Learning a language

[bunn]

How long do you reckon it takes to learn a new language to the point where you can have simple conversations with native speakers of that language?

Specifically, how long do you think it would take for someone who can already speak at least two languages to learn an unfamiliar language, when they are in an environment where the unfamiliar language is spoken by everyone and they are working on picking up the language as the main thing they are doing?   Assume that the person has the assistance of someone who can speak both languages, and that the structure of the language is similar to those already known.

I reckon two weeks would be more than enough, but then my attitude to languages is a bit Top Gear.  Pp, who has A's at O Level in several languages he can't speak at all, feels that two weeks is a ludicrous underestimate. 

Comments

[helflaed.livejournal.com]

I'd say it would take me more than 2 weeks to manage that, even with total immersion in a relatively similar language to one I can already speak. Also language similarities can cause confusion as you struggle to remember what word goes with which language.

[bunn.livejournal.com]

Yes, I was thinking there was a lot of potential for confusion. Interesting that you feel it would take longer, any idea how long you'd feel was reasonable for basic simple communication?