Questions tagged [learning-methods]
For questions about methods, techniques, and/or practices that assist in learning another language
328
questions
13
votes
4
answers
249
views
Are there any resources available listing the availability of per-language learning resources
There are a huge number of resources around, particularly online, for learning languages (e.g. DuoLingo, Babbel, etc), but most will only have a certain number of languages they cover. Easy if you ...
- 241
33
votes
6
answers
7k
views
What are the drawbacks to Duolingo?
We've all heard of Duolingo, and we've all probably used it at least a little bit. I have friends who think it's amazing.
But what are the drawbacks to using Duolingo? In particular, have any ...
- 5,132
19
votes
3
answers
1k
views
How does learning vocabulary through sentences compare to learning with words alone?
When learning vocabulary, especially with the use of SRS (Spaced Repetition System), it is interesting to use flashcards. A commonly encountered problem is how to formulate those for maximum ...
- 309
25
votes
3
answers
951
views
Can listening to music (lyrics) help increase listening skill?
Music is usually everywhere and in every language known on Earth probably. They also contain lyrics in foreign languages - which seemingly can help improve our skills and fluency with that particular ...
- 5,318
6
votes
2
answers
60
views
Does listening to music of a certain language before learning it help? [duplicate]
I am a avid listener of classical music and have picked up bits and pieces of German from it (I have picked up a little French as well, but I am comfortable with that language to that may be a ...
- 371
23
votes
4
answers
722
views
How do I lose an accent in a foreign language?
Sometimes, an accent just doesn't go well with a language you are trying to speak. This means that the accent is probably going to go bye-bye. Except losing an accent is really hard. Gaining one is ...
- 5,318
29
votes
2
answers
404
views
What research is there on the efficiency of online language learning compared to in person learning?
Have there been enough studies to draw any definitive conclusions on how well sites such as Duolingo or Livemocha work in comparison to classroom learning?
user136
15
votes
4
answers
271
views
Ups and Downs of learning from non-native speaker rather than native speaker
Usually, people will learn from someone that is fluent in that language and is a native speaker, allowing them to learn from those to truly know the language. Others, though, learn from non-native ...
- 5,318
62
votes
10
answers
3k
views
How can I prevent myself from forgetting a language?
Many people forget languages entirely after enough time. I've become fluent in Spanish, but I haven't used it in over a year, and most of my family and friends don't speak it fluently. With all the ...
- 1,162
21
votes
2
answers
990
views
Is SRS more effective than traditional study for vocabulary augmentation?
Spaced Repetition Software (SRS), such an Anki, has become somewhat popular in the language-learning realm for increasing one's vocabulary and similar reasons.
However, is there any evidence that ...
- 4,975
20
votes
1
answer
2k
views
When learning a foreign language, should one focus on vocabulary or grammar first? [closed]
When I learned Spanish, I focused entirely on learning the grammar and conjugations before learning a plethora of vocabulary. As a result, I was able to speak properly given what I knew, but I often ...
- 1,162
12
votes
2
answers
94
views
Pitfalls in individual lessons compared to group lessons
I've previously learnt a language (Japanese) via group lessons, but today I'm going to be learning a language (Mongolian) from an individual tutor. I'm not "choosing" between group and individual, as ...
- 2,525
18
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What are effective ways to memorize sign languages?
I've learned spoken languages by writing words down, hearing them and remembering them, and working on websites.
However, I don't see that helping if I learn a sign language. None of those techniques ...
- 1,162
17
votes
1
answer
784
views
How can I develop an accent in a foreign language?
I have been teaching myself Italian for 2 years so far, and I still sound very foreign. When I am speaking Italian with someone else, it is difficult to imitate their accent properly, and when I try, ...
- 1,162
26
votes
3
answers
401
views
How can language learning techniques be compared for effectiveness?
It's common to ask whether X learning method is effective. A better question is "Is X more effective than Y?"
But how can such a determination even be done? Maybe X is better for vocabulary recall, ...
- 5,132
11
votes
1
answer
94
views
How do you master adpositions, besides memorisation?
Summary of Question: Many popular books only suggest memorisation (useless for many) and do not explain adpositions and their uses. Beyond memorisation, how else can a language learner master the ...
user90
8
votes
3
answers
129
views
How should someone with an undergraduate major in linguistics approach second language learning?
This question assumes that the learner of a second language (hereafter abbreviated as L2L):
has at least an undergraduate Major in linguistics.
is learning, from scratch, a common language such as ...
user90
48
votes
6
answers
2k
views
How can I verify my pronunciation without a native speaker?
I've been learning Japanese for a short while, and it uses some sounds that aren't in my native language (English). (For example, the "r" sound, which has been described to me as a combination of "d", ...
- 4,975
31
votes
4
answers
677
views
How can I avoid learning an incorrect pronunciation due to a word's spelling?
I've noticed that I and others (sometimes entire communities) mispronounce words in a second language, which they could in theory pronounce well using phonemes of their first language, because of the ...
- 628
16
votes
1
answer
176
views
What are the advantages of the Image Recall Technique over other traditional classroom learning methods?
I found an article on the Omniglot website that states that the Image Recall technique is a good method to learn a new language. It also states that software like Rosetta Stone use this technique.
...
- 1,281
18
votes
2
answers
4k
views
When using flashcards, should the word or the definition be hidden?
A lot of language learning methods use flash cards to allow them to remember words and their definitions and to test their memory. Some people hide the words, while others hide the definition, which ...
- 5,318
11
votes
2
answers
91
views
Is repetitively studying a proficient subject more efficient?
Whenever I've learned a language, I've usually learned in two ways:
By quickly learning the material (learning more material in less time), later coming back to improve proficiency.
Spending large ...
- 1,088
29
votes
4
answers
629
views
Which of these is more effective: having a silent period, or speaking from day one?
Nowadays, people usually learn languages in one of two ways: silent learning or speaking the new language from day one. They have their pros and cons but differ from each other greatly.
A silent ...
- 5,318
10
votes
1
answer
211
views
Are there studies on the effectiveness of Rosetta Stone as a language learning tool?
Rosetta Stone gets a lot of publicity, perhaps because of its large marketing budget. And finding individual reviews is easy--some people love it, some hate it, some have mixed feelings.
But has any ...
- 5,132
37
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Has the "direct method" of language learning been shown to be superior to translation-based methods?
The textbook I'm using to learn Latin, called Lingua Latina per se Illustrata, is an example of the "direct method" of language instruction. The text is entirely written in Latin, and progresses ...
27
votes
2
answers
549
views
What are some techniques to better differentiate between the two languages?
I grew up learning Spanish in school (I'm from Arizona) and became fluent in Spanish. Later, in college, I started learning French. I noticed many of the linguistic similarities between the two ...
- 1,881
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, ...
- 1,861
21
votes
3
answers
316
views
Can practicing vocabulary from L2 to the same L2 instead of from L2 to L1 be more effective for learning the vocabulary?
Can practicing vocabulary from a second language to the same second language instead of from a second language to your first language be more effective?
Example: Suppose I know German and I’m ...
- 1,861