18
votes
Accepted
Does writing out by hand generally strengthen retention better than computerized memorization methods?
Yes.
As seen in this article (though not primarily about linguistics), it promptly states:
Some neuroscientists are not so sure. They think that giving up handwriting will affect how future ...
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9
votes
Does writing out by hand generally strengthen retention better than computerized memorization methods?
The Goldlist method is based on this assumption. I haven't found any peer reviewed articles on it, though.
This article (citing research by Mueller and Oppenheimer) suggests that we do learn better by ...
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6
votes
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How to improve writing fluency
Learning (to improve) a language is done best practicing with other people, but in a lot of cases you will need some external feedback. And - from my experience - once you have reached a certain level ...
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5
votes
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Learning to read handwriting
There are several options but ultimately it comes down to you practicing writing and reading cursive:
It's old-fashioned, but get several pen pals. Write back and forth to them. They will have ...
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5
votes
Accepted
Creating summaries helps us understand a new language?
Yes, it is useful in multiple ways:
Writing (or Speaking, if the task is oral) -it teaches you to express your thoughts in the target language.
Reading - it makes you read more carefully to ...
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4
votes
How to improve writing fluency
What I've done in the past is to obtain copies of the same novel in English and the target language. Then I'd translate (in writing) from English to the target language, using the target language ...
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4
votes
Accepted
Has a corpus-based unprofessional bilingual dictionary ever been written - how was it received?
Dictionary creators who are not trained in linguistics or lexicography are in good company.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) created his A Dictionary of the English Language between the years 1746 and 1755 ...
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3
votes
Is there a website that can help with finding the most appropriate word for a sentence?
Here are several ideas:
Tip of My Tongue: for words that you've been thinking about all day but just can't seem to remember.
Reverse Dictionary: look up words by their definition.
RhymeZone for ...
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3
votes
Research on benefits of writing by hand when learning foreign languages
Well, since you mentioned that I do not need to focus specifically on grammar method, I won't; I will instead focus in a general spectrum based on a previous answer of mine.
This Guardian article ...
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3
votes
Translating paragraphs then comparing with an existing translation: is this technique used to improve writing skills?
I've done this from time to time in the past, with American novels and their forward translations.
I can (probably) make myself "intelligible" with my own translations. But I learn a lot from reading ...
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3
votes
Accepted
How to learn the building of sentences?
Surely the most natural technique is just to copy native speakers. Hear what they say and recreate that sentence using the same syntax
E.g.
Yesterday, I ate some sushi
Which has a basic structure of: ...
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3
votes
Is teaching how to write a particular language, its character formation etc. a part of language teaching?
If the language uses a logographic writing system, than teaching how to write is definitely part of language teaching. However, when and how the writing system is introduced depends on the teaching ...
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3
votes
How do you practise a language when native speakers seem uninterested?
I've found that language exchanges are hard, especially when you speak English. Everyone wants to practice English. There are a few ways to convince a native speaker to speak their language to you:
...
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3
votes
Accepted
How do you practise a language when native speakers seem uninterested?
Have you had any luck locating language-specific classes, conversation groups, clubs, or Meetups? COVID-19 forced many of them online, opening the door to many that otherwise never would have been an ...
- 46
3
votes
How do you practise a language when native speakers seem uninterested?
This is a difficult situation. I don't know where you are located and how the Corona situation is at the moment, but many universities have language cafés or tandem programs that arrange contacts for ...
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3
votes
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Is there any evidence that a specific type of writing is more beneficial than others for learning?
Creative writing as an important tool in second language acquisition and practice:
However, creative writing,
in particular poetry, provides a means of combining meaning-focused
and form-focused ...
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2
votes
An article that has no problem, but sounds unnatural to the native speakers. Would non-native readers perceive it unnatural too?
This really varies by reader.
What is unnatural to someone varies from person to person. I don't see it being unnatural (English being my native language). Some might see it strange, others might ...
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2
votes
Translating paragraphs then comparing with an existing translation: is this technique used to improve writing skills?
Free online texts in a pair of languages can be found in several ways.
Of course, it depends on the language pair. Good bet would be a famous book in English (L1) translated to your target language (...
2
votes
How do I learn and improve my writing skills once fully immersed in a language?
Writing skill is one of the most important skill for learning language, and you said you are already immersed in a language so keep try hard. If you focus on increasing your writing skill, I would ...
- 31
2
votes
How can I improve my IELTS writing skills?
I'm assuming you're looking for something like an app, web platform, or course that teaches you writing, but a more effective solution might be to download Grammarly.
Grammarly is an excellent tool (...
- 190
2
votes
Looking for a book or class to help me perfect my already fairly good English
I strongly recommend Fowler's Modern English Usage. It is directed towards native speakers but would clearly be accessible to you, and is exactly the sort of book you seem to need.(I'm a native ...
- 324
2
votes
Accepted
Improving my English handwriting in preparation for cursive Cyrillic
I wont't surprise you with the answer, that only practice in handwriting could help you to improve your handwriting. Moreover, you need to explain, what do you need Russian for :) In case you need to ...
- 299
1
vote
Are there writing techniques that can be used to lessen the amount of grammar required?
Write short sentences. Make the sentences simple. The grammar you need is limited.
If, for contrast, you were to use more complicated and longer sentences, then you are also far more likely to have to ...
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1
vote
What languages have words which you can pronounce reliably purely based on the way they are written?
Your question relates directly to what is know as orthographic depth. If a language has a shallow orthography then there is a close correspondence (and, importantly, a reliable correspondence) between ...
- 324
1
vote
A platform for writing custom text, then hear it and try to write it down without mistakes?
I have been doing that manually with subtitled videos. When I write the text I hear, I simply hide the subtitles with a piece of paper. I also adjust the video playback speed to what I need, for ...
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1
vote
I have been reading a lot recently but how to improve my writing skills?
What you are experiencing is common for most language learners. Reading is passive learning and writing is active learning. Passive learning is where you absorb the information and consider the ...
- 131
1
vote
I have been reading a lot recently but how to improve my writing skills?
English is also my second language, for writing I recommend starting a journal, you could write maybe a paragraph or just a few lines every day, you could write about things you're grateful, about ...
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1
vote
How can I come up with words while writing?
The best way to get new words in you writing to know them first. You should read at least one blog or story everyday and should note down the new words. Next time when you write anything, try to ...
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