How To Study 2 Languages (or more) At Once
I am usually a person who wants to focus on one language at a time, but I finally decided after years of waiting to start Japanese on top of Korean - that I should just do it.
TIP 1: Staggered Start
Start 1 language first and after awhile add in the next language. This helps immensely. You don't have to wait like 3 or 4 years like me, but the longer the better honestly. I know your excited and nothing I say might convince you to do 1 first. But It really took a lot of restraint on my part and I'm glad I "waited" (I actually tried and failed a few times to learn Japanese - this time is good because I actually have the time and energy to consistently study 2 languages)
I would say start with 1 language and plan to stick with it for at least 6 months (if not longer) before you pick up the second language.
TIP 2: Somewhat Different Languages
If you are starting them around the same time, I think It would be wise to find languages that are different enough from each other that you won't mix them up.
Korean & Japanese - Spanish & French = These languages would be considered too "similar" and would lead you to confuse words or grammar or pronunciation or all of those. However, If you studied Japanese & Spanish - you would be fine.
Tip 3: Different Days
You don't have to do this, but If you are running low on time or energy then this works great. For me, I study Korean & Japanese on the same day 2-3 days a week and then study Korean only on 1 day and Japanese only on 1 day (for a total of 4-5 days of studying each week)
By doing it on different days, you can put all of your energy and focus into that one language.
Should You Do It Though?
PROS:
- It can be fun and challenging, especially if you love those languages
- In the long run you'll know both languages to a decent level
- You can take advantage of similarities & differences in a language
- When you get tired of studying 1 language, you can just pick up the other
CONS:
- Progress slows down (In 1 or both languages) because you are using less time on studying by splitting focus between 2 languages
- You could mix up the languages still
- It takes more time/effort to do which you may not have
- It can be stressful to add another language (if you've already been studying 1 for a few months or years) or adding 2 at the same time
- You may begin to neglect or prioritize one language over the other (I actually don't see this as a bad thing - as I recommended if you start at different times then you'll be more familiar with one language over the other already)
My Opinion:
JUST DO IT! Even if you don't take any of my advice - learning new languages is fun. It's good for your brain, good for your soul, good for careers and school and travel and lots of other things. The thought of being a polyglot or multi-lingual (or even bi-lingual, tri-lingual, etc.) Is so cool. One day I'll be able to say that I'm multi-lingual (knowing 3-4 or more languages).
