Languages and linguistics

divine1966 · Nov 24, 2022, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mendingmysoul

Being proficient in reading ,writing and speaking in three different languages, I was looking forward to learn Hebrew. I gather it won't be easy.I think you become as good as a native if started early on.The ones I am very good at I started in my childhood.

True. But I think it also depends on your immersion in language. I’d say my English is pretty decent and I didn’t know any of it until my mid 30s, BUT I am fully immersed in it. I’d never be as good as a native, it’s not possible, but it’s good enough

My other two I know since childhood.

Lokebee · Nov 26, 2022, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Beth*

Torah in Spanish would be so-so connected to Sephardi Jews, roughly.

Some Sephardic Jewish people speak Ladino. It’s a language that is a mix between Hebrew and Spanish

*Beth* · Nov 26, 2022, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divine1966

I think it depends if one speaks other languages where there is a hard “h” sound. For native English speaker it’s hard to say the hard “h” sound as well as roll the Rs.

Exactly.

*Beth* · Nov 26, 2022, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divine1966

I know. I am aware. I am not that serious about being embarrassed about Hebrew alphabet. Was a bit of inside joke. I took a class in my synagogue mainly because of my own kid making fun of me at services having to read English transcription.

My pronunciation in Hebrew is good. Pronunciation isn’t an issue. My issue was with reading. Those aren’t the same things. I just had hard time with the alphabet. It required practice. I read, write and speak and am proficient in 3 different languages that use three different alphabets. So I assume how hard would that be to learn the 4th! I’ve learned English in my 30s. Guess reading Hebrew was a different story. I don’t give up!

Yiddish is on endangered languages list. Yes there is one. So that’s a reality

Our kids are our best incentives.

Fabulous, divine! What an excellent ability for language you have! Gosh, just learning English in your 30's...incredible. Too many native English speakers don't know English

divine1966 · Nov 26, 2022, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Beth*

Our kids are our best incentives.

Fabulous, divine! What an excellent ability for language you have! Gosh, just learning English in your 30's...incredible. Too many native English speakers don't know English

I think the only way to learn it is when you have to. I had to and in a hurry! Thank you but I don’t think I have any special ability, to be honest. It’s like sink or swim. I chose to swim lol

Lokebee · Nov 26, 2022, 11:40 AM

I think Hebrew and Arabic are hard to read cos they use diacritics for their vowels or sometimes just leave the vowels out of the writing altogether.

Stronglady1 · Nov 26, 2022, 12:04 PM

I know German very well since I am German.My son is doing good with German since we have a trip to Germany scheduled next year to see family members there.A few of my family members over there know German only.I am glad my son is learning German.

divine1966 · Nov 26, 2022, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokebee

I think Hebrew and Arabic are hard to read cos they use diacritics for their vowels or sometimes just leave the vowels out of the writing altogether.

I know! For me letters look all the same but of course they aren’t the same!

lemonSys · Nov 27, 2022, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Beth*

Too many native English speakers don't know English

Sad, but true.

— lemonSys

lemonSys · Nov 27, 2022, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokebee

Some Sephardic Jewish people speak Ladino. It’s a language that is a mix between Hebrew and Spanish

Oh cool

I have never heard of Ladino. Ty

— lemonSys

Lokebee · Nov 27, 2022, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stronglady1

I know German very well since I am German.My son is doing good with German since we have a trip to Germany scheduled next year to see family members there.A few of my family members over there know German only.I am glad my son is learning German.

I tried to learn German using Duolingo. I kinda gave up on it cos the word order is so different from English that I just ended up doing it all wrong. But I may try again.

unaluna · Nov 27, 2022, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokebee

I tried to learn German using Duolingo. I kinda gave up on it cos the word order is so different from English that I just ended up doing it all wrong. But I may try again.

Oh yeah the word order makes it fun! Its like, how many more words can you add to this sentence before it goes completely off the track!