How good an idea is this? I'm currently learning Japanese at a very basic level prior to starting my degree next year. Looking at translation opportunities, most seem to want (at least) a third language, and I'd like to have a European language anyhow. So does it harm progress to start two languages at the same time? Should you ideally get a reasonable level of competency (say a couple of years) before taking another if you're wanting to get fluent? I'd obviously have much less time for the secondary language, but then it should be quicker to learn also.

And because I'm horribly indecisive which language should I learn? Is it Italian and French that are kind of similar? Does that make it easier or harder to learn both?

Preemptive response: Yes, my English is appalling and I should probably work on improving it first. But I won't. Maybe learning other languages will help. Somehow.

Anyhow, nobody's going to read all that, so, languages, fun, huh? That's still not going to get any responses.

Okay, I'll try again. Which languages do you speak? I nearly typed "what" there. Is "what" correct? Oh dear. STATE SCHOOLS AND DECLINING EDUCATION STANDARDS ETC.

I'm actually vaguely interested in that last question, by the way. but only very vaguely, so if you could answer the others, that would be great. Kthnx.