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Best language learning resources? (Besides Duolingo) (lemmygrad.ml)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by Jennie@lemmygrad.ml to c/comradeship@lemmygrad.ml

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I made it my NYR this year to learn a second language and while I picked Russian at first I switched to Spanish for a few different reasons. I've been using Duolingo for about 6 months now but have gotten to the point (I'm around A2 if not very early B1 fluency) where I just don't find it very helpful on its own anymore and the new stuff I learn just doesn't stick to my mind as good anymore.

I'd like to start incorporating other resources into my learning (which was the plan from the start) but have no idea where to start. I've incorporated note writing as well as flashcards into my learning as of a couple months ago, as well as trying to hold basic Spanish conversations with other people, but this is only really effective for perfecting what I've already studied.

To anyone who learned Spanish or really any language, do you know of any other resources for learning the language?

Gracias.

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[–] Makan@lemmygrad.ml 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

@Jennie@lemmygrad.ml

Okay, so, use Quizlet for flash cards and adding words. There's a good app version too.

Also, use Memrise and HelloTalk (HelloTalk lets you chat with other Spanish-speakers; they learn English while you learn Spanish, is the idea, and you can do this with any language).

Quora is... surprisingly good with you want more specific questions answered about the language, like about slang, but if you don't trust Quora (a lot of people don't and not entirely for bad reasons) then maybe use Stack as it has been expanding on other question-types for a while now. Otherwise, there are apps for asking questions from native speakers on their countries, how the language works, etc.

I would avoid Anki, even though many recommend it; it's not as good as Quizlet.

[–] commiewithoutorgans@hexbear.net 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Whoa what?? Avoid Anki? I've never heard a single person say that Quizlet is superior in the wild. What makes you conclude this?

[–] Makan@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Tbh, Anki is good and all, but Quizlet does the same shit in addition to other functions and has a thriving community.

I prefer it.

[–] Comprehensive49@lemmygrad.ml 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Sure, but Quizlet keeps putting good features behind a paywall. Learn and Test modes used to be free.

Anki is harder to learn at first, but much more powerful. Anki cards can be heavily customized to match and exceed Quizlet's features (e.g. adding stroke order to Chinese cards, image occlusion for reviewing diagrams, custom code to do whatever). Anki's spaced repetition algorithm is also better, especially with its new FSRS algorithm.

You can find a massive collection of shared decks on ankiweb.net, with tons of cards precoded with images, audio, and more.

[–] Makan@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Wait, really?

Ah, I already paid for Quizlet, but I'll keep that in mind...

I didn't know they had shared decks, tbh. Frankly, I had trouble using Anki.

[–] Comprehensive49@lemmygrad.ml 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Yeah, Anki is super powerful, but that power is locked behind the learning curve. There are great YouTube channels to learn it such as The Anking. The new FSRS algorithm is based on sophisticated maths and is industry-leading in maximizing retention while minimizing the amount of reviewing you need to do per-day (see here for more info).

[–] TankieReplyBot@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 3 months ago

I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy:

[–] Makan@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Well, I did make a one-time payment for $20 for Anki...

...It is still a one-time payment, right? God, I hope so... I might take your advice, tbh.

[–] Comprehensive49@lemmygrad.ml 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

Oh, you paid for the iOS app? That's a one-time payment to help the devs pay for Apple's Developer Fees (because for some fucking reason, developing for Apple costs each dev 99USD per year + requires a Mac).

No other platform is that entitled, so no other OS apps require you to pay. This issue is a big reason why open-source apps are less popular on iOS.

Apple has the gall to make developers pay for the privilege of making apps, then makes them pay a massive cut of any in-app purchases. By adding this fee, Apple incentivizes devs to add in-app purchases so they don't lose money, ultimately making Apple even more money.

[–] Makan@lemmygrad.ml 0 points 3 months ago

Noice.

I'll try it out!

[–] Jennie@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Yes this is exactly what I am looking for, thank you. We used Quizlet in high school and I still use it occasionally and have an account there. As for Quora... yeah, I've used Quora Spanish in the past and the content is questionable to say the least. The rest I have not used before and will look into them.

[–] Makan@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 3 months ago

Awesome!

This is everything that I'm using to learn Spanish right now (well, re-learn, since I'm Latinx).

Take care!