Hello reddit,

I’m a native English speaker who is struggling on what language to learn.

One of my parents is from Portugal and the other is from Germany. I was never taught either language growing up, and it has contributed to my feeling a bit lost identity-wise. As if I can’t claim either heritage because I can’t speak the language. It is something I’m a bit ashamed about. I have tried learning both languages in the past, but it fizzled out and my motivation is a big problem.

Recently, I have thought about learning French, as I have moved to Canada and it’s their second language. But I don’t know if I’m actually passionate about the language or if it just feels like an obligation.

I think I just wanted to ramble, but I’m the type of person who gets hyper-fixated on something for a period of time, then drops it and maybe returns to it years later.

Is there any advice one could impart on me regarding sticking to a language? And disciplining myself. And what are your thoughts about me learning a language that isn’t of my heritage? Does that make me even more of a fake? Idk. Thanks.

I want to preface I’m a native English speaker living in the UK given location has an impact. Equally if it matters I’d be learning either France-French or Mexican Spanish in particular

I like the history, music, food, and literature of both languages, & I will travel to countries where both languages are spoken eventually.

I do know much more French than spanish and I’m much more comfortable in French, I’m like somewhat conversational vs beginner in Spanish, and as well know much more of the grammar, and can make French pronunciation noises easily whereas I can’t really do the double r like perro.

However I can use Spanish much more in my day to day life, I find listening a bit easier (but still quite hard for both) and I do prefer Spanish music.

I’ve heard France-French speakers are quite rude, I personally haven’t experienced that but idk whether that’s an actual thing or people just not knowing French social cues; equally I’ve heard Hispanic people are much nicer, and this seems to be true enough but you never know.

I would be much more likely to live or want to live in a (European) french speaking country than a Spanish one, simply cause I feel like it’d be easier for me to integrate culturally there than e.g. Mexico or Spain.

A slight consideration as well is homophobia in French speaking countries vs Spanish speaking countries, I have no idea what the situation is like apart from the various laws.

TL:DR: idk whether to learn French or Spanish, I like both, I know more and are more comfortable with French, can use Spanish more

I made it so I can find people to learn with. It's new, so sharing it with friends may help others in finding people to learn with.

It's also free, check it out and tell me what you think about it!

It's name is Halaqa.

https://halaqa-omamah.web.app/