How long did it take you to learn sign language?
A couple of years. Although, the faster way of learning SL is to be immersed in the Deaf Community. Practicing is the best way to learn any language. In my case, after 12 years of being around the Deaf in Argentina I can say I am fluent in the LSA (Argentinian Sign Language). And after 3 years in contact with ASL (American Sign Language) I know enough to maintain a communication in that language. You can understand some of the conversations within your first months you've been learning it. But to say you know Sign Language requires more than that. "Knowing signs doesn't mean knowing Sign Language". Don't give up, though, the more interest and dedication you put in it, the faster it will come.
How Long to Learn A Foreign Language.?
I learned Spanish in high school, French in college, Attic Greek in college, Malay, Iban and Hokkien in the Peace Corps. The language will sink in with practice. I never went to France, and the people who spoke Attic Greek have been dead for 2,000 years, so I never got to practice either one for real. I found my Spanish came back when we visited Peru last year. I could limp along in it for simple needs; "My son does not eat meat" and "Where is the bathroom?". I didn't try "Tell me your views on capitalistic democracy" or "What do you think of the use of allegory in 'Love in the Time of Cholera'?" I taught in English in the Peace Corps and spoke those three languages of Sarawak outside the classroom. Again, lack of practice meant I was never very good at any of the three. You won't forget your English. You may dream in Spanish. You'll probably think in English. You may learn a third language; many PCVs in Peru, for instance, learn Quechua as well as Spanish. If you go to a country with a straight border, like many in Africa, you can bet some 18th or 19th century diplomats with a ruler set the boundaries in London or Paris, and paid no heed to the tribal ones, so the country will have at least two major language groups, if not half a dozen. (Sarawak had seven.)
How long did it take you to learn a foreignn language?
I started learning Spanish in an immersion school when I was 8. At the end of grade school, I was fluent for my age ( with 4 years of study). BUT, then I went without studying for almost 20 years. I was around Spanish, but didn't speak it. I could understand most stuff, but I didn't dare try to talk to native speakers. I later took one term of Spanish at University and then went to live in Ecuador - that was when I REALLY learned Spanish. I was there for 5 months, and that was the key to getting it. I was taking all my classes in Spanish, and a 'spanish for foreigners' class at the University - so I had to get it, and fast. The best advice I would give is to watch movies and tv programs in Arabic with Arabic subtitles - this way you see the words and hear them at the same time, and you also see the context in which they are used. You don't even realize how much you are learning, and then you just start using the phrases or words you've learned while watching. My second best piece of advice would be to force yourself to converse with people in Arabic. Have your dictionary handy, and don't be afraid to look up any word you don't know - they'll understand. And, they'll appreciate the effort you're making. If you can't find a particular word, try to explain it in Arabic. It may feel silly, but this is how kids learn to speak - and it is how you will really hold onto what you are learning. As for me mastering Spanish, I've lived in latin america for about three years and I feel like I will never truely master it. Just when I think I'm doing really well, I learn something new. But, it's a HUGE ego boost when a native speaker compliments you on your use of their language!
How long did it take you to learn fluently a new language?
As I read in another answer, it does depend a lot on the definition you give the word “fluency”. That may indeed depend on each individual. In my case, I consider myself fluent when I’m able to think in the language as easily as in my native one (French), I can understand fairly well almost anything I can read and hear and I can speak and write long and detailed answers with few or no mistakes about many different subjects.Thereby, only one. English. However, I can think as well as understand a lot in German and Norwegian but I can’t express myself perfectly enough, especially in the latter.How long did it take me to reach fluency in English? About two years… of self-study. I started studying English just like any other French pupil in my very first year of middle school but I was never good at it and couldn’t even say a simple sentence and my understanding was about 0%.Nevertheless, one day, I decided I would put an end to it since I needed and did want to learn that language for many reasons. So… I tried, tried again, tried again… made thousands of mistakes, used dozens of different methods and it eventually worked out.Since then, I found the right method that works for me (I talked about it if that may help you, dear reader: What is the most effective, inexpensive and fast method to learn a new language?) and managed to reach B1 in both Norwegian and German within two months, while mastering the basics of Dutch and Finnish in less than two weeks.However, do note that it may depend on you. How many languages do you already speak? How motivated are you? What are your goals? Do you have any method and resources yet?Thanks for asking! Hope it helps.
How long did it take you to become fluent in a foreign language?
One, I never did. Still learning regardless as I’ll be taking Spanish classes next semester.