I am trying to learn Spanish. I have had years of French. I can't use it because nobody speaks French anymore. I am wondering if I could somehow incorporate my knowledge of French with learning Spanish? I am really struggling with learning Spanish. Is it because I am older?
Good morning. Thanks for your positive words. They help.
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Good morning. Thanks for your positive words. They help.
Hola Kathy,
French and Spanish have a lot in common, so you should definitely be able to "adapt" some of your French knowledge - such as the subjunctive (which is even more common in Spanish), the fact that there are two verbs for "to know" (connaître vs savoir is exactly like conocer vs saber), etc.
It can be more difficult to learn a language as you get older, so it helps to focus on your motivation (e.g., plan a trip) and to study language that matters to you, such as vocabulary related to your favorite hobbies.
Here are some articles that you might find helpful:
All that said, I don't agree with your premise that nobody speaks French any more. Have you tried to find an Alliance française near you? Or online resources? French may have lost some influence, but it is very much alive and well, in countries all over the world.
Bon courage !
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