When I was younger, it was easier. I would move fluidly from one to another, no questions asked. It could be done with my hands, while reading, while speaking, so many different ways. Alright, mind out of the gutter! I am talking about language. When I was little, I knew French from school, I picked up Latin from my family, and I was fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with my friend, as well as a precaution in the event the rest of my hearing went. But just like any skill, if you don’t use it you WILL lose it.
As an adult who has worked in some form of public service/customer care for 14 years, I have had some need to call upon my various language skills over the years, yet not nearly frequently enough. With the world becoming more connected, and people moving from their regions of origin, all I want to do is be able to communicate with others in their language. It is respectful to their culture and language, and to be frank, it is selfish for me to assume everyone should speak the same language. How boring would that be? This is not even touching on the requirement in some countries or businesses that it is mandatory to know additional languages to advance in job placement or to have more opportunities.
As a parent, it is also my responsibility to govern a love of learning in my child (which with LilPinner, it is easy enough to do; how many children decide they are going to teach themselves to read at three?). To keep her challenged and learning, 
Currently to restart my learning of French, I have enrolled in DuoLingo, and am starting at the bottom with the basics to get a proper foundation. My desired list is this:
French (as is my dual nationally recognized language)
Mandarin (as it is spoken by so many in my community)
Irish (to embrace my heritage)
So I am calling to you, my fellow Steemians. What languages do you speak, and how did you learn them? Did you use online training, class work, cultural immersion, or any other ideas? What are your personal views on learning multiple languages, and their benefits? I am very curious to hear from all of you!
