You are completely right. I think learning a new language can be fun and definitely challenging but the only way to truly develope it is by practicing it and speaking it to others. My english and spanish are both very good because I use them on a daily basis. Its always fun to learn how to say shit in different languages, like I'm taking italian next semester and i'm really looking forward to it. IDK when I'll be going to Italy but hey, at least I'll know how to say some things lol
1. I define "knowing a language" as being able to communicate beyond touristic details. Basically, if you can have a conversation with someone beyond the usual introduction and asking where the bathroom is, and instead being able to actually carry on conversation. It can be choppy and awkward, but if you can talk for more than 30 minutes with someone in a language, I'd say you know it. Like I "know" French, even though I'm far from fluent. I've had conversations with native French speakers and I have no problems understanding it if it's spoken slowly enough for me to be able to pick up on it. It's one of those "gray areas" for languages, but there is a definite difference between not knowing a language and knowing one, without being fluent
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1) yeah that's one way to put it. I pretty much agree on you definition.
2) I second that. Also, what helped me a lot to understand better the French grammar, it's have few classes of Latin. Very useful.
3) Sure definitely it helps when you are in the country, but for me, the right way to learn it, it's having a quick look on the structure of the language. It shouldn't be necessary long and you don't have to go in deep details, but I think that if you never look at the academic side of the language, it's good, but just not IT.
Oh, definitely. I'm just saying though, no one in my family knew barely a word of Spanish before we moved there. I'm really the only member of my family who's "linguistically gifted" or however you want to put it, and the balance of education + usage worked for all of us. I definitely think that understanding grammar rules is a must for people learning a language regardless of whether you're being immersed in the language or not.
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2) I second that. Also, what helped me a lot to understand better the French grammar, it's have few classes of Latin. Very useful.
3) Sure definitely it helps when you are in the country, but for me, the right way to learn it, it's having a quick look on the structure of the language. It shouldn't be necessary long and you don't have to go in deep details, but I think that if you never look at the academic side of the language, it's good, but just not IT.
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