Comments on: Spanish or French: Which Language Would You Choose if You Were Just Starting School?

By: D L

D L — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 20:23:33 +0000

English is a language that evolved from the Norman Conquest of 1066 – a melange of occupying French and the native Anglo-Saxon German. My reason for choosing French over Spanish is that learning French helps with your English vocabulary, particularly words like “melange”.

By: Micah Suarez

Micah Suarez — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 06:07:12 +0000

Hi! Thank you for the good reads, first I wanna say that your points are admirable and well supported by your facts in the article; However, I wish to stay neutral between choosing between Spain and France. Bot are good and love-able countries. In terms of language, we have to acknowledge that the french language is more often than not, used in business-related language. And there are some English words that are of french-origin.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 03:27:29 +0000

Sounds like a good trip. Should be a great opportunity.

By: Pamela O'Brien

Pamela O'Brien — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:57:17 +0000

I started studying Spanish and French in 7th grade. My small private school in New Orleans used to require a certain amount of French. I love all the Romance languages and was a Romance language major in undergraduate school. To me, the most beautiful of them is Italian, but Spanish is the most useful and the most widely used. Once you understand the basics of Romance languages, all of which come from Latin, it’s not hard to pick up a second one, as long as you practice. If your niece has any intention of getting into the medical field, I wouldn’t rule out Latin. If you know Latin, you can learn all of the others easily enough. Although English is primarily a Germanic language, it’s really interesting to figure out the etymology of words, and so many come from Latin.

By: Angie

Angie — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:20:40 +0000

Hey Mark!
Our boys took Spanish but they had Spanish in grade school at St. Louis. That helped them in high school. Heidi should pick what she is most interested in. If she has the desire to study abroad then encourage her. Our middle son will be taking a biology trip to a tropical island. He is pumped about it. It is a great opportunity.
You’re a good uncle for helping her.

By: John J Kells

John J Kells — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 18:53:40 +0000

I too am neutral on the choice. My 5 years of French study served me well when I lived near Quebec. It also led to some international business opportunities that greatly enhanced my career and international travel that culturally enriched my family.

On the other hand, the Spanish language is much more commonly encountered here in the US. I often find myself at a disadvantage in communicating because my knowledge of Spanish is so limited.

I agree that whichever language one selects they should take as many classes as possible. Becoming proficient in a second language makes that language useful. And it can open the mind to learning other languages and cultures.