Here's the thing...
When I was in college, a person I trusted was "teaching" me "Arabic". Well, as I was sharing my new foreign language phrases, I was a big comedic hit! Turns out I had learned a whole collection of obscene comments and anti-USA remarks! 
Now I have a fear of ridicule, and a slight distrust of my own comprehension of foreign phraseology.
At work I now have some co-workers who have kindly offered to help me avoid saying things in a way that could be misunderstood, but that has tended to make me more fearful as I can't remember which word is which and I question if they are really giving me the correct information! 
So, my compañeros de estudios must be heavily relied upon, at least until I get past the basics. I am also very concerned about my English grammar, spelling and punctuation, which will likely carry over into my new language.
By the way, I did spend a while trying to teach myself Pidgin English of the Solomon Islands. Now that's another language! 
Gratamente, sylvialouise
3 Answers
Welcome aboard, sylvia! (BTW, check your private messages)
Hope your experience here is fantastic. We have an amazing group of people,and we are here to help you. Big hugs!
Tom
Sylvia, I think you'll do just fine here on the forum. 
In my last Spanish class, I included in my oral exam that I'd gone to the beach with "mis tres novios." The teacher looked a little puzzled and said, "¿Tres?" I assured her that was correct. She smiled and said, "¿Nietos?" Fortunately, I was able to laugh at myself but I know my cheeks were a bit pink.
