Can you learn two languages at once?

[SparkyLark]

Just wondering here.

My 11 year old son just starting to learn Spanish at school, but shows interest in learning a bit of French at home (nothing major, just some basics by DVD).

Would that be to confusing?

[ThisFenceIsComfy]

I learnt German and French together for 7 years. I found it fine. Does you son enjoy languages?

[SparkyLark]

Oops, forgot to say thank you in advance.

[Littleturkish]

Not at all- may complement each other.

I'd suggest finding French conversation classes too.

[LadySybilLikesCake]

Ds is sitting GCSE's for Spanish, German and Latin, so yes. It helps to read the newpapers for that country and watch TV programmes.

[BertieBotts]

Sounds fine especially at that age.

Look at //www.duolingo.com - there's an app for iOS and android, too.

[SparkyLark]

Thank you Fence. I think he is finding Spanish not all that easy. But did in a smattering of French in primary school and says he likes it and would be interested in doing some more. I have some schoolgirl French so we could start a bit together. I just didn't want to "mix it up" too much.

[SparkyLark]

Just seen more posts, helpful, thanks.

[morethanpotatoprints]

My dd is 10 and learning Italian and French alternating lessons, she is H.ed and has a tutor.
Both weren't started at the same time though, she did a full year of Italian before starting French.
Certain languages do compliment each other, I'm not sure German would be a good mix for example, but maybe I'm wrong

[LadySybilLikesCake]

The BBC have some language sections on their web site //www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/talk/

[claraschu]

In Holland kids learn English, French and German as well as Latin and Greek if they are at Gymnasium. The kids actually end up able to speak several languages.

[skylark2]

Most kids learn two languages at the same time at some point at school. I'm confused that you even need to ask whether it's possible - it's common.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

My DD has been learning French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin since year 3. Only two should be no problem.

[SparkyLark]

I see how it is for many people, so thanks! (shame skylark had to be patronising in her response but heh)

[bigTillyMint]

DD has done French and Spanish since Y7. GCSEs this year, so we will see!

I think if they want to and enjoy them, there shouldn't be a problem. Thankfully DS opted to just do French!

[BackforGood]

Yes, of course. Both my dds are learning French and German. Both like one but not the other, so it doesn't necessarily follow they are even that similar. I guess the same as learning 2 (or 3?) Sciences at once

[StretchySusie]

Hi Sparky, my DS has just started secondary and is studying German and Latin.

[Essexmum69]

DD is taking French, German and Spanish at GCSE level. French and Spanish she finds quite similar. German very different.
A few children seem to love all languages, like my DD and do well at them all, but for others they seem to find some languages click and others dont. DS for example got an A in french but a D in Latin!

[TeenAndTween]

DD1 struggled at first with French in y7, getting her head around the fact that things have gender, and that different languages say things in different orders, and grammar concepts in general.
She then took up Spanish as well in y10.

Generally it's OK, though occasionally she throws in words of the wrong language.

[MillyMollyMama]

I think true linguists are likely to pick up any language fairly quickly. It seems to be about having an "ear" for the sounds, an ability to learn grammar and an interest in the language. I think German, French and Italian are all Latin languages and it is Spanish that is somewhat out if step. However, quality of teaching might be a factor as well.

[SparkyLark]

Yes Milly, weirdly I remember going to Italy as an au pair in my late teens. I knew zero Italian, but had done Latin at school. But the languages felt so close, I found myself even understanding newspapers. And Italian so beautiful as well.

I get the impression Spanish is out of step in the way you say re. Latin connection, though someone assured me once it does have Latin roots.

[clary]

millymolly it is German that is the different one of those three, Spanish, French and Italian are all Romance languages, ie heavily connected with Latin, very similar, eg I love you: French Je t'aime, Spanish te amo, Italian ti amo, German Ich liebe dich.

No reason tho as others have said not to learn as many as you can. A quick student will always find connections and links to help them.

[Somanyillustrations]

I did Welsh and German throughout secondary. No common root, but no problem picking both up to a basic level.

[Leeds2]

My DD had to do Spanish, German and Latin from Year 7. (She could've chosen French instead of Spanish or German). I don't think she found it a problem. Took all three to the end of Year 9, then Spanish and Latin for GCSE.

She did say she found those that had chosen French and Spanish to struggle more, because the vocal was similar and not necessarily obvious which was which.