Smartchiny's recent posts

It's really fun progressing through these stages. Lol

Why couldn't you continue? There are easy ones you can do at home.

I guess it's a way to not over indulge them. Truth is once the kids become teenagers, birthdays will become less of big parties and more of good wishes and small gifts.

I smile all through the day especially replaying messages from from friends and loved ones. I do this 'smiling' at work and on my way to and fro.

Who else loves yoga. I think it is a lovely exercise if turned to a daily routine can help the body and mind.

What is your experience with yoga?

You're so right. I agree with that disappointment statement too. No expectations whatsoever. I also don't let anything bother me. When there is life, there is hope.

Welcome Alex. You will have fun here and learn as well.

I am indifferent about a non native using a slang or me using a foreign slang. If it is interesting/ just right or itchy to the ears, I can't be bothered really. Just communicate or I communicate and let there be an understanding. 

I've been told that I have a Jamaican accent by two different people that aren't Africans. It's funny because I hahaven't been to Jamaica, I don't know anyone from there and I certainly don't watch their movies and songs regularly. 

I think when people don't understand you, they will try to blame it on your accent and look for the popular ones to pair it with.   

I noticed that some Languages have signs/symbols on some letters. For example: in Francaise, the c has some drawings underneath.  

This kind of letter makes language learning tough. It feels like I'm learning Latin or Arabic or Russian language where the alphabets are very different from English alphabets.

Have you ever beaten your lip because of a tongue twister?

My dad loved; Father Francis fried five fishes for five friends from France. 

Why? You just got me very curios.

The British accent appears to be on the top of the list. A lovely accent indeed!!

Another thing that I find difficult in languages in when one word means several things and the only difference to them is the pronunciation. French language also makes has this de, ce and la/le confusion. 

For instance, if i am to translate to french 'break plates', I don't see a need for le/la, some people may put the le/la before 'plate' though.

By normal statements, I mean a sentence that is neither a question nor an instruction/ command. It is a regular expression of thoughts and opinions. 

Like I said earlier, I noticed this change of sequence in other African languages too. The translation should be for instance, 'go there we may' but the natives claim the translation is 'we may go there'.

Such things can make learning a language cumbersome and tiring.

Mai, I understand the questions part but what i meant was in regards to normal statements.

I'm laughing at 'mode of speaking'. I think that, not sure though, the same applies to learning French. The male and female voices and pitch often differ.

I love subtitles even in English. I agree though that subtitles doesn't help with learning a language. 

This is nice. I never saw sign language as a foreign language until now. 

Welcome Taylor. Have fun learning languages and sharing knowledge and opinions!!

Very deep and helpful. I will use it to make a checklist of things to accomplish in language learning. Thanks Leo

I have noticed that the English translation of some languages does not follow the exact sequence. For instance; habitez-il can mean he lives not lives in. 

I have also noticed that this pattern in local Nigerian dialects. 

What do you think about this?

Annoying? Wow. I've never heard anyone refer to tongue twisters as annoying. 

Anyway, I found it interesting and fun. However, I don't know if it can influence speaking a new language fluently. 

I'm a Hobbit. 

 Maybe the learning phase isn't the time for change of personality. I think it's the actual practice stage. Does it make sense?

I think another difficult thing is speaking it. Writing is a bit easier once you know the words but forming the words in your head to speak it is another thing.

imran.khalil0000 wrote:

i dont think so there is any direct relation in personality and language.

Why do you think so? 

So true for me too. Working and learning a language hasn't been easy. I can work and take courses on new topics and advanced courses but language is a whole new ball game.

I haven't noticed anything probably because I'm just learning my second language. I can't wait to hear from others though. The way you explain it makes is kind of adventurous. Its like you're experiencing a new you.

I'm currently learning French, its now my adopted native language.. Lol.

So, Bon nuit.

I agree with Sarah Schaffer. I will totally learn a new language to communicate effectively with a loved one.

imran.khalil0000 wrote:

I think French is easier what do you guys say?

Easier to learn compared to Spanish? I don't know.

Oh, thanks Leo for the information. 

I just wonder why those languages are called romance languages. Who came up with that stuff?

Aleksys.P wrote:

Smartchiny wrote:

Sheena wrote:

Magandang Umaga!

Maganda- (root word) beautiful/good

Umaga- morning

This sounds really nice to pronounce.

Anyway, please what country and culture is this language from. Your location states U.S.A.

I think it will be nice to also know the country.

This one is the Tagalog language from the Philippines. It is Austronesian in nature, we also have Spanish language influence..

OK, I'm lost. What does 'Austronesian' mean? Do you mean Spanish language has an influence on Tagalog?

Mai, you're inspirational. You inspire me. So, you understand 3 foreign languages or is there more? 

How do you do it? I've heard that some people have the mind or is it heart to learn several languages.

Oh, cool. You know both languages?

Will I find it easier to learn Spanish after mastering French?

I'm just thinking of how funny it must have been to sit down and come up with a long word. Were they trying to win the Guineas World record?

The English word is easy to pronounce when you have tried it like 20 times. Lol. That German word will fry your tongue. I didn't even bother trying.

Sheena wrote:

Magandang Umaga!

Maganda- (root word) beautiful/good

Umaga- morning

This sounds really nice to pronounce.

Anyway, please what country and culture is this language from. Your location states U.S.A.

I think it will be nice to also know the country.

I just checked some essays in Spanish and although I don't have any knowledge of Spanish, I feel the words are written in a similar form to French.

What do you think?

Between the two options, I will be most compelled to learn a language that interests me and not because I'm travelling to that country. 

Why travelling can't influence me is because I already accept that I'm not a local and just a visitor. I am aware the locals will also treat me as such and be a little lenient in communicating with me. I also will be prepared to use non verbal languages and be very alert about every and any sign.

Nursalyn wrote:

tagalog is easy to learn.....:blush: :blush:

I think people from PH are very friendly and welcoming. It makes me want to learn your language already.

Do you think the people of a country can affect the willingness by visitors to learn the country's language?

Oh, I believe Jfarrah said Filipino is the national language of Philippines. 

Thanks for the correction.

Charlyn wrote:

Hi Smartchiny! Yes, Tagalog and Cebuano are native languages here.

between these two and Filipino, which of the three is the easiest to learn?

Aleksys.P wrote:

I'd go with Japanese accent. I think watching animes when I was younger was a great influence of my affinity with the Japanese culture. :laughing:

I was also in love with Naruto and their sounds in communication.

I think French language is an exception to the rule in terms of using the accent. I've tried reading comprehension like an English student and it hasn't worked well for me.

The phonetics and sounds in French language blends with the accent, I think. 

Hi Charlyn.

Are Tagalog and Cebuano native languages in Philippines?

Identity is knowing who you are. This can be related to gender in French language. In learning French, gender is important.

Salut, j'aime ce fil et bien que je ne sois pas très bon en français écrit, c'est un bon moyen de commencer à apprendre la communication. Comment avez-vous pratiqué les mots que vous apprenez avec l'outil de lecture?

I didn't realize that I could add passages until today. I find this option of sharing knowledge very cool. The reading tool is a brilliant idea for learning. Thanks

I started using Duolingo three months ago and I think the App is OK. I haven't tried any of the others because I didn't know them.

 I agree that Duolingo makes it hard to remember the words but the learning style is like playing a quiz which is interesting for me.

Nice but it's definitely hard work to expect to learn from every you come in contact with.

I love the British Accent. 

I find it easy syncing with a language through songs. When the rhythm is good, I get anxious to know what the lyrics mean.

The words stick really fast and it has been always easy to recall the meaning when I come across such words again.

Tres bien!!! Applaudez la classe.

It's so funny to me that I've never seen learning a language as learning a part of a culture. 

This is because, firstly, I don't understand my parent's local dialects. Secondly, I learnt English as a means of communicating in school and life in general ( not because I like the English culture). And lastly, I was introduced to French language in primary school up till high school, so I had to pass the subject.

In summary, I only saw learning languages as a means to excel in school. However, I want to learn French now because I want to be bilingual for work and business opportunities. 

I also think the two mistakes below occur very frequently. I got them from this link: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/common-mistakes-in-english/

1. Literally or Figuratively

Example Mistake: I’m literally melting because it’s so hot. / Figuratively speaking, it’s 100 degrees out here.

Tip: This is a mistake because “literally” means “actually” or “really,” and “figuratively” means not real. “Figuratively” is used to exaggerate, or enlarge the meaning of something.

Correction: Figuratively speaking, I’m melting because it’s so hot. / It’s literally 100 degrees out here.

2.Loan or Borrow

Example Mistake: Can you borrow me that book? You can loan me my notes.

Tip: The listener may be confused since “loan” means “to give” and “borrow” means “to take.” It’s simple memorization that’s required to get the correct meaning.

For example, “borrow me that book” means “take me that book” in the above example. Where do you want the listener to take the book? That isn’t what you meant to say!

Instead, you would like to use the book, so you want someone to give it to you.

Correction: Can you loan me that book? You can borrow my notes.

The blue used in this website gives it a casual look and undermines the seriousness of the website as a learning site. It appears to be more for social engagements. Using black for names and a strong font will be nice.

Also, can I suggest comparing with other sites like Alison. I use my phone to access this site and maybe that's why I can't see my dashboard. I have attached some pictures of my dashboard on Alison to further explain.

Thanks.

Hi,

I think an homepage once anyone logs in or a dashboard will be very nice to have.

Hi Everyone,

I'm Chinyere. I'm new to this site and I'm finding it very interesting. I want to be an expert in French language one day. I have started learning a few words and I hope it sticks...lol.

Nice meeting you all.

Hi,

I've experienced the same thing in my quest to learn French. I studied it in my high school and I although I had basic knowledge, I feel like a complete novice about the language. 

In Nigeria, everyone speaks English or pidgin or a native language. French is very rare and so until I get to a French speaking country, I may just only know the written French and not the spoken French.