What language(s) are you studying?

Language Learning
23

I was learning Brazilian Portuguese using Pimsleur CDs while commuting. I thought it reasonably good, though without feedback it was clear my pronunciation was not that good.

I’m now using Duolingo to study Yiddish. It seems pretty good - the drawback is that I’m not spending enough time with it, but that’s on me and not Duolingo.

Bottom line - I think both Pimsleur and Duolingo are of value.

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24

I would love to learn Yiddish at some point. If you find any other good resources for it, let me know.

You’ve probably already seen the Yiddish Book Center, but just in case:

25

I took a year of Mandarin at Pitt last year and I’m going to continue taking it. No memory techniques involved (besides flashcards) but the method they use focuses on immersion. I spent 6 hours in class each week, plus doing about 10 hours of studying a week. I think when your goal is speaking fluently, this makes the most sense (though having a private tutor would be even more ideal). It is hard for me to understand how using the method of loci can help you learn a language conversationally. If you just want to read in a language, I can see how loci can help. Maybe Josh can give me insight into using the art of memory?

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26

Spanish, Mandraw Chinese, American Sign Language, and a bit of Toki Pona

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27

Japanese

I maintain a resource list with me which I update often as I come across more resources, posting my current list here for reference to other learners

Resources

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28

I started another thread here to try to stir up some discussion about it: What methods do you use when studying languages?

See also Language Learning and Mnemotechnics in Second Language Learning.

Have you tried experimenting with a memory town? I’m not sure how Mandarin is organized.

I haven’t tried to learn any languages in a long time, but I was recently editing the Hebrew words on Memory League and ended up signing up for a Hebrew class. (My level is very basic.) I use mnemonic images for words, trying to place them in locations, but I don’t put them in a memory palace. I use the method of loci for some of the grammar. I’m going to add a memory town once I understand the logic of the verbs better.

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29

Esperanto and English :smiley:

Esperanto:

  1. Duolingo
  2. La teorio Nakamura / Kurso - lernu.net
  3. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxpbUlMV3O6nbVQVwgv8sSDR6ypg8kXos

English:
Mostly Duolingo and by seeing films/series in English, also by interacting with people in English (like here).

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