3 ms·

But are you fluent in those languages? Sorry I am not trying to come off a presumptuous, I am just trying to emphasize the distinction because I think it is imp

But are you fluent in those languages? Sorry I am not trying to come off a presumptuous, I am just trying to emphasize the distinction because I think it is important to bear in mind. If the goal is fluency, do you think that traditional education has succeeded for you? Also how long have you been studying languages? I ask because I am curious if you think that the web, and later, apps, like Duolingo for example, can make a huge difference versus the pre-web era of language learning. Pre-web, I would agree with anyone that yes it would be extremely difficult to learn a language on your own unless you had traditional schooling. But today there is nothing a traditional course in German could give me that I couldn't get from Deutsche Welle, for example (but I also realize there isn't a 'Deutsche Welle' for every language). Sorry if this is going further than you wanted, I am just trying to get different perspectives and it seems like you have a good grasp.

emodendroket 10y ago
I'm hesitant to give too much detail for fear of outing myself here, but: In a few, yes (or at least at one point; I'm sure I've dipped in fluency). In others I am less accomplished. I think traditional education has been very successful for me. I'm not going to argue that it's not possible to graduate with a Japanese degree without being able to carry on a conversation -- it is -- but I think a university program is still a very effective way of not only attaining fluency in the language but also some level of erudition as far literature/culture/etc. I started studying in middle school. I haven't tried the online stuff you're talking about. I'm not sure that they would be just as good.
- treehau5 10y ago
  If you ever are interested in german, I highly encourage the learn section of deutsche welle, it's among the best. If while you are there, and are aware of any similar websites like that for any other language I would love to know!

emodendroket 10y ago

I'm hesitant to give too much detail for fear of outing myself here, but: In a few, yes (or at least at one point; I'm sure I've dipped in fluency). In others I am less accomplished. I think traditional education has been very successful for me. I'm not going to argue that it's not possible to graduate with a Japanese degree without being able to carry on a conversation -- it is -- but I think a university program is still a very effective way of not only attaining fluency in the language but also some level of erudition as far literature/culture/etc. I started studying in middle school. I haven't tried the online stuff you're talking about. I'm not sure that they would be just as good.

treehau5 10y ago
If you ever are interested in german, I highly encourage the learn section of deutsche welle, it's among the best. If while you are there, and are aware of any similar websites like that for any other language I would love to know!