The highs and lows of learning languages i like to think i am an interested (0) committed language learner. well, that's the idea. (1) it means is that, before travelling to another country, i spend time learning a little (2)of that country's language. to be honest, this time may be only (3) a small number of hours. so the result may be no more (4)than a few words and phrases. however, if possible, i like to work out (5)how the equivalent of the verb 'be' works. i want to see (6) or not the language has masculine and feminine. do verbs change according (7) to the speaker? is there a fixed order for words within a sentence? anyway, i believe the attempt is a good investment. just being able to say things like 'hello', 'thank you', 'two coffees, please' and so (8) – it all helps to make a positive impression. people appreciate the effort – (9) wouldn't they? but (10) is a difficulty in all this. because i travel a lot for my work, i am constantly learning small quantities of different languages. sadly, then, i speak (11) language very well, and i tend to forget everything (12) asfast as i learn.
However, if possible, I like to work out (5) JUST how the equivalent of the verb 'be' works. I want to see (6) WHETHER or not the language has masculine and feminine. Do verbs change according (7) to the speaker? Is there a fixed order for words within a sentence?
Anyway, I believe the attempt is a good investment. Just being able to say things like 'hello', 'thank you', 'two coffees, please' and so (8) ON – it all helps to make a positive impression. People appreciate the effort – (9) WHY wouldn't they?
But (10) THERE is a difficulty in all this. Because I travel a lot for my work, I am constantly learning small quantities of different languages. Sadly, then, I speak (11) NO language very well, and I tend to forget everything (12) JUST as fast as I learn.