Another language question.. Learning 2 at once?

[Macrina]

I need Greek and I need Latin. I could do both this year or I could do one this year and then add in the second in fall 2015.

Would I be crazy to do both Greek and Latin this semester? Or Greek and Coptic? I would not take any other courses if I did this.

Anyone work on two new ancient languages at once?

And if I do this, which two languages would be easier to learn together? Greek and Latin? Greek and Coptic? Or (probably not) Coptic and Latin?

Thanks!

[sacklunch]

Depends on how you learn, I think. For some, the similarities between Greek and Latin may cause confusion; others may find them beneficial. The same applies to Coptic and Greek. At least for me, I always found the different alphabets a way to compartmentalize their differences (and nuance their similarities). To your question, I would say, yes, absolutely, do them simultaneously. Because of your interests it is crucial you show competency in both Greek and Latin. If it were me I would consider doing all three at once, but I understand that may be a bit overkill...! I have done Greek, Latin, and Hebrew/Aramaic/Syriac all in once semester and it wasn't too bad, though I had a strong/decent foundation in all of them beforehand. If it makes you feel better this fall I may be doing advanced coursework in Greek and Aramaic/Syriac, while beginning Coptic and classical Ethiopic. 

[LotzaCoffee]

I would agree, studying multiple ancient languages concurrently is not uncommon, at least at the introductory levels.  The only exception that I can think of might be if one of the classes requires lengthy time-intensive translations as part of the coursework, but even then, should be manageable.

[ἠφανισμένος]

I wouldn't want to start Greek and Latin at the same time.  But since I think you mentioned elsewhere that your Latin is further along than your Greek, I agree with the otheres that you should be fine.  

[awells27]

 Well, you might ask yourself how much you enjoy studying ancient languages.  I'm preparing this summer for my fall diagnostics in Greek and Latin, so I study both every day.  Yet I totally enjoy it.  If you're passionate about it, it should not be a problem.  Then again,if it seems like a burden, you will have twice the burden in the coming year.