What apps/technology were the most effective in acquiring a new foreign language?
I have been using Duolingo for almost 3 years to learn a language, but I don't know anything at all. 🙈
Of course, I have some basic vocabulary from the vocabulary words, but it's not conversational level. I'm currently considering buying textbooks and workbooks.
I think my biggest problems are that:
– I spend relatively little time learning
– I do not know how to create a study plan (where and how to start)
– I'm too much on the internet or with technology, learning something online is different from learning something offline (writing by hand or not being exposed to a screen also makes a difference in learning)
– I don't actively use the language I've learned, and I don't have contact with someone more experienced
How do you approach language learning? Which apps, technologies and techniques have helped you?
Replies
I think the best way is to engage in watching a short film based out of that language with subtitles. Additionally, I've also tried having a chat with someone who speaks that language. Trust me, that is really really helpful.
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@tiwarilakshya12 yep, but first, I need to have some basics (vocabulary) to understand the meaning of the whole sentence.
Hello Nika, I’ve also used Duolingo, but with little success. I would suggest the learning method of Vera F. Birkenbihl, as it teaches languages in a different way. I haven't tried it myself, but it sounds very logical how it works. It’s best if you search on YouTube or ask an AI about it. I hope I could help you a bit.
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@michael_kulla Interesting, I think this requires implementing the words into daily life. I am considering using stickynotes, placing them over the place with the naming of the subjects.
IXORD
I consider it excellent practice, for example, if I have learned the basics of a language to speak it, to try to speak it every day. At such a pace, my knowledge of the language will gradually improve
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@ixord No teachers at all? How do you spot mistakes?
IXORD
@busmark_w_nika I meant studying the basics of the language together with teachers :)
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@ixord aaa, got you :)
I've learned 2 new languages recently in 6 months.
My approach would be:
- learn 20-30 daily routine words
- Practice those in sentences in for 1 hour daily
- Record a quick video to review
- Repeat it for at least 3 months before you jump to the sentence formation
This will greatly enhance and speed up your learning not just languages but anything if you just follow first order thinking.
I hope this helps.
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@twinkal_shah1 Wow, this sounds effective. Which two languages have you learned this way, and how proficient are you now?
@busmark_w_nika I've become much more fluent in English as it's not my native language and Marathi.
Actually good point @busmark_w_nika I wasted a year on apps until a friend told me to stop “learning” the language and start using it. 10 minutes a day speaking with a real person taught me more than months of streaks. Apps help, but your brain only locks it in when your mouth struggles through it.
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@smitpatel_1306 How did you find those natives of that specific language? Online lessons?
TinyCommand
I’ve had a similar experience, Duolingo helped with vocabulary, but not fluency. What worked better for me was combining technology with real-world practice.
I used LingQ for immersive reading/listening (real articles + audio), and HelloTalk to actually talk to native speakers, that changed everything. Also, writing short journal entries daily and getting them corrected on LangCorrect helped build confidence fast.
I think the real progress happens when tech supports human interaction, not replaces it.
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@priyanka_gosai1 Thank you, Priyanka, I am gonna google LingQ and LangCorrect :)
Mindstimer
Hey Nika! Can totally relate, spent years with DuoLingo trying to learn German, A2 was maximum achieved.
Loved to use https://lingvist.com for their simplicity and aesthetics.
As well as old good Anki back then. Currently did my own version of Anki for Playdate to have dedicated device without distractions (I dont play any games there, only this app)
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@butaji Whaaat? So nostalgic, such a retro device :D I like it.
The thing that moved the needle for me was...moving to a Spanish-speaking country. I combine that with 1:1 in-person lessons with a local teacher where everything is conducted in Spanish, not English. An hour of holding my feet to the fire followed by homework. Rinse, repeat.
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@jeff_benson1 But this way, I had to pandle among Germany, France and Spain :D
I can totally relate. I also went through a phase where I was learning with Duolingo, but after a while, I realized I knew a lot of words yet couldn’t actually use them in practice. Now I’m trying a mix of traditional exercises, listening through movies, videos, and podcasts. I really enjoy chatting with ChatGPT. It’s super helpful. I also tried speaking with ChatGPT, but that didn’t work very well for me. It’s better suited for more advanced learners. I had to keep guiding it and adjusting the prompts all the time.
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@lucie_smejkalova What languages are you learning?
@busmark_w_nika I’m mostly learning English. In the future, I’m considering Japanese or Chinese. These languages have always fascinated me. What about you?
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@lucie_smejkalova Japanese – I'd like this one too. ATM – German, Spanish, trying French too but somehow cannot handle it :D
Planndu
Duolingo gives a nice start, but the real learning happens when you start using the language in your daily life.
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@yarikskov It would be way effective if I were based in that country.