Learning Languages?

Question

Has any ever tried to learn two languages at the same time? If so how difficult was it to keep them apart. I am thinking that taking two germanic languages (one through classes and one self taught) might prove to be a bit difficult. Any SERIOUS thoughts?

The langauge I will be learning in school is German.

The Language I am teaching myself (already working on it) is Swedish

Answer 1

I learned French and German at the same time when I was in High School. It was pretty easy to keep them apart because they are two completely different languages. But I also started learning Spanish while I was taking advanced France classes, and had no problem at all keeping them apart. They both are Latin languages, and although they have similar grammar structures and vocabulary, the accent is so different that it's almost impossible to get mixed up. Plus, my French was already good enough, so I couldn't possibly confuse it with Spanish.

You may want to give it a try and see how you do. If those two languages are too close and you feel you can't keep them apart, drop one (preferably the one you want to learn on your own) and go on studying the other one until you feel that you are quite fluent in it. Then resume learning the other one. But keep in mind that learning a language on your own, although it's not impossible, it's harder than through classes. Nobody is there to clarify your doubts or correct your mistakes. Since I have a solid background in Italian, French and Spanish, I tried to learn Portuguese on my own a few years ago, thinking it would be easy. Well, it wasn't. So, I just dropped the idea, and may take some Portuguese classes now that I'm back in college. You can improve considerably on your own if you keep practising, reading and speaking, but I suggest you take classes until you reach at least an intermediate level.

ADDITION
I can't speak Swedish, but from what I know it isn't so similar to German as Dutch, for example, is. It is more similar to Danish and Norwegian. I think you should be able to keep German and Swedish apart. Give it a try, and if it's too hard, drop either of the two, or find yourself a Swedish tutor -- maybe a native speaker at the college/university where you will take your German classes?

Answer 2

I think that two germanic languages together won't be as tough as two languages from separate families (thought I would advise that you'll do a lot better if you take a class in the self-taught one--if not now, then at some point). You'll be able to pick up the grammar of each more easily as it will be more similar than it would be if they were two more distant languages.

In high school, I took German I at the same time that I took Spanish II, and I got high grades in both. Although I once gave a presentation in the Spanish class and began using "und" instead of "y." Luckily the teacher spoke five languages, German among them, so I really don't even think he noticed. But I never had problems keeping those two separate, other than that one instance.

It would seem like the hardest part would be keeping the vocabulary straight. I would suggest always using the vocabulary in a sentence, rather than just learning the words on their own. Because the rest of the sentence is in language X, it will be easier for you to associate the word with language X, and you'll be less likely to use that word from language X when speaking language Y.

I would also recommend learning the vocabulary with the distinct accent of each language, which should be easier to keep it straight in your mind. I also learned a bit of French in college (though my Spanish was more advanced at the time), and I never confused the two, partly because I worked hard at getting the accents down. If I would see a word in French, I would pronounce it in my mind with a French accent. Though French and Spanish are closely related (and my knowledge of Spanish helped me a lot in my studies of French), the accents that are required are very different. This will probably be more useful for you if you are an aural learner (so, if you learn better by hearing), but it will probably help either way.

Answer 3

I did French and Italian and Spanish together, and I actually felt it was better for all three, because once you got the concept, it worked for all (most of the time...there are never any unbreakable rules in learning a language), and you can make interesting conclusions on the languages. If they are both germanic, you'll probably have the same effect.
A side note, i did try to teach myself german once, and after just a couple of pages in the book I bought, i had to close it and say "i need a teacher." i'm language oriented, but i needed someone to layout the grammar for me, but also because German is very far removed from the Romance languages.
Good luck.

Answer 4

German and Swedish are part of the same branch, but not so close. Norwegian and Swedish would be a more close pair. after all, English is a Germanic one too).
How good are you at switching between the two? Try to learn new vocabulary based on the other language. Cobinations like
der Fatter - en far
der Sohn - en sønn
die Mutter - ei mor
das Haus - et hus
(sorry... as I don't know Swedish, I am using Norwegian nouns)

Answer 5

I come from Greece and as you know the Greek language is not a popular one....so i have to learn a foreign language....the 1st of course English....then 5 years i started to learn German...i really don't remember to have problem with confusing the 2 languages. i remember that it was a little bit funny cause you see the similarities between 2 languages.

Answer 6

No it will be no problem. I speak dutch at school i learn three languages at the same time: French, English and German. I have never got a problem with to mixed them.

Answer 7

If you'r multi threaded then its not a problem .. I remember when i was learning SPANISH and POLISH togather it was a complete mess .. because they are very different .. while Spanish-Portuguese or Spanish- French is a good combination .. depends on your combo.