Okay, I'm completely new here, so don't be too hard on me, please :) .
I am a 21 years old guy, a student, live in Belgrade (Serbia).
I'd like to share a couple of problems that I'm facing in my language learning journey.
First would be constantly having difficulties with remembering the right words in a moment of speech, my accent is good due to watching and imitating a lot of native English speakers, BUT when it comes to remembering vocabulary and learning a new one I'm the WORST. And my question would be >>> Do you have some good tactics or tips to remember new/old vocabulary? But the trick is that I always know the word that I'm struggling to remember, but it's just not coming out of my mouth and afterward I google it I'm confused why I couldn't remember it.
Secondly, I tend to use too many "filler" words while speaking (like, you know, right, etc.), which I find highly frustrating.
Also, recently I've started studying German, I'm a total beginner and my question is:
Do you guys think is it smart to start a new language (3rd) while not being totally confident with your second?
Thanks for your time, I am open to corrections. :D
You're written English is really good. I wouldn't worry about using "filler" words, lots of native speakers do that too, it allows time for us to think as well. My only suggestion is to try and talk aloud to yourself in English using the words you commonly forget in conversation. When I was learning Spanish as an adult learner working in a Spanish speaking country I realised I needed to hear a word in use at least 30 times or more before I could remember it to use it myself. And I probably had to speak it a further 30 times myself before I could remember it fairly easily. Based on your writing I think your English is good enough to start learning German, without getting confused. Best of luck
@Joni_25 Thanks for the corrections and a BIG thank you for the nice and encouraging comment about my English! I wish you all the best in your future language studies.
Hi there!!! I struggle with the exact same thing, but it's because I already have the memory span of a goldfish. I know you said your main problem is speaking, but my suggestion would be to read more. I've found looking at words, the actual way they're written, makes it easier to remember. But as Joni said, you'll have to see the same word a few times before being able to incorporate it into your sentences, so don't feel frustrated if it takes some time. We'll get there!
Hello @Juliana ! Yeah, I'm sure we'll get there at some point. When you learn new words do you just translate them into ur native, or you try to understand the explanation (definition) of the word in your targeted language?
I think that when you start to use filler words, it's part of the process of learning a new language! I often think that when people can use filler words with confidence (other than just "uhhh") they've reached a higher level of comfort than what they think they have! I agree with the others here, I definitely think that your English is good enough to start learning German! Your written English feels very natural to me! Good luck with starting German! It may even help you with your English (vocabulary-wise) hehe.
@FocaFoca Yeah, I get what you want to say, and I agree but for some reason, I think that I sound stupid when I use "like, you know" too much. :D ... Thanks for your wishes, and I wish the same to you.
@mladen_ I completely understand what you mean! But don't be too hard on yourself, with time and practice, you'll be using these filler words less and less!
Never be afraid to embarrass yourself... that is how you learn
@mladen_ Sorry for the late reply! I definitely avoid translating if I can and always try to understand the word in context first.
Thank you guys for all of your comments! See you on this site...