Questions tagged [learning-methods]

For questions about methods, techniques, and/or practices that assist in learning another language

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
8 votes
3 answers
14k views

Is it possible to learn B1-level German in 3 months?

I realize this may be a potential duplicate, but a quick look through the "Questions that may already have your question" didn't pop up anything. I am hoping to participate as part of the Fulbright ...
9 votes
5 answers
2k views

Next Step After Duolingo

I took four college semesters of Spanish decades ago and have been doing Duoling exercises twice a day now for over 530 days. I long ago completed all the lessons and started doing refresh lessons in ...
15 votes
4 answers
659 views

Should I start learning another language even if I haven't mastered the last one?

I have studied German for the whole year last year. But I want to study other languages too. I haven't mastered German yet, and I am seeking advice whether I should start learning a new language ...
9 votes
2 answers
179 views

How can one learn a language with unpredictable pronunciation?

I've always preferred languages like Spanish, German, Japanese, with pronunciations that you can easily predict (yeah, German has a few irregularities, but they're not that numerous, the only major ...
21 votes
3 answers
290 views

Tips on raising bilingual children

My wife and I have been discussing how our kids (whenever that may happen) will properly learn both her native language (Russian) and mine (English) while likely growing up in the US or the UK, ...
13 votes
2 answers
131 views

Is there reliable data for the success rates of different methods of learning/reviewing vocabulary?

Is there reliable data for the success rates of different methods of learning/reviewing vocabulary? I.e.: no reviewing audiobooks hand-written flashcards SRS flashcard apps Goldlist method
8 votes
2 answers
178 views

What are effective ways to gain speaking comprehension without the help of a partner in non-english speaking countries?

I know this question sounds complicated and general, indeed. I'm looking for some effective tips for people with this condition.
6 votes
2 answers
262 views

Is learning vocabulary by means of (bilingual) vocabulary lists inefficient, and if yes, why?

A previous question, "Is it bad to only learn vocabulary through conversation/applied use?" (The question is now only visible to users with 2000+ reps) looked like three questions combined into a ...
9 votes
2 answers
122 views

What are the main benefits and drawbacks of learning vocabulary only through conversation?

Many people learn foreign languages at school, which often involves learning vocabulary lists. Others learn languages through immersion. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks. What are the main ...
6 votes
0 answers
97 views

According to research, how well do speed reading skills transfer to other languages?

According to Wikipedia, speed reading is any of several techniques used to improve one's ability to read quickly. Speed reading methods include chunking and minimizing subvocalization. There are ...
23 votes
5 answers
2k views

What is the impact of studying a third language in a second language?

when learning a third language, what are the relative advantages or disadvantages of studying the third language in either my native language or my second language? More specifically, if I choose to ...
9 votes
1 answer
102 views

French subtitles

I have been watching a lot of French-language shows on Netflix lately but with French subtitles. I find that the subtitles rarely match what is actually being spoken! For example someone will say, "...
7 votes
1 answer
434 views

Collection of mnemonics for learning foreign languages?

I recently noticed that some language versions of Wikipedia have a list of mnemonic devices that contains examples that can be used for learning languages. For example: Mnemonic devices on the ...
13 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is the “T-Coding Method” a reliable method to learn vocabulary?

In Iran someone named "Mr Taraghghi" has imported a method for learning English vocabulary called "Vocabulary Coding" for Persian native speakers that works like this example: Consider the word "...
11 votes
6 answers
380 views

How can I overcome fear and failure when speaking to native speakers of my L2?

I've been studying Russian language on my own for more than 1.5 years. And I'm still bad at it because of lack of speaking practice. I didn't study everyday as I also paused for several months so I'm ...
10 votes
4 answers
307 views

First learn speaking and then writing OR both at once?

I am a novice to the Japanese language, and this question might have some opinion-based answers but I could use some advice. Should I learn to speak some basic words and sentences up to a level where ...
14 votes
3 answers
959 views

Learning a language, for someone who can't stand flash cards

I can't stand memorizing words. I've found that the best way to memorize vocabulary is using (digital) flash cards, however I find studying flash cards to be one of the most mind-numbing and ...
9 votes
2 answers
234 views

What's the most effective way to learn to quickly read Chinese?

I know enough Chinese characters to read quite advanced texts in this language. The problem, though, is that I'm terribly slow, so slow that reading anything is not a pleasure. This is something that ...
9 votes
1 answer
393 views

Research on benefits of writing by hand when learning foreign languages

In the past, I sometimes did Chinese grammar exercises using pen and paper, and sometimes using a computer. In both cases, I wrote out the entire sentences (not just the answers) and had them reviewed ...
9 votes
1 answer
284 views

How effective is induction as a language learning technique?

According to the Encyclopedia of Language Development, Induction is a type of reasoning that involves deriving general principles from specific examples. Induction is most often used to acquire ...
3 votes
0 answers
62 views

Media-assisted Greek learning

As described in an excellent post, watching a movie multiple times with and without subtitles greatly improves comprehension. I did a similar thing with books once: I knew the L1 version and read the ...
3 votes
1 answer
314 views

Any tool to highlight collocations

It is believed that learning collocations is an effective way to enhance fluency. I wonder if there are any tools that, when provided with a text, can highlight its collocations? It would be great if ...
9 votes
1 answer
149 views

What are the steps to native language acquisition for children?

I've been trying to find literature that talks about steps taken to typically learn a language. I know that based on what I've read that children start from a one-word stage to multi-word stage. What ...
6 votes
1 answer
4k views

What is the Strategy Inventory of Language Learning (SILL)?

When reading research papers about language learning strategies, one frequently encounters the Strategy Inventory of Language Learning or SILL. What is it and where does it come from?
5 votes
0 answers
73 views

Does ethnic background affect language learning strategies?

Drawing inspiration from the question Does ethnic background affect the speed of foreign language acquisition?, I would like to ask something more specific: Is there any research on how ethnic ...
12 votes
2 answers
196 views

How to improve writing fluency

I have been studying French and Spanish for several years, to the point of passive fluency in both languages. I can speak French (and a little Spanish) but my writing abilities are almost non-existent....
5 votes
1 answer
48 views

How to relearn words after a while not reviewing them?

In short, I went on holiday for a week and didn't review any words and have forgotten at least 60 that weren't in my long term memory. How can I quickly retrieve them?
8 votes
1 answer
171 views

Strategies for independent language learning

I am starting to learn a new language. My aim is to be able to read simple written news reports, follow television or radio news bulletins and hold simple conversations. In the long term, I may hope ...
5 votes
1 answer
186 views

How are the Pimsleur courses and Michel Thomas courses different?

Pimsleur method and Michel Thomas's method are quite similar, based on their descriptions. What are the differences between them?
5 votes
1 answer
101 views

Is there more than one learning "path" through the intermediate levels in learning languages?

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) divides levels of language proficiency into A1, A2 (beginner), B1, B2 (intermediate), and C1,C2 (advanced. An A1 is learning the basics, and a C2 is ...
5 votes
2 answers
188 views

Momentum and hours per week

I was told I could be in a beginner's Hebrew class that meets for two hours per week, without any required out-of-class work. I said (or rather, wished to say) that this situation is hopeless: two ...
9 votes
0 answers
219 views

What are the benefits of learning Slovianto or Interslavic as an introduction to Slavic languages? [duplicate]

I don't plan to learn a specific Slavic language, but I want to be able to grasp the subject of any text written in any Slavic language. The constructed languages Slovianto and Interslavic look ...
12 votes
2 answers
102 views

Making the Most of College Foreign Language Courses (Meta Learning?)

I am required to take two semesters of a foreign language for my degree. I do not know if I will make much use of the language I choose or continue study after the two semesters are done. I may not ...
3 votes
0 answers
44 views

What are the effects of learning a third language in your second language? [duplicate]

How will it affect my language skills if I choose to learn Indonesian in English instead of my mothertongue (Czech)?
4 votes
3 answers
141 views

Learning a lot of similar words in a short period of time

I'm currently in a Korean class, and I'm aiming to learn all the vocabulary and phrases before the lesson. Next week we'll be learning the numbers 1 to 10 amongst other things. I've tended to be weak ...
3 votes
1 answer
111 views

WebCAPE language exam - how many words do I need to know?

I'm studying Chinese and would like to know if there are any metrics/studies around how many words I should be able to retain to get a high score. The metrics I've seen, such as this Rosetta Stone ...
9 votes
1 answer
88 views

Learn a new language in between the non speakers environment (Same native language as mine)

I am planning to learn French as my third language. I am native Hindi speaker and my second language is English. I was going through few websites how to learn. Then I came to this video How to learn ...
4 votes
1 answer
57 views

Can a language be improved without further exposure to it by just writing and speaking in that language to others with similar skills?

With "without further exposure," I mean without exposure that contains something you haven't 'seen' before. For example, reading an essay (not written by you) or watching a movie in that language is ...
2 votes
0 answers
30 views

Unpredictable multiple homophony of Chinese characters [closed]

I look for a strategy to deal with this lexical issue of the Chinese language, and so memorize the right pronunciation(s) correctly
2 votes
0 answers
37 views

How many Languages can we speak fluently [duplicate]

I am speaking many languages but I m pinned down each time and can't speak more than four languages fluently at the same time, I noticed that I can only keep 4 languages even if I try to learn a new ...
18 votes
4 answers
597 views

Positive vs. negative reinforcement in Duolingo

I've run into a problem that I imagine most Duolingo users have run into at some point in their language learning experience. Assume I'm in the process of reviewing already learned vocabulary (as ...
6 votes
3 answers
143 views

How can I apply the words I learn?

I know lots of words. I know I do because I know so many I have to review at least one hundred every day and it takes ages. I never am able to use these words in conversation though, and I don't ...
10 votes
1 answer
619 views

How many new words at a time?

I have a 1000 flash cards of new words. I pick a flash card at random to test if I remember the word. If not, I take a moment to try to remember it. With a 1000 flash cards I feel that I see too many ...
9 votes
1 answer
119 views

Is learning a language together with other non-native speakers risky?

My colleagues and I thought about speaking English at the office to improve our skills. I was not so excited about this. Sure, I'm also interested in improving my language skills, but I'm worried ...
3 votes
2 answers
624 views

Is it good idea to learn English and German simultaneously?

I'm learning English but considering to improve my German as well. My native language is Ukrainian. I know both languages on the same basic level. Is it good idea to learn English and German ...
6 votes
0 answers
116 views

Learning second sign language after first sign language

If I have learned a sign language, will it fasten my acquisition on other sign language? This is because I learned that various sign languages have different syntax and such, and worried if there's ...
6 votes
1 answer
130 views

How will learning English at the expense of my native tongue affect the two languages?

A little background: My name is Nick, and I moved to the United States about three years ago. Since my arrival, I have devoted myself to learn and understand as much English as possible--including ...
23 votes
4 answers
2k views

Is doing a huge amount of grammar exercises helpful for learning English?

Some books that teach English come with pages and pages of grammar exercises. Are these helpful? I see that a few exercises are helpful to help you understanding the grammar. However, after that, ...
4 votes
1 answer
98 views

Effect of trilingualism on babies

I'm interested in how to manage languages with small babies. Is trilinguism problematic as opposed to bilinguism? For example, will the baby take longer to speak than he would if he was bilingual?
5 votes
2 answers
259 views

How does the vocabulary learned through immersion compare to vocabulary learned via study?

When reading texts in L2, (sometimes) it can be easy to infer the meaning of a word based on its usage in the text. This can work similarly when listening or conversing. (Of course, to ensure there is ...

1
3 4
5
6 7