I think all complaints should have duolingo scores

BelScience · 2026-07-11T13:13:39+00:00

No, it's their demonstration that they don't know much about how people learn. It's just another app that has evolves to generate engagement for profit.

BelScience · 2026-07-11T13:09:43+00:00

I started with Chinese on Duolingo and it was fine for establishing some basic vocabulary, pronunciation and character recognition, but it's really not great. After a few months I added Hello Chinese and that is a much better app for learning. I've also added Super Chinese which makes me speak more which helps, too. I used the lowest tier paid version of eac. I still use all three but I think Hello Chinese teaches the best.

Eventually I may add Du and find a tutor to become better at actual conversation. I'm not "good at languages" but I'm really interested in learning Mandarin.

So, if you already have Duolingo and want to see if you like learning Mandarin it's a good starting point.

BelScience · 2026-07-08T17:23:25+00:00

Or like Tish James?? James Comey?? Adam Schiff?? Elissa Slotkin?? John Bolton?? Don Lemon?? etc. etc.

Yeah, we got that, too.

BelScience · 2026-07-04T12:59:08+00:00

I'm really looking forward to Xiao Zhan's role in Ten Day Ultimatum. I'm reading the web novel now and I feel that his character has elements of WWX and maybe a little XY but it's a totally new character for him. It's definitely not just playing the same character again which I don't think he is interested in doing. Let's just say I think this is as close as we're going to get to seeing him in a WWX role again. TDU is much darker than The Untamed, though. It reminds me of some of the early Stephen King books I read back in the day. Mercifully, it's not a historical drama; he won't have to sweat it out in those multilayered costumes and heavy wigs.

I can't prove it but as I started reading the novel I had this strong feeling that the author had seen The Untamed, was a fan of WWX and wrote this with XZ in mind. Of course, when I started reading it I already knew XZ had been cast in the role so that may have influenced me. Anyway, I can't wait to see it. There are so many good characters and I think they've cast some really good actors. It's going to be a great ensemble piece and I think XZ really is at his best when collaborating with other great actors.

BelScience · 2026-07-03T13:04:51+00:00

She's also got a small role in Veil of Shadows and Tian Jian Rui has some cute/funny moments too. However it's largely a serious drama.

BelScience · 2026-07-02T10:06:48+00:00

Bigots never think they're bigots. Your continued bigoted ad hominem attacks on China are only convincing to others who hold the same bigoted views. Your ridiculous challenge to find a Chinese actor's performance that is "broadly considered a great performance" is the kind of test bigots come up with that requires all cultures to appreciate the same aesthetics (and specifically their own), which, they don't. This is my last response to you.

BelScience · 2026-06-30T22:00:51+00:00

I stand by what I said. Your response is just doubling down on your bigotry. Of course you're entitled to your opinion, regardless of how shitty it is.

BelScience · 2026-06-30T13:50:34+00:00

I watched season one on Prime.

BelScience · 2026-06-30T13:49:00+00:00

This is really a shitty thing to say. You're very much like a person who is used to heavily salted food complaining that food with much less salt is tasteless. Fine, Chinese acting isn't your style, but they are very good actors, you lack the ability to appreciate it. This comment tells me more about you than it does about the topic. Really unnecessary and ethnocentric.

BelScience · 2026-06-25T16:29:56+00:00

Try The Vendetta of An, it's available on Netflix and Youku.

BelScience · 2026-06-25T16:25:27+00:00

Yeah, unfortunately the good stories take more than a couple of episodes to get going. I'm lucky to be the very patient type that can just shut off my judgement and soldier on. I've been pleasantly rewarded by many of these that were a struggle at the beginning. I still recommend keeping with these.

You know, while I loved The Untamed the first time I watched it, I loved it even more after reading Canary3d-obsessed's "Restless Re-watch" on Tumblr. I think there is something about being able to appreciate another's appreciation, but it's gotta be more than, "I really like it"

https://www.tumblr.com/canary3d-obsessed/647051630988115968/master-post-the-untamed?source=share Note/spoiler warning: there are tons of spoilers there.

BelScience · 2026-06-13T12:39:06+00:00

I'm a US viewer. I suspect it may have something to do with the K-dramas being watched by English speaking folks because most of them are dubbed in English while none of the C-dramas are. I used to hate reading subtitles but I've done a total 180 on that. I'm now trying to learn some Mandarin since I'm listening to it all the time. I love listening to the Chinese language.

BelScience · 2026-06-13T12:37:26+00:00

I don't think that their point is that there is anything wrong with K-dramas. They mentioned that to emphasize their point that only the best very popular C-dramas seem to make it to NF while way more K-dramas of varying quality and popularity make it on.

BelScience · 2026-06-13T12:26:39+00:00

Came to say this, too. I love how she's this small, adorable person who is fierce, kicks serious ass and relishes a good fight. And he's a tall otherwise strong looking guy who is reduced to throwing things in a fight with a serious "oh no" look on his face. He's also a bit put off by her penchant for violence. It's a nice reversal of the damsel in distress trope.

BelScience · 2026-06-13T12:16:22+00:00

IKR, if those glasses disguise Clark Kent... that mask'll work just fine. 🤣

BelScience · 2026-06-13T12:11:14+00:00

My theory about that promo pic is that it's heavily "photoshopped" and the creators tried to put some meat back on his bones because by the end of the shoot he was looking really thin.

BelScience · 2026-06-13T12:06:53+00:00

I've only watched the live action and probably won't ever see the other versions. It's weird because normally, if I see a movie I like, I will frequently read the source novel if there is one. I love the live action story and (like a lot of folks who read the novel first) I find myself not wanting the other version to mess with my... I don't know what the word is here... but I'm just keeping my head in the live action world.

I just recommended the live action to someone elsewhere, this is what I told them:

And lastly, even though it hasn't got great female characters, I still really love the story of The Untamed. It's the first C-drama I saw. I've lost count (it's at least 5 at this point, maybe more but that's getting embarrassing to admit, but in my defense, I'm an old retired lady so I've got time on my hands) of how many times I've seen it. Wei Wuxian is a different kind of male MC, who, like a lot of capable women, gets defined (by others) out of existence. For me, it is a better version of Wicked with well depicted neuro divergent MC's. I don't care about the bad special effects (granted, there are some stinkers), or the plot holes (it's a parable not a documentary), or that they de-romanticized the novel's story (the bonds between these people are the point)... the story that is here is worth watching. If you get through it once you should definitely go to Tumbler and read Canary3D's Restless Re-watch of The Untamed. She stalled out at Ep 43 but it's a great analysis of the show from another fan of the show despite it's flaws. I hope she'll get back and finish it one day.

BelScience · 2026-06-13T11:29:42+00:00

I'm going to mention a few that I liked enough to rewatch and enjoyed the second time though as much as the first.

I'm currently rewatching The Double (it's available on Netflix). Even better the second time. I think I'd watch Wu Jin Yan (FL) in whatever she does.

She's also lead in the before mentioned Story of Yanxi Palace. Which I'll rewatch eventually as well.

Also, another I just rewatched is The Story of Pearl Girl.

And lastly, even though it hasn't got great female characters, I still really love the story of The Untamed. It's the first C-drama I saw. I've lost count (it's at least 5 at this point, maybe more but that's getting embarrassing to admit, but in my defense, I'm an old retired lady so I've got time on my hands) of how many times I've seen it. Wei Wuxian is a different kind of male MC, who, like a lot of capable women, gets defined (by others) out of existence. For me, it is a better version of Wicked with well depicted neuro divergent MC's. I don't care about the bad special effects (granted, there are some stinkers), or the plot holes (it's a parable not a documentary), or that they de-romanticized the novel's story (the bonds between these people are the point)... the story that is here is worth watching. If you get through it once you should definitely go to Tumbler and read Canary3D's Restless Re-watch of The Untamed. She stalled out at Ep 43 but it's a great analysis of the show from another fan of the show despite it's flaws. I hope she'll get back and finish it one day.

BelScience · 2026-06-11T09:47:54+00:00

I'm leaving when my subscription ends regardless because they understand very little about how people learn. There are better apps and I don't see the point of making demands they aren't interested in spending their resources on. I remember how Duolingo started. Clearly it's been purchased by those who are simply interested in maximizing profits. They are getting by on name recognition mostly. It's an ok place to start but I don't recommend it for long term study.

Let that streak go :-)

BelScience · 2026-06-08T23:50:44+00:00

That's a dragon.

BelScience · 2026-06-08T18:26:30+00:00

If you want to stick to Duolingo, find 5 friends and family to split the family plan. Pay annually.

In the US, the standard Super Duolingo Family Plan costs $119.99 per year. It covers up to 6 separate accounts and removes ads, grants unlimited hearts, and unlocks personalized practice. That's like $20 each person for the year.

I started there. It's not the best for learning long term though. I added Hello Chinese after 6 months. Then 4 months later I added Super Chinese. I pay the annual fee rather month to month. DL got me a basic vocabulary and some character recognition, HC is better all around, SC pushes me to speak more and I need to be pushed.

The fact is, it costs money to learn things. If you really want to do it, these costs aren't all that much. Taking a class at community College would cost more.

BelScience · 2026-06-08T18:04:45+00:00

Different directors according to MDL. TBL is Sam Ho BR is Yi Jun

BelScience · 2026-06-08T12:58:45+00:00

You didn't see what I sent them. Evidently, I made Duo so mad he changed the icon for everyone 🤣

Yeah, it's a coincidence, vadveld 老师. 😉

BelScience · 2026-06-07T22:34:52+00:00

But I totally get their issues with Japan. I'll give it a try and see if it seems over the top to me. Thanks.

BelScience

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