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1月13日 The most difficult language in the world? I've just come from my Slovenian lesson and I have to tell you, my head is tired.
I exaggerated in the title of this post, Slovenian isn't the hardest language to learn in the world, I'd much less enjoy the prospect of having to learn Chinese for example. But still, Slovene is a difficult language with an extremely complex and some would argue ridiculous grammar system.
The language, like German, has three genders; Masculine, Feminine, and Neutral. Not too bad, right? Hmmm, maybe. Unlike German, the ending of every noun change depending on which of the 6 cases it is being used in. Confused yet?
Let me give you an example of what I mean.
If the same rule would come into the English grammar system, sentences would look like this.
The country that I am talking about is called Slovenia.
I am sitting now at a computer in Sloveni.
I come from Slovenie.
Tomorrow I am going to Slovenio.
Just when you think you have mastered that, another body blow is awaiting. The above examples were for a feminine word, Slovenia. It's different if the word is Masculine.
The city that I am talking about is called London.
I live in Londonu.
I come from Londona.
Tomorrow I am going to London.
Right, mastered that? Good. There's hope for you. But hang on. What about the quantities of things?
Let me give you another example by switching it into English.
I have 1 dog.
I have 2 dogsa.
I have 3 dogsi. (this is the same for 4, 5, 6, etc...)
I have many dogsov.
Dog, a masculine word. And for feminine;
I have 1 cat.
I have 2 catsi.
I have 3 catse. (4,5,6,7)
Why is it different if I have 2 of something???
That's a good question. Let me tell you about the thing they call 'dual'.
The Slovenian language has Singular and Plural just like any other language, but it also has Dual. This is used any time that you are talking about 2 of something. Every single time.
This time I'll give you an example in Slovenian.
Mi gremo domov. (We are going home.)
Midva greva domov. (Us 2 are going home.)
The whole form of the verb changes simply to show that you are talking about 2 people and not more.
This has been just a small example of the most basic points of Slovene grammar, just to give you some idea of the time and patience that is needed in order to master the language here.
If you would like to see more then visit this site and if this doesn't put you off of the Slovene language forever then go here and treat yourself. I actually started with this one myself.
I can say in all honesty, that despite all of these complications and everything else, Slovenian is a beautiful and very interesting language. I am fortunate enough to be able to speak a few other European languages, but none compare in complexity to Slovenian. After 11 months of living in Rome, I came away speaking practically fluent Italian, albeit in the Roman way. However, I've been here in Ljubljana for 2 years already and am nowhere near fluent, although I am coming along nicely. The main problem is that everyone here speaks perfect English, which takes away that feeling of 'if I don't speak the language, I don't eat' as there is always someone handy who is able and more than willing to practice their English in order to help you with
anything you need.
Seriously, I suggest to anyone with an interest in learning new languages to give Slovene a look. It's certainly a good test for yourself.
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