ciroci

Duolingo is good for getting you started, but you shouldn’t rely on it to fully teach you a language. It is not a replacement for an actual tutor. I used it for Japanese and Italian. When I started learning Japanese on Duolingo, I wrote every phrase in a notebook and often consulted online materials for explanations and clarifications, especially after Duolingo removed the feature that allowed users to discuss mistakes and comment on specific exercises, which was very helpful. For languages where pronunciation and character stroke order matter, it can be quite risky to become accustomed to doing things incorrectly. I would strongly recommend finding a native teacher through platforms such as Preply or Italki. If moving to the country becomes an option, I would strongly suggest it. Italy, for example, has programmes designed just for that.

Reply ●● 8 months

fridi105

@ciroci thank you! I’ll look into both of those services.

Reply ● 8 months

hmln_leo

For me Duolingo is only ever good to get you started like ciroci wrote. I’ve you’re still beginner level, I can recommend ‘language transfer’ It’s a free app in which you study the logic and structure of the language you’re learning and how it’s similar to English. So you can navigate the language l without repetitions. I’ve been using it for Spanish

Reply ●● 8 months

anseo

+1 for Language Transfer. Duolingo didn’t work for me but that app sped up my learning noticeably. The format is similar to speaking to a tutor who is getting you to figure out the nuances of a language by yourself.

Reply ●● 8 months

tristian

The best results will be immersion coupled with individual lessons. That can be financially prohibitive. Next best is just one on one lessons. Classes can help you to a point but they don’t excel at preparing you to use the language in real world situations

Reply ● 8 months

alextep

My answer isn’t as elaborate as everyone else but I’d suggest find someone on YouTube who makes vlogs! I find that learning on paper vs learning on the terrain is so different but they enhance each other. Plus, a language is meant to be lived and used regularly to be developed. Lmk if that makes sense for you :)

Reply ●●● 8 months

fridi105

Thank you all so much for the suggestions 😊

Reply 8 months

casbahmike

I’ve got a lot of experience with both learning and teaching languages. My advice is, once you’ve learned some basics, throw yourself into situations in which you have to speak and hear the language. Read and listen to podcasts or watch tv. Language is a practical skill so the more you can use it for communication or for things you need to understand, the better. You’ll find it easier to overcome inhibitions, that the things you learn stick better, and that you can communicate more effectively than you thought.

Reply ●● 8 months

casbahmike

One important point, when you are speaking, texting, or writing, try to avoid using online crutches like dictionaries or translation apps. If you have to search for words or work out grammar yourself, it is much more likely to stick. And, in casual conversation, most people enjoy hearing you try and are happy to help you out. Don’t be offended when they chuckle or are amused. They’re usually not making fun of you. Most often, it’s just because it’s unusual to hear their language spoken with a foreign accent.

Reply ●● 8 months

nebjamin

Busuu!

Reply ● 8 months

swatchtime

I’ve used Natakallam and it has been amazing. It is online one-on-one lessons with refugees and displaced people who teach you their language. They are excellent teachers and it is a great program to support

Reply ● 8 months

sailormars

I highly recommend finding an artist you like and listening to them deeply. I fell in love with Lana Del Rey and I ended up learning English because I wanted to understand what she was feeling. I started watching movies in English, and eventually ended up knowing it without realizing. The biggest motivator wasn’t wanting to know another language, instead it was understand others deeply.

Reply ●● 8 months

hidden

Duolingo is okay to understand the structure but lacks sentences you can use on the daily. I speak three languages and the best way to learn for free were by translating my favorite songs, and watching series with subtitles. You can also find online groups to practice your speaking which I’ve heard are really helpful

Reply 8 months

doryan_grey

I don’t know which app/ software is best, but I would say music can be extremely helpful to learn languages. Find some artists in the relevant language, translate some of their songs word for word (it’s fine to use a translation service), and soon you’ll have little vocabulary that will come up in lots of other songs. When you listen to more music, you’ll be able to pick up on words you know and eventually decipher the meaning or even exact sentences from context. It’s such an exciting feeling to suddenly understand what someone is saying/ singing in a new language. I’ve been using Deezer for music recently, which has built in lyrics AND translations in the app, which is great to pick up some words here and there. Also, you can do a similar thing with youtube etc. If you have some hobbies/ interests, watch videos about them in the target language. Because of the specific topic, it’ll be much easier to intuit the context of what is being said than if you e.g. just watched a show where they might be talking about anything.

Reply 8 months

doryan_grey

@doryan_grey Also, what language(s) do you have in mind? I can see if I have any music recommendations.

Reply 8 months

fridi105

@doryan_grey I was trying to learn Italian, thank you. That’s great advice! I didn’t even think of the YouTube videos.

Reply ● 8 months

doryan_grey

@fridi105 Italian is gorgeous! And there will be a bunch of words you will already understand because it’s so close to French, one of the parent languages of English. For music, listen to Mahmood, he’s a queer contemporary artists with some bangers. If you want some dramatic divas from the 70s and 80s, try Mina Mazzini, Loredana Berté, Ornella Vanoni and Dalida (who also sings in French and Arabic); more 90s pop would be Gianna Nannini, Eros Ramazzotti, Zucchero, Giovanotti, Nek, Tiziano Ferro, Ricchi e Poveri, Al Bano & Romina Power etc. Have fun! 💖

Reply 7 months

fridi105

@doryan_grey thank you 😍

Reply 7 months

sierramichhh

Consume media in that language!

Reply 7 months