What would be a good second language for me to learn? <<Please carefully read the details before replying>>?

Question

I'm a 51 year old man with Parkinson's Disease. Less than two years ago, I heard something on National Public Radio about learning a second language.
Some researchers believe they have evidence that suggests learning a second language activates synapses in the brain that were previously inactive.
The researcher discussing this said it has positive implications for those with Alzheimer's and possibly with Parkinson's also; thus my interest in learning another language.
I have some experience with German, but that was over 30 years ago in high school. However, when I reviewed some free software for German, I was quite surprised how much I recalled. So I'm leaning toward it, but I don't know if that will challenge my brain enough to activate anything.
But I don't want too great a challenge, because I may become discouraged. So I'm seeking advice.
Please, recommendations for learning methods too: success rate, ease of use, convenience and cost being the most important factors.

Answer 1

Yahoo! - I'm so glad to youre up to the challenge.

That research is not limited to learning a language.
You could also consider learning a musical instrument - using a musical instrument uses the same, and many additional parts of the brain.

Contrary to what most people think, learning an instrument is not that great of a challenge - as evidenced by your average fourth grade class.....and the same instrument that many of them play is the same one that I would recommend: the recorder. For one, its inexpensive - usually around 10-15 bucks. Its not very loud, you wont scare off the neighbors, you'll be able to use it more often than German, and finally, you might really enjoy it, and that's something that in itself has therapeutic value.

Its just an idea, they are a dime a dozen - take it for what its worth. I started playing one (and knitting, another very sophisticated neurological function) after a significant head injury. The great irony, is that my background was neuropsychology - so thats kind of the therapy I devised for myself in addition to the rehab I went to.....but it seemed to work out for me....

Be well - Peace

Answer 2

Hi,
I read your question fully, to be fair I'm not sure if it helps with those kinds of illnesses (I'm not a scientist or medical professional), I'm a language student. I'm also learning German and thought I might be able to advise you with a bit of free material for learners on the web.

First of all you can get german language podcasts (all free), you'll need itunes if you havent got it (also free)

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

once you feel confident enough, you can look in the german podcast section (for native speakers) and then there are hundreds of different podcasts for all different interests.

in the english section there are podcasts for language learners (look for deutsche Welle, german grammar, they are under "education")

basic german sites (if you feel you need a refresher course)

http://german.about.com/library/anfang/blanfang_inhalt.htm

http://learngerman.elanguageschool.net/

also you may need a dictionary to look up words you don't understand, this is a free online dictionary:

http://dict.tu-chemnitz.de/

as for too great a challenge...I'm also learning Japanese and sometimes a challenge can be the most satisfying thing in the world, I personally think that it is difficult sometimes but not so difficult that it is impossible, also I think it is incredibly interesting, so just incase you wanna give it a look:

http://www.geocities.com/learnkana/
http://www.japanesepod101.com/
http://www.thejapanesepage.com/news.php

good luck!!
hope you find those helpful

Answer 3

Very good for you. I would suggest that you keep on going with the German first since you seem to be more experienced in it and after the German why not learn a third language? when you learn a langugae is not that hard to learn the third and fourth since your brain gets used to learning quick ( i learned Japanese as my fourth language in a year) and i know person who learned Korean as his 21st language in a month!

good luck and keep it up.

Answer 4

I would go with the general flow of opinion here, which seems to be for you to go with the German. My own preferred method of study is just to sit with a book and study hard - using tapes or CD's for the pronunciation if you want. I am aware, however, that "book-bashing" is not for everyone.

Answer 5

Good for you for being proactive!

German sounds like a good place to start since you are familiar with it. If you want to continue after that, any of the romance languages would be good since they all have Latin as a base.

Answer 6

If you want more of a challenge, you could try latin.Latin is a very logical language which forces you to analyse each sentences grammar in order to translate it.Furthermore, it can be interesting to read Cicero, Sallust etc. in their original language.

Answer 7

Spanish may be easy. Go to Levitt.com. They have $19 Hebrew book and it shows it all and is pretty good and should help. Hey I can sorta undertand it so it cannot be that hard, yet, but it is user friendly. Take care.

Answer 8

Good for you!!! I have heard some reports on this.I would say start with the German,you can allways start another one later.