Choosing a Language to Learn Concurrently: Insights from a Fluent English and Romanian Speaker

While I am fluent in English and Romanian, my journey into learning new languages has led me to an intermediate Spanish class. Among the many languages to choose from, what would be the best one to start learning alongside my current pursuits?

Let me share some insights that might help you decide. In the past, I ventured into Hungarian after just a couple of weeks of practice and found that French became a piece of cake after that. These experiences have taught me that choosing a language can vary based on your existing linguistic foundation and similarities between languages.

French: A Shared Heritage with Spanish

Based on various linguistic similarities, my recommendation would be to learn French, especially if you are looking to also enhance your Spanish skills. Let me explain why:

Genealogical Connection

French and Spanish are both derived from Vulgar Latin/Colloquial Latin. This is a significant clue in understanding why these languages share so many similarities. They not only have a lexical similarity but also a parallel in their grammatical structures, accents, and other features. Here's a closer look at these commonalities:

Lexical Similarity: Many words in both languages have similar origins and meanings. For example, words such as affaire (affair) in French and asunto (affair) in Spanish share a common Latin root. Literary Traditions: Both languages have rich literary traditions that can inspire and enrich your learning experience. Authors like Victor Hugo in French and Miguel de Cervantes in Spanish have left indelible marks in the global literary canon. Grammatical Features: Both languages follow similar rules in terms of sentence structure and verb conjugations. For instance, the concept of gender in nouns is maintained, and the use of subjunctive mood is observed in certain contexts.

French as a Gateway Language

Learning French can serve as a gateway to other Romance languages. As previously mentioned, I found it to be a piece of cake after practicing Hungarian for just a few weeks. My advice is to choose French because it shares so many structural and lexical similarities with Spanish. This can make the learning process smoother and more intuitive. Additionally, French is known for its clear pronunciation and phonetics, which can help you better understand the nuances of Spanish pronunciation.

Furthermore, French is a widely spoken language and can open up many opportunities in the future. It is an official language in over 29 countries and on every continent, making it a valuable skill in both professional and personal contexts.

Italian: A Close Relative to Latin and Your Native Tongue

Another excellent choice to consider, especially if you already have a strong linguistic foundation in your native tongue, is Italian. Italian is known as the language of love, and it is also the closest living relative of Latin. Given that you speak English, you might already find certain words and grammatical structures in Italian familiar. Here's how:

Latin Origins: Italian, like French, Spanish, and other Romance languages, is descended from Latin. This means that many Italian words have their roots in Latin, making it a natural progression from Romanian or English. Phonetics and Vocabulary: If you have a background in Romanian, which also has Latin roots, you might find Italian to be less of a bother. You can utilize your existing knowledge of Latin-derived words and phonetic patterns to bridge the gap more smoothly. Cultural Ties: Italian culture and heritage are rich and diverse, offering a vast array of learning materials and cultural experiences. From art to music, literature to cuisine, Italian provides a rich context for language learning.

Romance Languages: A Common Linguistic Path

Given your existing knowledge of Romanian and Spanish, you might consider exploring other Romance languages that also share a common heritage. Here are a few more options:

Portuguese: Similar to Spanish and Romanian, Portuguese is highly similar in both vocabulary and grammar. Many words in Portuguese are derived from Latin and Catalan, making it a natural continuation for those with Spanish or Romanian fluency. French and Italian: As previously discussed, these languages share significant similarities and can be learned concurrently due to shared Latin ancestry and literary influences. Romance Languages: The term "Romance" indicates a common lineage from Latin. Hence, all Romance languages are interrelated in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Languages such as Catalan, Sicilian, and Ladin also fall into this category and might be worth considering if they align with your cultural interests.

English and Latinate Influence

Lastly, it's worth noting that English also has a rich history of Latinate influence. Many words in English are derived from Latin, and this is especially true for vocabulary related to law, religion, science, and academia. The Latin roots in English can make it easier to understand certain Romance languages, as many words share common etymologies. For example:

Law and Government: Words like constituent, legislate, and jurisdiction have Latin origins. Science and Medicine: Terms such as pharmacology, therapeutics, and pathology have Latin roots.

By recognizing these linguistic connections, you can take advantage of the shared vocabulary and grammatical structures to facilitate your language learning journey.

Ultimately, the best language to start learning alongside Romanian and Spanish depends on personal interests, career goals, and cultural connections. Whether you choose to learn French, Italian, Portuguese, or another Romance language, the shared heritage from Latin and Vulgar Latin will make the process easier and more enjoyable.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a book, open a digital course, or take a class and start your linguistic adventure today! Have fun learning!