Hi everybody I want to know how do you learn languages?

Open Forum
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Hi everybody I want to know how do you learn languages?

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I use LingQ, hehe. And some flashcards

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evgueny40
It’s a good question and you can receive a lot of different opinions about the topic.
I am a language teacher and I described my thoughts about the language study in the course “How we learn languages”.
Here is the link:

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Thanks I reading this topic Evgeny40 from Russia :smiley:

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These days I learn mostly by reading novels using LingQ. I also do some dedicated kanji study on the side.

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Step by step, patience and don’t over estimate what you can or others can do xd
I use relaxing content like lingq to get familiar to things and to know what you are dealing with also to getta know small annoying words without studying them with their 20 translations. Now to make the language active I do output exercises of all kinds. Xd

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I use LingQ, write characters everyday, watch videos on the internet, watch shows, listen to podcasts, speak to random Chinese people, read newspapers, read signs on the street, look up words in the dictionary, do language exchanges with people I meet online, and just try to do anything in the language.

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My question is how to start learning a new language (new to me). I studied French in high school, which means I came away from 4 years of grammar and vocabulary, but unable to speak or understand spoken French. Now I use ling!, podcasts, etc., and spent 2.5 weeks in France last month conversing! Sooooo good for the confidence! But I want to learn Spanish without the 4 years of grammar and vocab study. Is lingQ the way to go? Has anyone done that ? No books, no other tools?

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Reading original texts and translation.
I don’t like flashcards because I prefer reading a unknown word in a context and because I get confused with synonyms.

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I don’t think that’s possible. But normally after using lingq for a while you’ll want to use textbooks/grammar books. Then they are interresting. Starting with them doesn’t feel good.

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Yes, you definitely can. Just begin with the mini stories and go on from there.
You may want to read some grammar tutorials at some point but you don’t have to learn the rules by heart and you sure don’t need a 4 year study

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By reading and listening.

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Even from true beginner stage?

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Oh yes.

By reading stuff for beginner and likewise by listening to stuff for beginner.

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Mrs. @micenkova I think this video may help you: Steve Kaufmann: My Method for Learning Languages from Scratch - YouTube

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Thank you, georgiachigo!

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When learning languages I utilise mainly three sites: LingQ, Duolingo and Memrise. I tend to start with the Duolingo course (if there is one - if not, I try to find some other equivalent site) while doing the corresponding word list on Memrise as I proceed. I’m just someone who likes to have an understanding of the grammar right from the beginning, in my experience it speeds up your progress in the very beginning. After that, or at some point during the course, I do some stuff on LingQ. I feel LingQ is the best tool on intermediate and advanced stages. In addition to that I may possibly receive some education at school or on a course I take part in. Also, whenever I come across a new useful word, I add it to my personal word list on Memrise.

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A lot of reading and listening, plus “Gold list method”, + writing down grammar patterns in a nice-looking copy-book. And when I’m on the bus, it’s high time to open Anki on my smartphone😊

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I would recommend you start with Michel Thomas audio courses (use the included pdfs to see the words and phrases you’re learning). Do both levels (foundation and advanced). Once you finish you have many options. I generally will do Pimsuler 1-3 (for speaking and pronunciation practice) and read/listen using either Assimil or LingQ. Assimil is especially good for reading and listening and I highly recommend it. These will take you far if you stick with it.

I would avoid using Memrise and Duolingo as primary courses. At best they should be supplements. I especially dislike the computerized voice on Duolingo, a native speaker voice is always a better option.

Hope it helps.

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I learn languages by starting with both Pimsleur & Assimil simultaneously. After 6 months, I start speaking and using lingq regularly. At the 1 year mark, regular internet content and some Lingq. Lastly, I visit the country.