It seems like a waste of time to try to pronounce the words. If we knew the meaning when we heard we would be able to repeat it. Some language software requires you to be able to speak and it doesn't work. I knew a little spanish and couldn't get anywhere. It seems more practical to be able to understand.
I'd have to disagree. You must learn to say words so you can form your own sentences. Language can't be passive - you can't just understand things, otherwise you'll have a very one-sided conversation with someone with just you listening. It's not likely that your conversation partner will use the words you want to say in your response, so you have to have them ready to use whenever you need them.
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just in case you might, just maybe, want to join in on the conversation
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I'd have to disagree. You must learn to say words so you can form your own sentences. Language can't be passive - you can't just understand things, otherwise you'll have a very one-sided conversation with someone with just you listening. It's not likely that your conversation partner will use the words you want to say in your response, so you have to have them ready to use whenever you need them.
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If you can only understand it you still can't communicate with others who speak that language cause they won't understand you
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Cause, if you are trying to communicate, then you have to be able to speak.
Duh.
And because learning a language means learning THE COMPLETE language. Not just being able to understand.
Not a waste of time…trust me. If you go to, say, Mexico, you need to be able to speak to the people, in order to get what you want…if you need a taxi to take you somewhere, you need to be able to tell the driver where you need to go.
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>"It seems more practical to be able to understand."
In the context of what you wrote, this makes absolutely no sense!
Communication is a two way process.
I believe when you change your attitude about learning a foreign language, you'll have an easier time learning it. Whether learning a foreign language is difficult or fun, it's up to you!
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Of course it's important to understand, but there would still be instances when you might need to speak it. For instance, say someone comes to you asking for directions. They only speak Spanish, and you are the only person that understands them. Now…if they speak no English, and the place they're looking for isn't right across the street, how can you convey to them where they need to go if you can't speak Spanish? I think I'd find that a very frustrating situation if it were me!
Understanding is important, but so is sight (written), sound, and verbal recognition.
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