I Choose Spanish

It's a bit of nerdy hobby of mine to learn languages but I never have the motivation to go very far with it. I get in so far as enjoying the music, learning little tidbits of culture that come along with language learning and then it gets harder and my motivation fizzles out. But this time, I'm choosing a language to continue and I feel ready.

I went to live in Egypt for a while and absolutely loved the country. I loved the language and picked it up quite well but have now forgotten so much. It's a shame because I'd like to return; and I also want to be able to sound like a fast talking Lebnaneyeh (Lebanese chick). However, I'm never going to sound like a native in Arabic and I don't think I'd have much of a future in an Arabic country - especially as I'm not interested in learning the written language and every country speaks a different dialect.

I also learned Spanish in school, graduating at the top of my year in it, and still retain some language, though mostly vocabulary. I'm at about an A2 level on the CEFR guidelines as of mid August 2011. It's probably a far more useful language than Arabic for a European in Europe however it might be of limited use outside of Spain, a country I probably won't spend much time in. It is easy however, it does look good on a CV and for city work within the UK. It's also more widely spoken by 'foreigners' than Arabic is.

Ideally, I'd speak French but I studied the language for more than 6 years (obligatory, high school) and just can't get it right. Although I love the language, love the country and it's particularly useful - a lingua franca not only here where most people have rudimentary skills, but in the rest of the world - I just don't have the head start I do with Spanish nor the talent. However, if I don't learn French my crazy dream of running away to Paris to train as a chef is impossible. Nothing to do with the fact I can't cook of course.