User talk:Diacritic

Hi Diacritic. Thank you very much for the suggestions regarding my question on language. You have given me the most complete response, and have helped me the most. I decided that Norwegian would be the way to go for me, as it is similar to English, and very interesting. Are you familiar with the language? I was thinking about using the book Learn Norwegian in 10 Minutes a Day first, and then moving on to Hippocrene's Learn Norwegian or Teach Yourself Norwegian. What do you think? Thanks again!

MAP91 00:51, 9 March 2007 (UTC) Mike

I'm glad my response was helpful. I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in applied linguistics, so language learning is a hot topic for me and I couldn't help but respond to your question.

I've studied Swedish but not Norwegian, although the two languages are extremely similar. I'm not familiar with the books you refer to, but I was able to glance quickly at what was said about them at Amazon.com. I wouldn't bother with Learn Norwegian in 10 Minutes a Day. Go straight for the good stuff. The other two sound like decent, substantial books; either one would probably work for you.

Just in case you don't know what options are (theoretically) available to you for learning Norwegian, the following are almost certainly out there:


 * study abroad programs in Norway
 * intensive summer programs in Norwegian--these may be geared toward college students, but will almost certainly be available to "highly motivated" high schoolers as well
 * in Norway
 * in the US (mostly at universities)
 * university-offered Norwegian classes--high school students can often get release time, high school credit, and college credit for taking classes at a local university. University language classes tend to cover more ground more quickly than high school language classes, which I think is a good thing
 * online or distance courses in Norwegian--often offered through universities, but take a look at, which I find intriguingly affordable
 * local, community-based Norwegian classes (from the local Scandinavian heritage group, if there is one)
 * private tutor
 * computer-assisted language materials (e.g. Rosetta Stone software)
 * books and tapes/CDs (of course)
 * random Internet sites purporting to teach you some Norwegian
 * generous pen-pal in Norway

The route you go may be a combination of several of the above. If there's any way you can take some kind of class, either in Norway (if you happen to be independently wealthy, ha ha), at a local university, or via distance learning, then that's what I would do. You will learn more that way because your learning will be guided by a trained expert, but also because there will be a well-established structure: you will be forced (or at least highly motivated by external forces) to devote time and attention to specific things that will help you develop proficiency. It will also make it easier to come in contact with fellow learners and others that you can practice with. It's worth doing some research to see if you can make this kind of thing happen (if it's a question of figuring out where to look, I'd be happy to help with that).

If you can't make it happen because of financial or time constraints or both (that was me in high school trying to learn Finnish), then a book is not such a bad way to go. I wouldn't recommend language-learning software except as a supplement to a book. There's a lot of good stuff out there, but there's a lot of bad stuff too and it's very hard for a computer program to give you everything you need.

If you go the book route, you need to realize that it will be much harder to develop proficiency; it will take more time and effort on your part, and it will require you to be really disciplined in your study of Norwegian. Most people don't have the discipline to stick to a daily study routine when there's not a teacher checking up on them, giving them assignments, feedback, etc. (that was also me in high school trying to learn Finnish). Anything you can do to set up a rigid routine and build a support network for your language learning will increase your chances of success. That support network could include your parents, your friends, Norwegians you meet online, etc. An important part of the support is to help you stick to your routine; the rest of the support is to help you find answers to your questions.

If you're interested, there's lots of research out there on successful language learning strategies. Skimming through some of that could really pay dividends for you as a language learner. (I realize most high school students aren't thrilled at the prospect of reading research, but if you're an exception you might find it really interesting, and a good leg up on college if you happen to want to study, say, linguistics or a specific language.)

Anyway, probably more advice than you needed. Lykke til med norsken! --Diacritic 23:55, 9 March 2007 (UTC)

Greenlandic language
Your recent edits to Greenlandic language has been noticed and appreciated! (by me) Thanks for taking an interest in the article, that I have been working on for the past month. I can see from your contribution list that you know a thing or two about Eskaleutian languages and any efforts you are willing to undertake to help me improve the article will be appreciated. ·Maunus· ƛ · 18:49, 20 January 2010 (UTC)