Protobuilder wrote:I've seen people learn languages in every conceivable manner but what they all have in common is they all keep it relatively simply and they all do it on a regular, repetitive basis. For beginner's, it's all vocabulary. For intermediates, it generally remains vocabulary. For vocabulary, any 'system' that is decent is going to be based on spaced repetition in one form or another. For a free, easy-to-use system, I don't know that there's anything better than Duolingo as long as they have your language. You could use this for a good six months, then integrate something for speaking like italki or writing correction like Lang-8. If you are really serious, get some intensive program either in the target country or a good language program like they offer at Middlebury.
I've never understood the love for Rosetta Stone though if you are studying Spanish or French, it may work. They scaled the hell out of it and it's essentially irrelevant for anything but romance languages and is costly to boot.
All good thoughts. One thing: Several of the new linguistics books emphasize learning the sounds, the music of the language first.
An alternative to Duolingo is Memrise, also free. I have signed up for italki but have yet to talk to someone. I keep wanted to get just a little bit better before I do. Self defeating, I know, but there you have it.
Protobuilder wrote:I've seen people learn languages in every conceivable manner but what they all have in common is they all keep it relatively simply and they all do it on a regular, repetitive basis. For beginner's, it's all vocabulary. For intermediates, it generally remains vocabulary. For vocabulary, any 'system' that is decent is going to be based on spaced repetition in one form or another. For a free, easy-to-use system, I don't know that there's anything better than Duolingo as long as they have your language. You could use this for a good six months, then integrate something for speaking like italki or writing correction like Lang-8. If you are really serious, get some intensive program either in the target country or a good language program like they offer at Middlebury.
I've never understood the love for Rosetta Stone though if you are studying Spanish or French, it may work. They scaled the hell out of it and it's essentially irrelevant for anything but romance languages and is costly to boot.
All good thoughts. One thing: Several of the new linguistics books emphasize learning the sounds, the music of the language first.
An alternative to Duolingo is Memrise, also free. I have signed up for italki but have yet to talk to someone. I keep wanted to get just a little bit better before I do. Self defeating, I know, but there you have it.
I tried Memrise briefly. Briefly is key but it was set up fairly well.
Learning pronunciation fairly early on is probably a good idea if you want to eventually be fluent. It's also easy enough to do and really the primary advantage in the entirely over-used "kids learn languages better argument". I know a guy who learned Chinese well enough from books to be able to work as a translator for the CCP but struggles being understood in the most basic of conversations. Going back to learn pronunciation when you are already fairly proficient is going to not be a fun thing.
WildGorillaMan wrote:Enthusiasm combined with no skill whatsoever can sometimes carry the day.
I have of some knowledge of 4-5 languages including English but fluent in none of them. But I've been watching the series Trailer Park Boys and have learned the correct spelling and pronunciation of the word Motherfucker. It's Ma-fugga. Remember that all you students of language....Ma-fugga. Just sound it out and say it fast.
Obama's narcissism and arrogance is only superseded by his naivete and stupidity.
