I was thinking last night about languages I have had some contact with and those which I might have some motivation for dabbling in or learning.
Learning
- Bengali is occupying all my time at present. I like the language, how it looks and sounds, and hope to stick with it until I reach a decent level. I should have the grammar in my book down by the end of this year, and will develop productive skills along with reading and listening next year.
- German will be next. I took GCE O'level long ago and used the language a little for travel, so I should recall the basics. I would like to ultimately gain a decent level here as well. I might use one of the Goethe Institut tests as a target next year, if the Bengali is stable.
Who knows
- Cornish: A "rainy day" language. I'm intrigued by the type of language, and visit the county often. Something to have fun with one summer.
- French: I studied this to GCE O'level, but have done little since. Its appeal is for travel and visits to France.
- Hindi: for travel in India. All I would need here are basic speaking/listening skills about touristy things. Perhaps the script too, for reading road signs. I may be able to leverage my improving Bengali knowledge later (and I've seen some nice "learn Hindi from Bengali" resources too!).
- Italian: again for travel. Apart from India, I've visited Italy more times than any other country and will surely do so again.
- Latin: my third language studied to GCE O'level. Part of me would enjoy reading texts in Latin.
- Romanian: I may have a dabble next year to understand its phonology and basic grammar, as part of a work project processing Romanian text. Having read a little about the language it seems an interesting challenge as well, so I may get a bit further than that.