I realize both those languages are kind of similar but I am interested in both of them.
2007-05-06 15:36:06 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
A beginning college student? I'm assuming you have never studied either language.
Languages take time and effort, and learning one will be confusing, especially at first. You need to absorb a lot of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and when you are at the same (beginning) level in both, you may have trouble distinguishing them. The important grammatical structures that must be memorized are sometimes slightly different even among latin languages, and the beginning levels is where you want a strong, solid, unconfused foundation.
Yes it's true that they are similar, but you are a brand new college student. I don't know how it is in your area, but the freshman college dropout rate in my area is proof that college itself can be a challenge to some young adults. And oh yes, if you are a young adult, you're facing other new experiences as well (financial, maybe housing, relationships, employment).
So give yourself a break, and wait until next year to begin one of the languages. Some students find they don't like studying languages, so you may want to wait two years, until you feel very strong in the first new language.
Now if you have already studied a language successfully, you many not have to put it off so long, maybe only a semester, since you will already be used to the type of adapting necessary to learn new vocabulary and structures. However, remember the big picture - it will be best if you are able to enjoy the language so that you can have a lifelong involvement with it, and also it will be best if you can choose courses that will not break your grade point average in your first year of college - because that would be discouraging to you, and make further success feel more difficult to you.
Good luck to you!
2007-05-06 15:53:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mimii 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should study what you like... after all it is your own time and life. And if you like it you learn it better. The knowing of Spanish can only help you pick up Italian faster. You can do both ... if you are tired of Spanish now.. do Italian and when you want or feel like it go back to Spanish. Nothing is stopping you. But Italian generally seems to be easier.
2016-05-17 07:05:14 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are both Romance languages, having been derived from Latin. Much of it is similar, even to the point of having some of the same words. It is a plus if you have had either Latin or Spanish in high school. It helps to start with a good base of knowledge.
I think it is possible. There was a guy in my French class during the fall semester of 2006 who was taking both French and Arabic. If you are willing to do the work, you can do it.
Best wishes, and study hard. I admire you for undertaking this task.
2007-05-06 15:52:12 · answer #3 · answered by Mark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure if you want to. Learning a language to fluency is much better done in the form of personal study, but if you want to study it at school you'll be ok.
When it comes to learning extra languages, normally it is reccomended to focus upon one at a time. Trying to do more than one can confuse you as you might mix up vocabulary, grammatical rules, etc. etc. and that will slow you down.
But it's your choice. The one thing you should know is that post secondary level language courses are one of the worst ways to learn a language, but if you want the credentials for future work, it's a good idea.
2007-05-06 15:53:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
HECK YES!! I'm currently learning Spanish too.. I would probably do the same thing you're doing! They both have Latin roots so yeah alike languages are definitely easier to learn than two completely different ones.. just don't mix them up! Another language like Spanish is Portuguese.
¡Te diviertas!
2007-05-06 15:40:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No..Spanish and Italian have the same pronouncations...even though the languages are different...Take Spanish first....and if you want to take up italian...the spanish would come in handy it'll help you a lot with the italian
2007-05-06 15:45:04 · answer #6 · answered by ewllita 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't think it's a good thing to do that. My first year I was stressed out, trying to get adjusted to my new surrounding so one language is enough.
2007-05-06 15:44:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes!!!!!! They are very much alike. I know because I´m a native Spanish speaker and my parents are Italian.
You should do it.
Good luck.
2007-05-06 15:46:54 · answer #8 · answered by madmar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋