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)

Arabic....

regards

Ok here's my 2 cents...

Best languages for applying for airlines - Mandarin and Japanese
Best languages for overseas travel - Spanish and French

Merry Christmas.
SG
:D

best language for obscure places where I have ended up and they dont speak english

Russian

and if I could have read it that would have been REALLY helpfull

Hay Ewe - what you say?

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 :)

reply
 

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.

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

And if you Learn Spanish you wont have any trouble understanding Portuguese either or vice-versa... ;)

does anyone know if Spanish is a hard language to learn?

Oz

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. :ok: 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 :confused:


Thanks
Airway

Hi!!!

Not too familiar with Sydney, but when we overnight there we stay at the Novotel on Darling Harbour which is ok. Sorry couldn't help

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.

thanks for that! i'm looking forward to getting started!

Oz

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!

i kinda agree, Novotel Darling Harbour isn't the best, but as crew & for work, its a bed for the night. As for holidays, probably wouldn't be my first choice.

Oz

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