Ha ha ha it is not that scarry. The only problem is grammar and vocabulary - not the minor one:). The good thing is that you can easely learn reading and writing (which is not the case in english - my splelling is realy bad:) and in arabic for us) cause each voice you pronaunce you are writing too. So you can begin with vocabulary and some basic grammar!
Yea one tip. Serbian and Bosnian languages are the same. I mean like you have different dialects in Arabic that is the same with this two. I don't know if they changed something in last few years but I don't believe so. It is the best to find one teacher or mentor whatever for begining and start with either Serbian or Bosnian not mix this two in the begining. When you get to some point it will be easy for you to start to learn differences. The differences are realy small you will see. Note: I tried to add you but I couldn't probably I didn't accepted your or you didn't accepted my invitation at some time so if you are willing we can find some other way ok?
Rami, first decide what your goal is in learning Serbian. It's very important to define your goal carefully, for in doing so you can concentrate on the language skill(s) -- speaking, listening, reading, writing -- and vocabulary that will help you meet your goal. For example, my reason for studying Serbian is to be able to understand the songs that accompany Serbian folk dances (kolos), so that I can sing along while I am dancing and understand what I am singing about. Since I have a very limited focus, my method of study is to quickly get a general overview of the grammar, focusing only on the grammar and very limited vocabulary needed for me to learn to read folk song lyrics. By doing so, I avoid the many hours of study necessary to improve my listening comprehension, speaking, and writing, and I avoid having to learn a large general vocabulary.
I may also, some day, if I decide to go to Serbia, learn "survival" Serbian -- only the basic vocabulary needed to be able to read street signs, etc. If you are interested in acquiring a basic knowledge of the four skills, then a book + CDs like _Teach Yourself Serbian_ would be helpful. If you want to acquire a more extensive knowledge of Serbian, then a first-year university course with books like _Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian -- A Textbook_ and _Bosnian, Croation, and Serbian -- A Grammar_ published by the University of Wisconsin, accompanied by the CDs, would be helpful. There is also a very nice overview of grammar in the University of Wisconsin books that I am using to fix in my mind the grammar essentials I need for my purposes. Also, the clear distinction given among Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian is very helpful,
Serbian is not an easy language to learn,however It is not impossible.
You should start with ,ofcourse,basics,like Serbian alphabeth and pronunciation of the sounds.You will notice we have sounds that are not to be found in any other languages,except maybe Russian.Then you should go through grammar books to get an idea of the language.
If you were planning to learn Serbian by yourself ..hmm..not an easy job.I think you need tutor.
Differences between Serbian and Bosnian are minor and you should not be worried about that.
