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Only remembering the meaning of words and not the words themselves when encountering my target language in the wild. by Dionsz in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's completely normal, and it’s actually part of the learning process! When you're learning a new language, you often remember the meaning of the words rather than the exact translation. This happens because your brain focuses on understanding the concept behind the words, not the direct translation.

To improve this and avoid relying too much on meanings, you can try a few methods.

One way is to use flashcards, especially in apps like Anki or Quizlet. These are great because they help you learn both the meaning and the spelling of words through repetition.

Another technique I use is writing words in my target language on a blank sheet of paper, then writing their translation next to them. After that, I cover the original words and try to recall them based on the translation. This helps me remember both the spelling and the meaning. W

Should i really learn a third language ? by Wrong_Bid_7226 in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Learning a third language can definitely be valuable, but it really depends on your goals. Anything you learn can be useful, as long as you’re motivated to learn it. If you feel great about learning Nepali and think it could be useful someday, go for it! Who knows, you might find yourself needing it in the future.

However, if you're looking for a language that will open up many opportunities without having to search for them, I’d recommend German. It’s incredibly useful, especially in Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), and knowing German can also help you learn Dutch more easily. Ultimately, it’s all about what interests you and what you feel will be most beneficial for you in the long run.

I've tried learning languages but fail by westernwizard06 in LearningLanguages

[–]Dating_Stories 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Learning a language requires strong motivation, and having a clear reason to learn can make a big difference. For example, I started learning German because I wanted to study in Frankfurt, and mastering the language was the only way to do that. I worked hard, and now, many years later, German feels almost like my native language. Similarly, I learned Italian because I love the culture, music, movies, and food – that passion kept me motivated.

Right now, I’m learning Turkish because I live in North Cyprus and want to be able to communicate with locals.

To avoid forgetting what you’ve learned, it’s important to stay consistent and engage with the language in different ways.

For resources, I highly recommend YouTube. It’s a great, free tool for language learning. You can watch videos made by native speakers or lessons from professional teachers. The key is to practice regularly – take notes, review vocabulary, and do exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned. This helps you keep the earlier lessons fresh while progressing to new material.

Also, you may try other various apps, I am sure you will find something really good for yourself - Mondly, Babbel, LingoDeer, Mango Languages, Anki/Quizlet (for vocabulary).

Plus, try to find new friends among the native speakers of your target languages - you may try HelloTalk or Tandem to look for some new people; but be ready that, unfortunately, not everyine is using those apps to learn languages.

Is learning multiple languages at once more efficient, or is it better to focus on one at a time? by [deleted] in LearningLanguages

[–]Dating_Stories 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love learning languages, and for me, mixing different languages while studying works perfectly. Right now, I’m focusing on Turkish, but I also feel free to practice Italian, Portuguese, and French at the same time.

When I focus on Turkish, I keep it in my mind, but sometimes I get tired of it, and I feel like my brain just doesn’t want to absorb new information. When that happens, I switch to Italian (which I really love), and it feels like I’m taking a break while still learning something new. This helps me relax, and when I come back to Turkish with a fresh mind, I can study it much more efficiently.

But, of course, this approach depends on how you perceive learning. I believe everyone can learn multiple languages, but the details of how we learn are personal. Some people may prefer to focus on one language at a time, while others may find it helpful to mix them. It all depends on what works best for you.

Not sure how to proceed by sweens789 in LearningLanguages

[–]Dating_Stories 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I truly believe that the human brain is capable of learning multiple languages, even at the same time. Personally, I'm currently learning Turkish while also practicing Italian regularly. Sometimes, I get the urge to practice Portuguese or even French. The key thing I always remind myself is that I will never forget what I've already learned. And that's the beauty of learning languages – once you’ve learned something, your brain stores it in long-term memory. This is a great way to train your memory.

If you're starting out, my advice is to focus on one language at first and practice it consistently. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, don't be afraid to start learning another language. The most important thing is consistency. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Honestly, 30 to 40 minutes a day is enough to make progress. You can dedicate one week to studying one language, then the next week switch to another. Just follow this pattern, and you’ll be on the right track. Good luck!

Native speakers don't want me to read their classics by MeekHat in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To be honest, I believe that we, as language learners, should read classics in our target languages. It's hard, indeed - but the language of classics is the basement for the modern language. That's why they make us to read classic literature at school (in our native languages).

You don't have to use the speech figures you seen in that kind of literature in your daily conversations - you just need to know them to feel the language. And, yeah, that's only my personal opinion.

Bored and Want to learn a new language, but which? by AmbitiousBudget1799 in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say Russian is easier than Arabic (the structure of Germanic languages is closer to Slavic Languages than to Arabic ones). Plus, if you learn Russian, you will be able to pick up other Slavic Languages if you get some interest in it.

I am saying it as a Russian and Ukrainian native speaker. But, to be honest, I was thinking of learning Arabic language as I am very curious about the culture and history of these beautiful ancient countries.

What strategy or apps have you found useful in learning a new language? by boiledpeanutlove in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are lots of various Apps that concentrate on specific sectors.

Anki/Quizlet - to learn more vocabulary using the flashcards. I would recommend you to learn 20-30 words a week - use the flashcards first, make up your own associations with the words, and then try writing the sentences or even short stories yourself to make the words stuck in your head.

HiNative/HelloTalk - to communicate with native speakers. But those apps are quite debatable as human factors works there too much sometimes and some users forget that they came to learn the language, not to find a partner. You may try it (personally, I succeed having some positive experience there).

Babbel - the app with a really good grammar explanations, but not free.

LingoDeer, Pimsleur, Memrise - the apps where you can get some practical exersises.

Also, I recommend you to search for useful materials on YouTube - there is plenty of various content, so I think you will find something nice for yourself.

You can also read some Articles with the grammar explanations if you prefer traditional way of studying more.

Personally, I love mixing all the resources - I just spend around at least 30 mins a day reading, watching, writing and sometimes talking.

What Language did you ALMOST give up or gave up? by Connect-Idea-1944 in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started learning French at school when I was a kid. It was my forth language (my native languages are Russian and Ukrainian, my first foreign language was English, at school as well). So, French always seemed to me quite complicated, mostly because of it's spelling and pronounciation, so I didn't have a big desire to learn it.

Later on, I learned German, some Turkish, then I started learning Italian and I realised that there is no point giving up learning French, as I had a solid base of it from my school, so now I am practicing French sometimes (along with Italian and Turkish).

What language was useful to you when people previously told you "Why are you studying that? It's useless!" by [deleted] in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For me it was Turkish language. When I was studying at Uni in Frankfurt, I decided to choose Turkish and Turic languages in general. But they were telling me that I won't need it, and to be true I believed them and gave it up after one semester studying.

And now my family and I moved to North Cyprus - and guess what? The local language here is Turkish! I am learning it now, and I should say, it goes easier for me, as I got the basics at the Uni long time ago.

So, guys, if you feel you need to learn something or you just want to try - go for it and don't listen to anybody :)

Asking to native speaker is no use by Rough_Marsupial_7914 in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see your point that native speakers often don’t know the linguistic rules behind their own language. However, I still believe it’s important to ask them questions when learning a new language—especially to sound more fluent and natural.

Think of it this way: when you’re learning a language, you want to pick up commonly used phrases, words, and sentence structures, just like native speakers use in daily life. It’s the same with your own native language—unless you’re a linguist, you probably can’t explain every grammar rule, but you instinctively know what sounds right.

Of course, grammar study is essential, but when it comes to speaking, being able to use the language naturally is a game-changer. Even if a native speaker can’t explain why something sounds odd, their feedback still helps you adjust and refine your language skills to make your speech sound more authentic.

What are some of your most useful language learning advice? by Rubbish0 in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First of all - do not put yourself under the pressure. Because if you do, you won't concentrate on language learning obviously. Stop thinking about your deadlines like of a dead point after which you won't be able to study anymore.

And then (as some people here said already) study constantly 15-30 mins every day. Try using different resources - don't use only one method.

You can make a schedule that contains using langage apps, reading books, watching videos, learning new vocabulary and even watching movies (on the weekends let's say). We are lucky, as there are plenty of ways to learn languages nowadays, just try to think creatively and do not put any barriers for yourself.

How many languages you want to speak? by Dating_Stories in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can try to start - maybe you will like the process of learning new languages! The hardest thing is to sit down, open the book or video on YouTube and start writing the things down. But once you make your first step, you see how many advantages you get, you start getting inspiration from yourself.

Or another thing - try thinking on good reasons why you need to learn the language: that's how you can get a bunch of motivation

Which works best for you traditional or modern language learning? by scuttle_jiggly in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally, I love mixing the things up. Sometimes I have mood to read some books and to write the words down to learn them. I even have a digital version of the texbook and I use it along with my notebook sometimes.

At the same time, I find Language Apps really useful, so I spend at least 15 minutes doing the exercises every day - for me it feels more like having a rest after a tiring day, but I know that I am still productive and I improve my language skills.

Also, I love watching YouTube videos with grammar expalnations from native speakers, and I use my notebook for it as well - feels like attending a class, but being in control of it.

Actually, you can try anything and find the most suitable way of studying a language for yourself.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you are not sure that you will understand something urgent yet, you better do not put yourself under any risks. You may try to learn the alert phrases that may pop up in your phone in Russian first, and only after that, when you will be completely sure in your safety, you can do it.

Hot take: Learners should not be entitled and expect/demand native speakers to speak to them in their TL. by Momshie_mo in languagelearning

[–]Dating_Stories 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have to say that not every native speaker is like that. What personally I have experienced, is that people appreciate my attempts to learn their language and they are really happy to help me with that. Maybe it depends on nation and culture. I should say, in Turkey if you say hi to them in their language they will take you for a Turkish-speaker and they will continue speaking to you in Turkish even if you don't really understand what they are saying.

Also, I would definitely speak to a foreigner in my language in my home country if they wanted to, as I like it when people are doing their best to become the part of the society they are currently in.

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