Social/Communication skills and language learning

[floral6029]

Not sure where to post this, but I thought it'd be an interesting question

If someone here has learned another language fluently: have you noticed if it seems easier to communicate in that language? In the sense that you have a better grasp of the different things you should say/do since you explicitly learned them.

For me, I mostly struggle with not being sure how to respond a lot of the time when having a conversation face-to-face, and on top of that I don't tend to use a lot of slang whenever I speak (only very certain words, which I only learned to use ironically). I'm currently learning Spanish and Hebrew, and I wondered if, when I hit a certain point, it might be slightly easier communicating in them.

Not sure if I typed this out clearly, please ask for clarification

 

[VictorR]

I'm not fluent in any other languages, but that being stated...

I have no idea how to explain the rules of English. I just know when something is right or not but can't explain why/how. Sometimes when I speak my words are jumbled, though.

On the other hand, I have a very limited comprehension of French but have been complimented on it when traveling in Europe. (Although I'm Canadian, I speak Parisian French rather than Quebecois French).

 

[Progster]

It's easier in some ways, because, unlike with your mother tongue, you learn from a textbook what to say in various situations. Also, when communicating in a foreign language, it creates a kind of distancing, like a mask, which can make it easier to speak and people are more likely to be patient with you while you speak.

 

[Forest Cat]

I wouldn't say I think it's easier to communicate, it's pretty much the same as with my native language. But some languages are more fun in a way, I just like the way they sound. For example Swedish, I joke around more in Swedish because it's just a fun language.

You said you are currently learning Spanish and Hebrew, I think it will get easier for you to communicate in those laguages, it just takes practice.

 

[MMPATT01]

Interesting. I have never thought about it, but I suppose it does feel easier for me to speak with the limited Spanish I have acquired. It IS like a mask in a way. Hmmm

 

[elgat0verde]

My native language is Spanish and I learned English by myself watching TV and cartoons.

I do feel like I can express myself better in English than Spanish and it's my preferred language when speaking, watching movies or TV shows, writing and reading. I'd rather have books in English than Spanish.

I also know VERY LITTLE Portuguese and a couple words in different languages.

Seems like languages come to me easily for some reason

 

[Gerald Wilgus]

Having tried in both Deutsch and Spanish I have had a very hard time with any type of natural feeling facility with them.