4 ms·

Is there a certain way that languages are supposed to be learnt to maximize brain workout? In other words, does one way of learning a new language benefit more

by geekam 12y ago

Is there a certain way that languages are supposed to be learnt to maximize brain workout? In other words, does one way of learning a new language benefit more than the other? I use Duolingo for learning new language(s).

melling 12y ago
Many people claim that spaced repetition systems are the best way to learn, in general. Anki is a well known app that uses it. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition https://ankiweb.net https://ankiweb.net I believe Duolingo uses this technique to some extent. By the way, I've been dabbling with iOS language learning apps. I've been trying to add simple games to help with the repetition that's required to learn a new language. Plus, I recently add a thousand images so people can learn by associating the foreign word with a picture. I think it can be better than associating the word with your native language. I've built apps for several languages (French, German, Italian,Russian,...). Here's my Spanish app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/h4-spanish-lite/id388918463?mt=8 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/h4-spanish-lite/id388918463?... I also started building a language site to gather my notes in one place and try out new ideas: http://thespanishsite.com http://thespanishsite.com
- Kronopath 12y ago
  Spaced repetition is excellent for building vocabulary and learning new words. I'm less convinced of its effectiveness for more subtle things like grammar and sentence structure—those are the kinds of things that don't fit well on a flashcard. I'd say those things are more well-developed through deliberate practice and interactions with other speakers of the language. I'll throw out a recommendation for Memrise (http://memrise.com http://memrise.com) as well.
- michah 12y ago
  Yes, I also recommend spaced repetition systems. I made good progress with a webapp called VocLab (http://www.voclab.com/ http://www.voclab.com/). Once you studied for a while you can track your learning progress with some detailed statistics and then tweak your forgetting curve to make sure the words are presented at the right time.

by geekam 12y ago

melling 12y ago

Many people claim that spaced repetition systems are the best way to learn, in general. Anki is a well known app that uses it. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition https://ankiweb.net https://ankiweb.net I believe Duolingo uses this technique to some extent. By the way, I've been dabbling with iOS language learning apps. I've been trying to add simple games to help with the repetition that's required to learn a new language. Plus, I recently add a thousand images so people can learn by associating the foreign word with a picture. I think it can be better than associating the word with your native language. I've built apps for several languages (French, German, Italian,Russian,...). Here's my Spanish app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/h4-spanish-lite/id388918463?mt=8 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/h4-spanish-lite/id388918463?... I also started building a language site to gather my notes in one place and try out new ideas: http://thespanishsite.com http://thespanishsite.com

Kronopath 12y ago
Spaced repetition is excellent for building vocabulary and learning new words. I'm less convinced of its effectiveness for more subtle things like grammar and sentence structure—those are the kinds of things that don't fit well on a flashcard. I'd say those things are more well-developed through deliberate practice and interactions with other speakers of the language. I'll throw out a recommendation for Memrise (http://memrise.com http://memrise.com) as well.
michah 12y ago
Yes, I also recommend spaced repetition systems. I made good progress with a webapp called VocLab (http://www.voclab.com/ http://www.voclab.com/). Once you studied for a while you can track your learning progress with some detailed statistics and then tweak your forgetting curve to make sure the words are presented at the right time.