#learning multiple languages

Let’s start with the very general pros and cons: Pros - it’s fun, it’s engaging, there is little to no harm, we do multiple things at the same time all the time, it may make you feel more productive Cons - it slows down the language learning process, some say it completely hinders your acquisition, one language will always be favoured

The majority of opinions regarding studying multiple languages at the same time favours acquiring one first to a certain level (usually a lower intermediate B1 of CEFR) and only then starting with the other. And while I agree and that is probably the most reasonable thing to do, you don’t always have to be this rigid about it, as in, there are a few exceptions. 1. If both of your languages are linguistically close - you should probably be quite proficient with one before you start learning the other, otherwise you are risking confusion and frustration at some point. 2. If you’re just learning for fun and you don’t have any pressure (exams, moving to a different country, etc.), I’d say go for it. No harm done! 3. If the target language is mutually intelligible with a language you know very well or with your native language. Also go for it. 

4. If you want to try out two new languages to later decide, which one you prefer. You get the gist. There are many exceptions to this rule of thumb. However, there is a disparity of opinions on the internet - as always. Here they go from - “go for it! It might be more difficult, but it’ll be worth it!”  - to “You will never speak another language well enough if you just glance towards another language during the 20 years it’s going to take you” I am exaggerating, but I am not. Some of these people are genuinely shaming other people who have multiple languages at an A2 CEFR level. Oh well, everybody has an opinion. Most of the opinions you will see are - “you can’t have two full-time jobs at the same time”, “your brain needs to create habits and you cannot jump back and forth between multiple languages”, “it’s okay if it’s done well”, “don’t do it if you’re serious about language learning” However, you don’t know what these peoples’ language backgrounds are, where they grew up, if they’re bilingual, etc. So now that we got ourselves even more confused - should we then go on and learn multiple languages at the same time anyway? If you’re still not sure or if you just want to really know for yourself if it’s a good idea, let’s take the test! 1. How much time do you dedicate to your language(s) daily? 2. Are you able to split this time between two or multiple languages in a fair way? 3. Are the languages you are trying to learn similar to each other? 4. Are you starting both languages from scratch? 5. Are you okay with possible slower acquisition? (i.e. do you have any commitments, exams, deadlines to learn the languages?) 6. Be honest, are you a good multitasker? 7. Do you work or feel better when your brain is more stimulated? 8. Do you take the languages you’re learning extra seriously? 9. Is language learning fun for you? 10. Have you learned another language before?

Here’s the number of points you get with your answers: 1. 1 point for less than 15 mins a day, 1 point for anything more than 2 hours, 0 points for anything in-between 2. 1 point for no, 0 points for yes 3. 1 point for yes, 0 points for no 4. 1 point for yes, 0 points for no 5. 1 point for no, 0 points for yes 6. 1 point for each  7. 1 point for no, 0 points for yes 8. 1 point for yes, 0 points for no 9. 1 point for no, 0 points for yes 10. 1 point for no, 0 points for yes

The verdict! Take it with a grain of salt, please. It’s just a test I have made. If you scored anywhere between 1-5 points and you considered everything in this post, then learning multiple languages at the same time might be the good decision for you!  If you scored around 6-7 points, I’d probably think about it some more. Anything above 7 points - I don’t think this is necessarily a good idea for you!