
Dont stay in Darling Harbour Novotol. It is disgusting! A 1 star (supposedly 4 or 5 star) hotel, having been there waiting for EPs many times. It is ridiculously overpriced, and the colour scheme in the corridors and in your room will give you nausea!
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Hi OzCabincrew,
I agree with the others. Spanish is not hard to learn but you must immerse yourself in it. Either go and live in a Spanish speaking country for a while or live with a Spanish speaker!
P.S. I got your note the other day! I am sure we can chat in person about learning Spanish.
Cheers
TIMOS
I agree with the others. Spanish is not hard to learn but you must immerse yourself in it. Either go and live in a Spanish speaking country for a while or live with a Spanish speaker!
P.S. I got your note the other day! I am sure we can chat in person about learning Spanish.
Cheers
TIMOS
