I took French for five years on high school and jr high. After a trip to France five years ago, I decided I wanted to learn the language. I signed up for a course at our local adult school night. It was so hard! I don't know if it was my ancient brain that could not remember it or just what the problem was. I've also tried using Duolingo on line and that helped some, but I have given up on the idea of mastering another language. However, if you can do it, I think it would be wonderful. Even the little I know has been helpful when traveling. Duolingo

I taking French via Duolingo right now. I think it does a fairly good job at vocabulary building, a moderate job of grammar, but there isn't enough listening comprehension, and no conversational practice. But it's free and super convenient.

I would like to learn Spanish again. I had several years in high school and college, but that was *ahem* several years ago. DH and I took a class through the adult education, because we have rental properties and thought it would come in handy. My problem is, I don't know anyone who speaks fluently, so I have no way to practice. It seems to me that you really need someone to talk to, who can correct you. Also, conversational Spanish different than book-learnin' Spanish. I haven't pursued it.

Holly, is there a branch of the alliance française near you? I know that here in DC, they meet at the embassy. The best way to learn is to jump right in!

Ded, I'm sure not as sharp as I used to be but I suppose nothing ventured nothing gained.

Cawaps, I saw Duolingo but kind of breezed right past. I am going to give it a try.

aok, we have rental properties too. I know Spanish woukd be a better choice but my heart is set on French. My friend though would be a great way to practice conversational Spanish.

aok, here are a couple of things to help you get back into it. A special telenovela:

http://learner.org/series/destinos/watch/index.html?ep1

and the BBC's own famous series:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/mividaloca/

ETA For French practice I spent a lot of time watching "Secrets d'histoire" on youtube, although nobody else on earth has such perfect diction as Stephane Bern. I sent a link for an episode about a historical incident that interests both of us to a friend of mine and his response was, "I don't know what language that was, but it couldn't have been French because I understood every word everyone said."

Cyn, I will check that out though I doubt it. We live in a very backwards area. My DM and DSF lived in Arlington VA. I so miss the DC area. There was always so many fun things to do. When my DS was a baby we went to a Garden Party at the Swiss Embassy. Olivia de Havilland was there and we got her autograph for his baby book. We used to go shopping at Tyson's Corner every weekend we visited. What fun times!

Writer, thank you for the links. Hopefully they will help aok. I'm going to take a peek as well.

I too would recommend the alliance francaise - they are a worldwide organization (Federation des Alliances Francaises). Took a few classes quite a few years ago with them. Because life happened I was unable to continue - but I had truly looked forward to the day I would be able to engage in the conversations and even the social events out on the town such as plays performed in French and of course dining at a French restaurant!

Even after not being able to attend the lessons I would occasionally put the French books on tape that I had just to listen to the sound of the language and the speech patterns. Learning a new language is good for the brain!

Holly-Kay, the BBC used to have a more basic series, too, for both French and Spanish, but I don't know if those are still online. But they were very practical in the topics they covered.

If they teach French at the schools near you, I'll bet they have or know of a conversation group for practice. One of our high schools used to let adults audit language classes, maybe that's a possibility? And of course, a great way to learn to use a language is with music! Check your library! Maybe they have children's music CD preferably with a solo singer, they should have the clearest diction and use less slang. We have a children tape (it's old) by Canadian Carmen Campagne, and she's very easy to understand. I can even tell which words and phrases I may need to look up!

Speaking here as one whose profession was (and sometimes still is) teaching a foreign language, Modern Hebrew, for a few years to children and then for over twenty years at university level; also had four years of Latin in high school and four years of Arabic in grad school. So I've given a lot of thought to this issue. I think that when most adult Americans talk about wanting to learn another language they mean speaking it. It's a great goal! We are among the most mono-lingual people in the world, because of our isolation - separated from others by two huge oceans and a friendly English-speaking country to the north, and Mexico to the south, where most people know some English. So we don't have much motivation or opportunity to move beyond our native tongue. That's not something that we should blame ourselves for! It just is.

The fact is, however, that while speaking is the easiest part of a language to learn initially, it is the most difficult part to master at a fluent adult level, and if you don't continue to work on it and speak it very regularly with native speakers, it will be the first skill to go. Reading, initially often difficult (especially if there's a non-Western alphabet to learn), actually stays with us longest; in addition, we can practice it when we are alone, with books and the internet. This is why so many people become frustrated with attempts to learn another language. Language programs promise that you'll Learn To Speak! Sound Like a Native! and neglect to add that keeping up that ability requires a certain environment, preferably in the native country. Because as anyone who has gone for a sermester or year abroad to learn French, Italian, etc., knows, that is the best way to do it because you are innundated with the language

Whereas after studying reading and grammar - sorry about that, :o) - you can go online and make your way through Le Monde or Pravda and have some satisfying results.

Not to discourage anyone from signing on to study! It's always good to try, and language gives our brains a terrific workout. Keep in mind that this skill is easiest to acquire in one's teens. Thereafter it's a bit harder as the years pass. But still worthwhile. I first tackled Arabic when I was 36. Sometimes thought I was having a brain-bleed, but the results were worth it.

Writer I watched the first episode and bookmarked it. Thanks again.

Sable, I admire you! I asked my first DMIL to speak to our children in Greek so they would learn both languages. Unfortunately the ability to have her own secret language won out. She didn't even encourage her own sons to learn Greek at first. Then they went to Greek school and never could get the hang of the language. Of course they could get the gist of a conversation but couldn't carry on a conversation. She and her husband were able to communicate without the boys understanding them so it suited her purpose at the time.

My DSIL speaks to his children in mainly English at home but also repeats it in Urdu. His parents live close by so they always speak to the children in Urdu. I am so glad that they will be at least bilingual.

I had four years of French in high school, but back then, it was academic (reading and writing and memorizing) and no conversation. I read/understand most French if spoken slowly enough. Since I travel to France every year, I get a bit of practice, but I have travel friends who emerse themselves in the language schools in either Aix-en-Provence or Villefranche-sur-mer. I've never had that many weeks to spend over there for learning a language in-depth. Two of my friends, who have lived in Paris for over 30 years, are translators, including films and Conde Nast. I'll be sharing a house with them for a week in Basque country this fall and hope to improve my conversational French!

This is a funny thing -- like me, my late DH also had high school French. He couldn't understand what people said, but I could. However, he could come up with a response faster than me. So, it was rather humorous....a waiter would speak to us, explaining the specials and I would translate it to my DH; he would then respond! I'm sure the waiters thought it highly strange!

Sable, many years ago I taught English to student jet pilots in Miami. It was a terribly frustrating experience, because none of them had any use for English once they went out of the classroom. They all got very fluent in Spanish, but I worried a lot about some of them ever passing the pilot exams in English.

Just read all the responses above and there are some very good suggestions, excellent sources. Bpathome's suggestion about music is great! Almost anyone can learn music and lyrics together - and even if you don't understand all the lyrics at first, you will still learn correct pronunciation and you won't forget the songs. And it's fun! Perhaps go to Youtube, search for "Freres Jacques" and note all the other songs that are listed, also.

I always envy Spanish learners, because we have many Spanish tv channels here. This is another wonderful way to learn and then keep up. Especially news broadcasts, especially when it's national and you already know the story. Weathrer forecasts are also easy, and good for numbers. Soap operas are also good; even if we find them corny in English, they become interesting in another setting and the vocabulary is usually pretty easy.

And another source - foreign movies. Netflix has a lot of them, many in French, of course.

Good luck, Holly-Kay! I can sense your motivation through the monitor!

Oh yes Frere Jacques. I can still sing it by memory though I have no idea where I learned it.

My nephew majored in French and spent several years there so he is very fluent. I only see him during the holidays though.

Thank you all for the encouragement!

There is a Community College in a close by Town to us. I know Seniors can audit classes. I believe the rate is discounted too.

I speak 3 languages and can swear like a sailor in a 4th language! I was lucky to learn them as a child through family and living (going to elementary school) overseas.

Holly, if your DSIL lives close by, then it would make more sense for you to try to learn Urdu ... learn it with the grandkids and they will probably be good tutors! The in-laws could teach you too.

Holly, I know you are a Pennsylvanian. There are Alliances Francaise in both Philadelphia and Doylestown. However, the affair with a Frenchman sounds more inviting.

BP and Ded, what a great idea about the Frenchman! Now I have to find one and that would be as unlikely as finding shade in the desert.

Ded, I am about an hour and a half from Philly.

Chispa, my DD and DSIL live fairly close. I'm actually going there this morning. I can say banana in Urdu, does that count? I am hoping to pick up some of the language from my DGC. Their oldest son will be two in less than two weeks.

I watched the first in the Destinos series that Writer posted above and an hour or so later had an email from Rosetta Stone about their Spanish course. I swear my computer is traitorous! It gives away all my info.

My husband is studying Spanish. He started with his love of poetry and Spanish poets, wanting to read the poetry in its original form instead of translated. As a retired journalist, he reads el mundo and el pais online every day, says that is an excellent way to learn a language for vocabulary and construction. He watches Spanish tv news and movies, too, to get the rhythm and pronunciation of spoken Spanish.

He also subscribes to People en Espanol and gave a scrip to our son, who teaches French and Spanish, for his classroom. Son says it's the easiest way ever to gain the kids' interest. Celebrity news! Great for vocab!

Hub gets frustrated, holly-Kay, but doesn't give up. Follow your instinct and heart. You're interested in learning French, and that is a very important motivator, maybe the best there is. How can gaining something useful - knowledge - be a waste of time? You'll find all the French you can read online. Use the online dictionaries, and buy yourself a french-english dictionary, and a French dictionary, and a basic grammar book. You'll do it.

And a bottle of French wine. Get a Frenchman to help translate it!

I took French in HS, but when my friend and I planned a trip there in 2001 for New Year's (we were booked before 9/11, calmed down, then the shoe bomb guy happened and we freaked out a bit), I bought "French for Dummies", which was actually pretty helpful in jogging my memory. Still, when we got there it was a little challenging because I was used to French/English from Canada, and there was pretty much no English. But between the French I knew and the English others knew, we were able to figure things out.

I remember back in the 80's I worked with a doctor who was French and I used to be quite good at conversational French, but that had long eroded.

We bought MIL Rosetta Stone French for Christmas because it was onsale for $199. However, you do need a fairly fast computer to effectively run it based on their recommendations, so we would up buying her a new laptop, too. For what we spent, we probably could have sent her to France.

I am picking up more and more Spanish based on my environment here.

I am fluent in French, having lived in France for a few years between undergraduate and graduate school, and we travel to France fairly often. My husband (fluent in Italian) decided to teach himself French after we had a French exchange student stay with us for two consecutive summers. He bought some grammar books, read some novels from the library, and listened to daily French radio broadcasts. In a surprisingly short time he was fluent. He has a terrible accent, but his vocabulary and grammar are remarkably good. He had a job interview with a French group in Paris, and the interview was conducted in French--and he was offered the job! (Which we had to decline, unfortunately...) I am toying with the idea of learning Italian because I have a dear friend who is Italian (she also speaks fluent English, French, German, Swiss German, Farsi, Japanese, and Spanish).

I love Duolingo, I have it on my phone to kill time. I have an ok vocab but lousy sentence structure and accent. I see Duolingo more as mental exercise than enhancing my ability to speak French.

Thank you all for the encouragement. I think all knowledge is beneficial. My brain needs to be stimulated or I get bored. I think my love for learning is what made me successful in two businesses that were totally out of my realm of knowledge.

All the ideas are wonderful and I will be pursuing them. I have a MacBook Air that is about 6 months old and a new iPad Pro so I think my computer could handle Rosetta Stone but not sure if I will get it or not.

Pack your mosquito repellent and head to Minnesota for Concordia Language Villages. You know you want to go to Camp d'ete en francais

I wish I had an opportunity to use a second language, like French or Italian, both of which I could speak at one time, but they've pretty much deserted me. I live in an area with lots of Latinos and it would be useful to be able to speak Spanish, but I've never liked Spanish, so I'm not motivated.

Three of my great grandparents came from Canada and spoke French in their homes. I was raised in a primarily Franco American community and attended parochial school through 6th grade where 1/2 of the school day was taught in French. Sunday Mass was said in French. My parents, aunts and uncles spoke good English but a fond memory I have of holidays are of conversations going back and forth between French & English. Relatives always sang and spoke to little babies in French because it was "softer". As a child I used to dream in French.

What a rude awakening, though, when I took French in HS! My background sure was a mixed blessing. I could read and write well, roll my r's but there was such a distinct difference between Parisian French & what I grew up with that it I had a lot to unlearn. I ended up doing well in both French & Latin. But sad to say, by the time we did a student exchange when DS was in HS with a family from Brittany, I hadn't used my polished up version of French in decades and what surfaced was my Eliza Doolittle version ;) At least we could all communicate. I've always wished I'd kept up with it. When we visited Paris in 2011 I was able to read, but was too shy to try to use my French.

I wish I could learn Turkish. My DIL is from Turkey and DH & I did our best to learn a few phrases before we met her family. It is a hard language to learn. My DS is fluent in 4 other languages but struggles mightily with Turkish. He & DIL have lived in Denmark for 7 yrs. With my 2 yr. old GDD they speak English at home as a family, and DIL speaks Turkish to her and she Skypes in Turkish with her other grandmother. At daycare they speak Danish. Surprisingly, GDD, seems to be grasping all 3 languages and answers in the language spoken to her. That's the time of life to learn easily, it seems.

Holly-Kay, go for it! And thank you for the inspirthing post!

Amck, you are welcome! I hope you and DH will pursue Turkish. I also want to pick up enough Urdu to be able to say a few phrases to my DSIL parents. His dad's English is fairly good but his mother can't communicate in English. They are wonderful people and I like the thought of at least being able to greet them in Urdu. DSIL also speaks fluent German because they lived there from his early toddler age until he was 16. I hope he and his brothers and sister will speak to the DGC in German so they are fluent in three languages.

When I married my husband, who came from Italy, I made the decision to learn Italian as his family spoke it most of the time. It's one that I don't regret. Been to Italy many times and I enjoy being able to converse with them. Go for it.

Having a DH who speaks another language is an ideal way to learn!

i took 4 yrs of french in HS and haven't really spoken it since, so have forgotten a lot.

a few yrs ago, i took an adult ed spanish course since, at the time, i was doing a fair amount of travel to a spanish speaking country. i found it very difficult! i kept wanting to substitute french words and pronunciation and just didn't enjoy trying to learn it at all, so i stopped. if i ever take another language, it will probably be french. i have the desire to know another language, but i don't have the desire to learn it. :(

i think some people have a knack for picking up/learning languages-- one of my kids processes things differently than my others and clearly picks up on languages and other auditory things much, much more easily... he didn't inherit that from me!!