I think that generalizing from your own personal experience is probably a bad idea here. I personally learn syntax very easily probably because I place very little emphasis on syntax and far more on semantics. However I <i>have</i> met people who place a lot of emphasis on syntax. For them the syntax of a language is a large hindrance.<p>I suspect there are people for whom syntax has a large impact on productivity. Especially when first getting familiar with a language. I don&#x27;t think downplaying that is wise.