PHP syntax is very close to C/C++/Java, but a lot simpler (no "templates", generics, etc because they aren't needed). If you have background in any of those languages (C/C++/Java) then getting a good grasp of PHP syntax shouldn't take more than 1-2 days.
SQL syntax is very different; it resembles those old school languages. I don't know which one(s) to compare it to (since I'm not a computer history expert), but its something very unique.
Here is an example SQL command:
UPDATE `computers` SET `cpu` = '486' WHERE `yearmanufactured` = '1994'
The above query sets the "computers" table's "cpu" column to "486" in every row in which "yearmanufactured" is 1994".
So yeah SQL is definetely something completely different. On the bright side, the basic stuff is very simple. If you have a general idea of how databases work, then you should have a good understanding of basic SQL in a week or less. Once you master the basics the more advanced stuff will be easier (i.e. procedures, views, joins, etc).
Good luck!
