How Difficult is Croatian to Learn?
Croatian is one of the official languages of the European Union, and its estimated 4 million speakers make up the majority of the countries population.
Like many other languages, it can be daunting for a non-native to make an effort to learn the language. Luckily, with the right means, determination and diligence it can be a rewarding experience.
Apart from its native speakers, the exposure to Croatian is limited and can be more difficult to grasp compared to other languages like French or Spanish. Moreover, the language features various dialects, depending on the region that it is spoken.
It has its own distinct alphabet and is written in Serbian Latin. Its alphabet is unique in comparison to other languages, including accented letters that could be confusing for learners. Furthermore, Croatian has a quite complicated grammar structure that can be harder to non-native speakers.
Despite this, it is considered to be one of the easier languages to learn, if approached with the right attitude. For instance, those with an existing knowledge of other Slavic languages such as Slovene or Serbo-Croatian will find that the basic grammar rules have many similarities.
In addition, various studies have concluded that there is an exceptionally close connection between Croatian and the other Slavic languages, which helped the process of learning the language. There are also a growing number of language learning resources, such as Duolingo, which offer lessons, tips, and tools.
Speaking to native speakers is another important factor to consider when learning a language, as it helps to master pronunciation and clarify doubts about the grammar rules. Furthermore, speaking Croatian in casual conversations will also give the learner an advantage in grasping the way words are combined into a sentence.
What are Some Examples of Croatian Words?
Being a Slavic language, many Croatian words or terms are similar to its neighboring languages. ‘Dobar dan’ (meaning good day) and ‘hvala’ (meaning thank you) are two examples of greeting words that are also related to the Russian language.
‘Živjeli’ (cheers) and ‘ždravo’ (hi) are expressions of appreciation between friends and family and generally make up greetings shared between people. Additionally, terms like ‘bok’ (hello) and ‘molim’ (please) are small words that can be used in certain situations.
Can the Croatian Language Help Me with Other Languages?
One implication of learning Croatian as a second language is that it may help with comprehension of some other languages. As the Croatian language is composed of similar grammar structures as other Slavic languages, proficiency in the Croatian language can help with understanding others such as Russion, Slovak or Czech.
Moreover, other Romance languages such as Italian might benefit from a fundamental knowledge of Croatian. Being a language similar to Spanish, Italian also contains Latin derived words, which can be easily recognizable to those with an understanding of Croatian words.
What are Some Tips to Learning Croatian?
Starting to learn Croatian may seem challenging at the start but it is possible to learn this language with practice and dedication.
Start slowly by learning several useful phrases and simple words. Focus first on getting the pronunciation right and practicing the language by reading out loud. This may help you to recognize the verb structures as you move on to more difficult words.
Make use of the ever-growing resources such as online language communities and online language teaching platforms. Another useful tool is that of language exchange partners, connecting learners with native speakers and the opportunity to speak in the language by making use of Skype.
Active listening, grammar reinforcement and reviewing any studying materials from time to time is also recommended. Practice makes perfect and attempting to use authentic materials, such as newspapers and television programs to teach the language will make for a more well-rounded Fluency in Croatian.
Are there Any Benefits to Learning Croatian?
Indeed, Croatian language learners have more advantages from studying this language. Obviously, it allows travelers in Croatia to communicate with its people more efficiently, which is a huge benefit. Also, the more people learn more words, the more they will become familiar with the culture.
Moreover, Croatian language learning can open new doors professionally. It may prove to be beneficial for those working in international organizations or those wanting to develop their careers. Thus, learning Croatian could be a means of accessing a rewarding career for those aiming to gain an advantage by having the capacity to speak more than one language.
What Are the Different Dialects of Croatian?
Despite being an official language of Croatia, there are several dialects spoken across the country. The most spoken dialect is that of Shtokavian, which is mainly spoken in Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia.
Kajkavian is the dialect generally spoken in the Zagreb region. Up to 450,000 Croatians are able to pronounce this dialect and it is mostly spoken in northern of Croatia. Čakavian is the third type of dialect. It is mainly spoken in the Istrian region and islands from of Croatia. However, less then 50,000 Croatians are able to speak it. Lastly, Torlakian is the dialect that mainly is spoken in the east of Croatia, Serbia and some parts of Bulgaria.
How Quick is it to Learn Croatian?
The speed of how you pick up Croatian depends highly on your learning styles. Generally, it is estimated to take around 550 hours of practice to become truly proficient in the language, which is roughly two hours per day over the duration of six months.
There are various ways to learn the language such as taking Croatian classes, joining language exchanges or using apps or books to self-study. Generally, the more exposure to the language, the more likely it will be to encourage a more rounded level of understanding.
What are the Advantages of Learning Croatian?
Learning Croatian provides people with increased travel opportunities, job prospects and a greater degree of cultural understanding within the region. Furthermore, it is a great asset for those already proficient in another language, as it can improve comprehension and become an attractive feat on a curriculum vitae.
Teaching Croatian to non-native speakers is also considered to be an ideal method of sharing the culture and the language itself. There is an increasing number of organizations that teach Croatian, aiming to promote and facilitate a better understanding of the language. Undoubtedly, it is not an easy language to learn, but with the right attitude and dedication it can be possible.
What is the Importance of Croatian?
Croatian is one of the most widely spoken languages in the Balkans and is considered to be the closest relative of standard Bosnian and Serbian. It is used to express a sense of national identity within the region, which is important to the development of the culture in the country.
Although the language may not be spoken outside of countries such as Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia, there are numerous dialects of Croatian that can be used in formal occasions, casual conversations or everyday work. Additionally, it is the official language of the European Union, making it a desirable asset for those wishing to work in an international organization.
Mode of Learning
To learn Croatian, learners should take advantage of the growing number of available methods to help them acquire the language in a more effective and comfortable way, regardless of their levels. There are various activities that can be carried out to attain a deeper understanding of the language, starting by diving into resources such as textbooks, listening to podcasts and following YouTube channels.
Alternatively, learners could opt for private classes, language courses and tutors. The use of visual aids such as videos and films to learn Croatian is a common method, as it allows to observe the different dialects of Croatian and how the language is spoken by various people.
Being surrounded by native speakers also facilitates learning, as it helps to gain an insight on the culture and the language itself. Thus, if possible, spending a period of time living in a Croatian-speaking country can be incredibly beneficial.
What Are the Challenges of Learning Croatian?
Apart from the grammar structure and the uniqueness of the Croatian alphabet, many learners find difficulty with the pronunciations of certain words. For example, vowel combinations and stress might be problematic as different accents exist in the language.
Moreover, Croatian speakers have a tendency to use two or more verbs per sentence. Consequently, learners often struggle to identify the correct context and therefore could unintentionally become confused. Some words can also be easily mispronounced, thus confusion can arise if particular mispronunciations are not understood.
