The Best and Worst Language Learning Advice I've Heard

[@foreverlearningfrench]

I made the mistake of starting with grammar textbooks. And now I rarely use them. I also have a lot of flashcards that I never use. I like to use them along with speaking practice. It's weird but talking to myself in French is quite helpful.

[@thedavidguy01]

Lots of good advice! One of the things I learned from reading some studies by neuroscientists is that real communication changes the brain in a fundamental way. So while talking to yourself is better than nothing (and I also do it a lot) it’s essential to talk with real people. It’s also important that it’s a real conversation, not the kind of role playing that is often used in language classes. Of course it’s terrifying (at least for introverts like me) when you first start talking to someone, but it’s extremely important.

[@StrawberryJamJam29]

I have to rely more on talking to myself than speaking with someone because no one in my area speaks my target languages, people in language exchange have only wanted to text not call, and I can’t afford online tutors. I have significantly improved my speaking skills by talking to myself.

[@thedavidguy01]

@@StrawberryJamJam29 There's also iTalki if you can afford it. Some of the community tutors are not very expensive.

[@tedwardtre4318]

I started Italian at a similar time to you and would love to move to Italy at some point. Your level is amazing now 🎉

[@SheaJordan]

Yay! Hopefully you get to come enjoy Italy too!

[@LAKHDAR212]

Grazie mille, professore

[@andreaconocchia725]

Hi Shea thx for your advices it’s helpful

[@thedavidguy01]

I don’t agree about speaking from the beginning because of the practical reason that you won’t understand the responses. I think you should wait until you have at least a basic comprehension of the language. I also think that for real communication listening is the most important skill. That said, if speaking motivates someone, go for it, but please don’t be that language learner who can speak fairly well but can rarely understand the responses. It’s extremely frustrating talking to people like that, and they’re not rare among language learners.

[@duanefitzhugh4093]

As a linguist, I can say this is 100% incorrect.

[@sandralee5502]

I like to listen to Maneskin.

[@SheaJordan]

Yeah, I like Maneskin too!

[@itz_prvt]

❤❤❤

[@itz_prvt]

First 🥇😅