Hungarian Learning Community and Resources

We talked to a Hungarian polyglot and Erasmus+ student, Lilla, who is specialized in Arabic. The law student is currently in Lebanon, she is studying international law and mastering her language skills. She shared her experiences with us and also gave great advice on language learning that enable people to improve quickly. I hope you find the interview as fascinating as we did. Here it is in full. 

You speak several languages, but first, let’s speak about your mother tongue! Do you think Hungarian is a difficult language – to learn? 

Yes, definitely it is. Hungarian is often said one of the most difficult languages for foreigners to learn because of its complex grammar and pronunciation. Also, Hungarian sounds totally different from the dialects spoken by the neighboring countries. I consider my mother tongue a very unique, beautiful language that is wonderfully expressive.  

Which language was your first foreign language? 

English. In Hungary the first foreign language is basically English or German language and we start to study it in elementary school. 

How did you pick up the next ones? 

For a second language, I optionally chose Italian language back in high school.  

Why did you decide to start to learn Arabic language at the University? 

My first objective was to pick up this language quickly however, it requires careful study and will take much time. Therefore, I decided to enroll in the Orientalist course at ELTE university in parallel with my legal studies.  

As I know now you are an Erasmus+ student in Lebanon. How did you find this opportunity? 

I received this opportunity to study at USEK through the Erasmus+ program of Pázmány Péter Catholic University Faculty of Law and Political Sciences. I applied because I always wanted to spend a semester in one of the Middle East countries.  

What kind of subjects do you have at the University? 

Most of my subjects are related to international law such as international criminal law, international humanitarian law and civil liberties but I also have a chance to learn Arabic language and it is a great way to understand better the Middle East politics, culture and history. 

Do you have any tips for people who would like to learn Arabic language? 

If I may give personal tips, I would definitely suggest a lot of perseverance and patience on this time because this language requires a lot of practicing, especially in the beginning. 

Do you have any plans, new languages to learn? 

For now, I do not think. Concerning the fact that my Orientalistics studies are still ongoing, Arabic and Hebrew will be nice additions next to English, Italian, and Hungarian.