Have you been on the lookout for what foreign language you can learn next? If you are interested in learning a South Slavic language, then you probably have come across the Slovenian language. However, one question is probably haunting you: is Slovenian hard to learn?
In this post, we will do a deep dive session on why you should consider learning Slovenian and what makes it a bit challenging for native speakers of other languages. To also help you kickstart your learning session on the right foot, we will also give your our most recommended approaches on how you can start your language learning routine strong.
Table of Contents
Is Slovenian Hard To Learn?
To answer the question, we need to consider a few things first.
If you’re tired of just being able to speak English, learning one of the uncommon languages is a great way to challenge yourself and stand out. One such example of that is the Slovenian language, one of the Slavic languages that are spoken by only about 2.3 million people across the globe. It is the official language of Slovenia but is also spoken by some from Austria and Italy.
In as much as we want to say that learning Slovenian is easy, we cannot deny that this is perhaps one of the hardest languages there is to master. Based on the language difficulty ranking of FSI, native English speakers will need to devote at least 1100 hours before they progress in this language. And when we say “devote,” that literally means that you must have a strict language learning process to follow like the ones you will find in language schools.
For this reason, learning basic vocabulary and phrases alone will not help you out right away. What will certainly help you progress start to speak fluently is when you try to drill into Slovenian grammar and cultural meanings. Instead of just memorizing words, learning this entails that you will read and understand Slovenian literature. In addition, learning Slovenian means that you should progress holistically and put yourself out there to speak with many Slovenians too.
Looking back on its difficulty level, it is just as hard as languages like Russian and Croatian. The only downside here is that finding the right resources (or courses) can be a bit difficult since it is not as popular as other in-demand languages for native English speakers like Spanish, German, Italian, or French.
So, is Slovenian hard to learn? Yes, it is challenging due to its complex grammar, unique vocabulary, and limited resources compared to more popular languages. However, with dedication, the right learning approach, and consistent practice, mastering Slovenian is certainly achievable.
Just because Slovenian seems hard, do remember that it is not entirely impossible to learn it. No matter how difficult learning may be, it is important that you remind yourself why you are studying it. At the end of the day, your willpower can tackle anything! If you are convinced to learn Slovenian despite it being a difficult language, then you have to check out the five approaches below on how you can learn it.
Ways To Master The Slovenian Language As A Second (And Foreign) Language
When it comes to learning languages, there is no one particular way that will magically turn you into a Slovenian-speaking person in an instant. As with most other languages, there are several approaches that we can take since we are all unique and we learn differently. So depending on what your learning style is and your interests, you must design your language learning experience based on it. Below are some examples of the top approaches you might consider.
- If you are motivated in learning new vocabulary words every day, it would be wise to make use of flashcards or study decks. You may do it traditionally or consider doing it virtually via Quizlet and Anki.
- Since the pronunciation of Slovenian words may slow beginners down, one great way by which you can practice is through speaking with native speakers. While it may be hard to find a lot of people who are speaking this language (depending on where you are), you may consider connecting by using language exchange apps like Tandem or HiNative. By allowing yourself to communicate with language speakers, you can prevent yourself from speaking your first language and try your best to make use of all the Slovene words, phrases, and expressions you learned before.
- If you are ready to drill down on grammar points and how to structure sentences like a real pro, then you should consider making use of language textbooks published by professionals. Grammar is important for language students to learn since it helps one to create meaningful exchanges without having to rely on Google Translate.
- To train yourself with the grammatical structures and Slovenian words, changing the local language of your mobile devices can significantly benefit you. Imagine using your Facebook account or Twitter account to learn a language while entertaining yourself!
- Download useful language learning applications that have gamified content (to keep you motivated and excited) and an AI chatbot (to speak Slovenian without any pressure) like the Ling app. The Ling App is a unique language learning platform complete with all the features and top-of-the-line lessons on Slovenian language geared for users of all levels.
Why Should I Learn A New Language?
For many of us, learning a new language is an important goal especially since it is found to be very useful given the trends in today’s society. Gone are days when we can simply rely on our technical skills to land our dream roles in some of the biggest companies. Today, you also need to develop expertise in other hard skills so that you can set yourself apart from other candidates. One example of a hard skill that is quickly becoming popular in the industry is the ability to speak a foreign language.
Now that the world is getting smaller and almost everything is going global, learning some of the most in-demand and difficult languages there are today can significantly help you occupy a niche in whatever career you plan to be in. Contrary to common belief native speakers of other languages are not just getting employed to become writers, researchers, or translators! Today, almost every company out there is interested in hiring polyglots or bilinguals because of the following reasons:
- Having native language speakers in one’s team can help ensure that the company will succeed in international markets.
- Adds to the diversity of the company and will help other employees gain a perspective about a culture different from theirs.
- In terms of customer service, there is no one who can understand your international clients better but native speakers.
- Since language learning is found to boost cognitive skills, we can generally assume that bilinguals are smarter than your average employees.
- Native speakers of a particular language can help expand the business and reach a wider audience.
As a rule of thumb, do remember that choosing the best language for you truly depends on your motivations and interests because at the end of the day… all languages are equal and there is nothing better than another. However, if you are passionate to learn the language spoken in Slovenia, then mastering the Slovenian language is a solid choice.
How Do You Say You’re Learning Slovenian?
When you want to tell someone that you’re learning Slovenian, you would say: učim se govoriti Slovensko (I’m learning to speak Slovenian).
Some Useful Vocab To Get You Started
Every long journey begins with one step, and learning a new language is no different. Starting to learn Slovenian might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and mindset, you can make steady progress. To help you on your way, here are some basic Slovenian vocabulary words to get you started:
| English | Slovenian |
|---|---|
| Hello | Zdravo |
| Goodbye | Nasvidenje |
| Please | Prosim |
| Thank you | Hvala |
| Yes | Ja |
| No | Ne |
| Excuse me | Oprostite |
| I’m sorry | Oprosti |
| How are you? | Kako si? |
| I’m fine, thank you | V redu sem, hvala |
| What is your name? | Kako ti je ime? |
| My name is… | Moje ime je… |
| Nice to meet you | Me veseli |
| Where is…? | Kje je…? |
| I don’t understand | Ne razumem |
| Can you help me? | Mi lahko pomagate? |
| Water | Voda |
| Food | Hrana |
| Bathroom | Stranišče |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Learn Slovenian?
Generally, it usually takes around 6 to 12 months to be able to have basic conversations. Becoming fluent can take several years of dedicated studying. Still, with daily practice and exposure to the language, this time can become shorter.
If you follow the right steps and keep yourself motivated, you can become fluent faster!
Is Slovenian Worth Learning?
The benefits of learning Slovenian are cultural understanding, personal enrichment, career opportunities, and making connections with Slovenians.
Imagine being able to talk in a language that less than 3 million people in the whole world speak. Slovenians are always super impressed when someone foreign tries to speak Slovenian.
So, even though it’s not a widely spoken language, you can greatly benefit from learning it if you’re interested in Slovenian culture, living in Slovenia, or traveling in Slovenia.
Are Slovenians Fluent In English?
Most people in Slovenia speak English fluently, so you could live comfortably there even without learning it. However, if you want to become a real part of the culture, learning the language is a must! It’s also much easier when you’re living among locals and native speakers.
The Challenge Of Learning Slovenian
Slovenian is definitely not the easiest to learn but don’t let that hold you back! Learning any new language comes with its challenges, and Slovenian is no exception. While it might seem tough at first, with a bit of dedication and practice, you can definitely get the hang of it.
Think of it as an adventure. Each new word and phrase you learn brings you closer to understanding a unique culture and connecting with new people. And don’t worry, every little bit of progress counts.
So, if you’re up for a rewarding challenge and eager to explore something new, give Slovenian a try. Who knows? You might find it easier than you expected and enjoy the journey along the way. Happy learning!
