As you can see, I’ve decided to make my language update monthly. I didn’t want to bore anyone with my weekly updates on language. This update is going to be much shorter than the last because I have opted not to discuss the languages that I am not working on (i.e. French and English). It would be redundant to say the same things over each and every month, so I’ll just update on what I’ve been working on for the past month.
Since my last update, I have been focused on three languages. This focus has not been equal, but it is mostly because I am only prepping for one and actually developing two.
Italian – Italian is my primary focus through the end of 2012. I’ve had almost three years to learn the language and due to much neglect, had not until recently been making any real progress. Now that I’ve passed the point where I am re-learning all the things I once knew, I am actually learning new things and developing basic conversation skills in the language. I’m using a combination of different materials and resources including podcasts, computer programs, language partners and workbooks. I usually listen to about an hour worth of podcasts per day (I listen to each about three times before I retire it to the archives) and I work with computer programs such as LiveMocha and Busuu as well as a program similar to Rosetta Stone for about an hour a day as well. I work out of workbooks about three to four hours per week and I have a one to two-hour language exchange with a friend from Italy each week.
German – I have been a slacker and haven’t resumed my German lessons since the wedding. I know that I need to so that I get more experience using the language, but I just haven’t had time. I think this is one of the things I just need to add to the “after I finish my album” list. I do, however, study German via workbooks or Duolingo, Busuu or LiveMocha everyday, so I do get to regularly use the language even if it isn’t in conversation.
Russian – This past week I have started to learn the Russian alphabet which I have to admit is quite confusing! They have many of the same letters which represent different sounds and letters that are entirely new to me. The only thing that plays to my advantage is that it has some similarities to Croatian (i.e. greetings). Since Russian is the language I plan on starting next year, it will be interesting to see how I progress considering the fact that so much of it is so foreign to me.
As for the rest, I will hopefully have some news for the next update! If you are learning a language, what have you been working on?
In bocca al lupo!
Grazie
You are very welcome. You will be fine, just keep at it even when you think you are just chasing your tail and, one day, you will see it all fit into place!