Most Popular
1396 questions
29
votes
10 answers
Are there any online resources for practicing spoken Esperanto?
There are already a number of resources online to help learners improve their Esperanto reading, writing and aural comprehension, such as Duolingo, but I want to increase my confidence in speaking Esperanto. Can anyone recommend any online…
jzknuckles
- 611
- 4
- 8
29
votes
2 answers
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
28
votes
2 answers
According to scientific research, which languages take the least time to learn for a native English speaker?
Basically what I'm just asking in the question's title. By learning a language, I mean being able to fluently speak it, understand it, write it, and read it. I would think French or German. Please include references to scientific research in your…
fi12
- 9,147
- 2
- 25
- 68
28
votes
8 answers
Can one become fluent in a language without studying it formally?
I ask myself if it's possible become fluent in a language without studying it. When you are 1/2 years old, you learn a language without studying it. You need just to listen and listen. So, is it possible learn a language without studying it and just…
Skxrda
- 391
- 4
- 6
27
votes
3 answers
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, and Y is better for learning grammar…
Flimzy
- 5,142
- 1
- 29
- 67
27
votes
2 answers
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 languages and at first it helped me master the basics.…
callyalater
- 1,881
- 12
- 27
27
votes
2 answers
Does writing out by hand generally strengthen retention better than computerized memorization methods?
Language learning (well, in my experience) involves a lot of review. A LOT. Pounding that vocabulary into my brain again and again; over and over.
I spend a lot of time on the computer, so, naturally, the computer is my primary language-learning…
Hatchet
- 4,975
- 2
- 23
- 58
27
votes
2 answers
Do learners with an L1 without articles have problems using them in an L2 with articles?
Before learning English, I had acquired fluency in Persian and I'm a native speaker of Azeri Turkish. Neither language has articles, but I didn't find myself in trouble deciphering their usage in English; my intuition in using or not using them has…
M.A.R.
- 373
- 4
- 13
26
votes
3 answers
How to start thinking in a new language
I'm fairly fluent in Hebrew, to the point where I speak it intuitively, often accidentally when I intend to speak English. But I struggle to think in it. My question is, what is required to think in a language? I know a lot of it has to do with…
Corsara
- 483
- 3
- 7
25
votes
7 answers
What approaches can I take to overcome 'leeches'?
It's not uncommon that I come across a leech while studying my Anki cards. Usually this is the result of confusing two similar items (vocabulary terms, IPA symbols, whatever).
Once I've identified that I'm easily confusing two "similar" items, how…
Flimzy
- 5,142
- 1
- 29
- 67
25
votes
1 answer
What are the main foreign language teaching methods?
Recently I have been wondering what methods and techniques for learning and teaching foreign languages exist. My quest is to re-evaluate my views on foreign language acquisition, and maybe make some changes to my own approach.
To keep this question…
J.Past
- 787
- 6
- 16
25
votes
3 answers
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 language. There have been claims (and experience)…
Anthony Pham
- 5,318
- 1
- 21
- 48
23
votes
4 answers
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, would it be better to just apply the grammar together…
wythagoras
- 1,861
- 10
- 34
23
votes
5 answers
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 learn a third language in my L2, how will this…
Gwen
- 1,195
- 1
- 10
- 22
23
votes
2 answers
What is the efficiency of the flipped classroom when teaching to beginners?
The flipped classroom concept started in the US and is gaining ground worldwide in secondary and primary education. The basic idea is that the learner is expected to learn the core of the lesson by themselves (more often outside the classroom) and…
None
- 1,449
- 12
- 20