Can You Learn the Hardest Language in the World? by Irina Pravet (Transcript)

Irina Pravet

Here is the full transcript of Irina Pravet’s talk: Can You Learn the Hardest Language in the World? @ TEDxOtaniemiED conference.

Listen to the MP3 Audio: Can you learn the hardest language in the world by Irina Pravet @ TEDxOtaniemiED

Irina Pravet – Finnish coach

So I’m going to do a little experiment. I’m going to ask you two questions and all you have to do is answer in your head. Are you ready?

Okay. First question, there it is. Can you learn? Just answer yes or no in your head.

And the second question: Can you learn the hardest language in the world?

Did you see what happened there? Maybe you weren’t as sure with that second one. Wasn’t as easy as the first.

Did you say no? Did you say maybe? Did you say probably, I don’t know, because if you did, then you’ve just experienced what the majority of foreigners feel when they come to Finland, excited, ready to learn Finnish. And then everyone tells them it’s really hard language. And the grammar is impossible. It’ll take you years.