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Paul
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on 04/02/2013
I've been meaning to get around to learning a new language for quite some time now, but neither French/German has appealed to me and that's all I've been offered at school without having to fund an external teacher myself. I found Duolingo a while back and have recently been giving it a try and it's actually working really well. You don't even need to focus a lot of attention on it at once either!
It's entirely free and works around gaining points, unlocking extra levels (in which you learn new vocabulary) and enables you to master each of them. As a gamer, this naturally appealed to me, mostly because it shows progress extremely well and that's what keeps me going. The site's fairly new, but that just means there's a small amount of languages available to choose from. From what I've tried (and what I've been told by others), the languages they provide are put together very well and are efficient in teaching you a new language.
It also has voice recognition software, so you can test your speaking out too!
The main idea behind it is noble too - before you master a level, you're taken to an extract of a real article that you need to translate. You submit your attempt at the translation and then vote on someone else's translation which you deem to be "most correct".
Oh, it also has a leaderboard so you can compete with friends - if you join, my profile is here. Add me as a friend and we'll see who can learn the most! |
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BrendaReeves
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on 04/02/2013
This sounds great. As a Californian, I've always wanted to learn Spanish. I'm going to check it out.
Brenda Reeves
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Paul
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on 04/02/2013
BrendaReeves: 04/02/2013 - 01:51 PM
This sounds great. As a Californian, I've always wanted to learn Spanish. I'm going to check it out.
Sim, é bom! |
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BrendaReeves
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on 04/02/2013
I love it. Now, I have to figure out how I'm going to fit it in with everything else I do.
Brenda Reeves
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Paul
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on 04/02/2013
BrendaReeves: 04/02/2013 - 02:10 PM
I love it. Now, I have to figure out how I'm going to fit it in with everything else I do.
I've been doing a bit of work and then completing the next lesson. It's good because it allows you to properly remember it, rather than having it just stored in your short-term memory. It also means you don't really lose that much productivity! |
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Mira
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on 04/02/2013
Paul, what language are you learning? :) |
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Paul
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on 04/02/2013
I'm learning Brazilian Portuguese! I've got a friend over there who's currently learning English, so we often just reply using the others' language and correcting meanings, spellings and pronunciations if needed. Plus, a couple of my games have the ability to switch entirely into BRPT so I'll somewhat be able to immerse myself.
I'm not sure how far it'll go, but it's certainly something to keep me entertained! |
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Mira
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on 04/02/2013
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Ragtimelil
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on 04/02/2013
I need something that ISN"T on the computer.
I discovered "Say Something in Welsh" and "Say Something in Spanish" online. They have free downloads and they are the best I've ever found. I put them on my MP3 player and practice while walking the dogs. It's a good half hour lesson every day. I'm actually LEARNING!
But I know everyone has their own style. I just like my routine with a walk and lessons.
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katiem2
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on 04/02/2013
I need to brush up on my Spanish both my daughters are fluent in the language and have lost me...
Katie McMurray
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Ragtimelil
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on 04/02/2013
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Paul
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on 04/02/2013
Lana - If you have a smartphone, you can download an app for it and use it on the go, though I don't think it'll mesh well with any form of movement! |
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Ragtimelil
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on 04/02/2013
No, my phone is pretty dumb.
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Ragtimelil
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on 04/02/2013
Just checked out Duolingo site and it's pretty cute. I can see the attraction.
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chefkeem
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on 04/02/2013
Just started learning Spanish. Thanks for this amazing tip, Paul. Write an article about it?
Achim "Chef Keem" Thiemermann is the co-founder of a pretty cool new platform called...um...er...oh, yeah - Wizzley.com. |
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Ragtimelil
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on 04/02/2013
But I don't see Welsh!!!!!
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AbbyFitz
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on 04/02/2013
Paul I am so addicted! I am already on level three Spanish. Thanks for sharing |
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Paul
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on 04/03/2013
Ask and you shall receive! Here's my article on it. And sorry for the potential loss of productivity in several of Wizzley's finest authors! |
