I remember reading the intro to a Berlitz language course written by Charles Berlitz himself (a polyglot master of a dozen or more languages, if I remember correctly). He made the statement that speaking two or more languages is seen as evidence of higher intellect. They went on to assert that it is actually quite easy to learn a language. In fact, anyone who is not an imbecile can do so, but learning a second language -- ah, now there is the rub. It's difficult, typically, because of the incorrect approach and the lack of integration. In order to learn a language, one must speak and hear it. It is insufficient to merely read it or "speak" it silently, in one's mind.
getting back to your analogy: I will quibble with a fine point. It is unfortunately incredibly simply to have a child. Even those imbeciles from the former example seem capable (even rather proficient!) at having many. The difficulty comes in raising a child well. And I think that was what you were getting at. :) That is no simple task. But after one or two the parents learn the necessary skills.
Berlitz also makes the observation that learning a third language is easier than the second, as one is now finding patterns and building on those similarities rather than focusing on differences.
You are right about the analogy, I guess I should have said raising kids.
I will point out that children who are exposed to two languages quite naturally learn both of them with only a slight delay over learning a single one.
I remember reading the intro to a Berlitz language course written by Charles Berlitz himself (a polyglot master of a dozen or more languages, if I remember correctly). He made the statement that speaking two or more languages is seen as evidence of higher intellect. They went on to assert that it is actually quite easy to learn a language. In fact, anyone who is not an imbecile can do so, but learning a second language -- ah, now there is the rub. It's difficult, typically, because of the incorrect approach and the lack of integration. In order to learn a language, one must speak and hear it. It is insufficient to merely read it or "speak" it silently, in one's mind.
getting back to your analogy: I will quibble with a fine point. It is unfortunately incredibly simply to have a child. Even those imbeciles from the former example seem capable (even rather proficient!) at having many. The difficulty comes in raising a child well. And I think that was what you were getting at. :) That is no simple task. But after one or two the parents learn the necessary skills.
Berlitz also makes the observation that learning a third language is easier than the second, as one is now finding patterns and building on those similarities rather than focusing on differences.
Your logic is in good company.