Since people are asking, this is my process for learning Basque.
The first step is to figure out how the grammar works and learn some vocabulary. I have a textbook, and I’m working with the textbook, going through it in a very slow way. I’m not good with memorization but here there’s no way around it. But hey, it’s the best prophylaxis against Alzheimer’s.
After I get the basics down, I want to find a native speaker who’ll help me practice conversation on Skype. But before I get there, I need to be capable of conversation.
The good thing is that I’m teaching languages and I’ve learned a bunch of them already, so I know what works for me and how I learn.
But please don’t expect miracles any time soon because there is so much memorization involved, and I’m not good with that at all.
Do you listen to songs or watch anything to get a feel for how the language should sound?
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Basque and Spanish (From Spain) sound so much alike that it takes me a few seconds to recognize which is which (many small borrowings from Spanish don’t help either).
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I listened to poetry. The pronunciation is very doable. As Cliff said, if you can do Spanish, Basque offers no challenges.
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I went through a few lessons of a Basque grammar several years ago. Grammatically I could handle it, but the vocabulary is a steep learning curve. But, as you say, if you know what it means to learn a language well you can do it if you devote enough time consistently.
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That’s exactly how I feel. The grammar is doable. But I have to memorize every single word! It’s hard! I’m loving it.
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Hey, why are you doing it the hard way? Haven’t you seen the “Babbel App” advertisements? Don’t you know that you can “learn ANY language in three weeks,” if you just apply a little brains and use modern technology?
How long did it take me to learn my third language (Italian)? Considerably longer than a month, and that was even with an Italian girlfriend who didn’t speak a word of English but wouldn’t stop yapping in my ear.
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I know! Silly me. I’m wasting such an opportunity to learn it fast.
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I also learn Basque (I’m from Catalonia). I listen to music in Euskera and I’m only 15 years 😂😂 Who tries to learn English, French, Euskera, Galego, Asturianu, German and Italian at the same time? Only me 😂😂😅. My favourite language of them all is Euskera. I have no doubt😍💗 Basques and Catalans are like brothers and “best friends” here in Spain. Only we two understand the other of us 😂. Sorry for my English, I’m learning it at school 🙂
You can listen to some Basque bands like: Esne Beltza, Vendetta (they’re from Nafarroa), Enkore, Kerobia, Ken Zazpi, Gatibu, Huntza, Berri Txarrak, Betagarri, Skalariak….
Kisses from Catalonia 🙂
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“Who tries to learn English, French, Euskera, Galego, Asturianu, German and Italian at the same time? Only me”
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Thank you so much!!! 😀 Yeah, I need luck, I think XD
🙂 luck to you too.
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Kaixo, I’m learning Basque too and I live in the Basque country, I’ve just started up my blog, check it out 🙂
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