Have you ever wondered what the personal and social benefits of learning a second language might be? Learning languages is seen as a bit of a weird hobby in Australia. As someone fluent in 2 languages, somewhat conversational in 2 more, and who ‘dabbles’ all the time in languages for
“Hello. My name is Cate, and I’m a language nerd.” Have you ever been asked what languages you speak, and been overcome with an overwhelming desire to run really fast in the opposite direction? Or found yourself standing there speechless with the thoughts “Define ‘speak’… do you mean like a
It is often asked “can you learn two languages at the same time?” The answer seems to be yes… and no. There are many studies of children raised in bilingual homes that demonstrate the ability to learn two languages at the same time, but it is also noted that many
It was my first day in England, and I was looking to see if I could buy a high necked long sleeved t-shirt that in Australia we call a “skivvy”. When the (middle aged) shop assistant approached and asked if she could help, I asked if they had “any skivvies?”
Have you ever come across this 10,000 hour rule? That it takes 10,000 hours to become proficient in a new skill? If you have (and let’s face it, it has become an oft-quoted statistic!), then you might wonder if it truly is possible to learn languages (or anything else) quickly. (Especially
There is a myth around that children learn languages more quickly and easily than adults. “A myth?” you ask. Yes. A myth. There is a whole lot of research that shows it, but let’s just think logically. The average, hearing child begins to be exposed to language the moment the
In theory there is no limit to the number of languages a person can learn. In practicality, issues like time available, ability to practise, and even the definition of “know” all play into the question. Know enough to have a conversation? Enough to present a high level speech? To write
