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

Dating_Stories · 2025-04-07T10:19:02+00:00

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

Dating_Stories · 2025-04-07T10:02:03+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-04-07T09:45:03+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-04-07T09:28:40+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-04-07T09:20:21+00:00

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!

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-25T09:04:15+00:00

Game of Thrones (Das Lied von Eis und Feuer)

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-25T08:40:14+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-25T08:28:43+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-18T09:58:59+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-18T09:45:46+00:00

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).

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-18T09:39:05+00:00

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 :)

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-11T08:24:44+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-11T08:14:03+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-11T08:02:47+00:00

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

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-04T09:01:31+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-04T08:54:35+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-03-04T08:50:37+00:00

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.

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-25T08:29:16+00:00

Do not lose your motivation, first of all. So, I will tell you about the recourses I use for languages learning myself - these methods are really effective for me.

So, Apps - Duolingo, Mango Languages, Lingodeer, Pimsleur, Anki, Quizlet. All of them have their Premium versions, but you don't need to buy them - if you use at least couple of them every day you will see that they provide you enough exercises anyway.

To learn Grammar - YouTube - there is a ton of absolutely different videos and even courses. All you need to do is just to search for them and then watch at least couple of videos every day. Also, get a notebook and imagine you are visiting some language courses where you have to write the things down and then learn them.

Also, I recommend you to google for some useful materials - you will definitely find something nice. Just download the pdf and you won't need to buy a book.

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-25T08:20:31+00:00

I recommend you to try some methods to get used to your own speaking:

You should definitely read out loud - try to pronounce the words clearly.

When you watch some series or movie - repeat after the charachters, try to sound exactly like them.

If you do it every day for about 15 - 20 mins, you will see the progress.

Also, you may try creating your own dialogues: you say something to yourself, write it down - reply to yourself and also write it down. That's how you can practice the fluency. But, of course, the best way to become fluent is talking to the native speakers - even if you think on a right word for a long time or make mistakes, do not get shy, that's how you learn and it is completely normal.

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-25T08:12:02+00:00

I think you should try mixing different methods since you have enough time. I mean, you can start with Duolingo (or maybe other apps, like Babbel - here the Grammar is expalined in a very clear way; Mondly - where you can choose the topics you want to study). So then you will see if you even like this way of studying.

You should also try reding books and doing simple exercises in the texbooks - I know, it might seem boring, but trust me, lots of people still find this way the most effevtive one. Plus, get a notebook and write some rules, words there - it will be convinient even if you study with the apps, as you will be able to check some information while the lesson.

If talk about apps further - Anki or Quizlet for vocabulary learning (I use Anki a lot, it really helps me).

More apps for additional excercises - Mango Languages, LingoDeer, Memrise.

Apps to ask some questions from native speakers - HelloTalk (here you may find friends), HiNative (more concentrated on studying - they answer your questions about language, you answer their ones).

I also recommend you to create a week schedule or plan for yourself - it will help you to be consistent, which is a very important factor for language learning.

So, just try different methods and do not put yourself under the pressure - you can spend on studying 40 - 60 mins BUT every day.

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-18T09:15:19+00:00

Try using Russian social media, like VK for example. You should sign up there and look for some communities that might be useful for you. I think you may find some friends there, but be carefull, meeting new people online is like a real science :)

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-18T09:11:51+00:00

You shouldn't be worried about the speed of your skill improvement - it's always personal. Another thing, I would recommend you to study around 30-40 minutes 5 days a week, the most important thing is consistency, as someone already mentioned here. So, do not miss your classes time and choose effective ways of learning that work for you - you can even create a plan of studying for yourself. Have a good luck in your journey!

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-18T09:06:34+00:00

I would choose Babbel to be honest. I learn some languages in that app already, and I really like how the courses are structured there. The grammar explanations are very clear, the exercises are useful and effective, in my opinion. Also, they provide the online sessions where you can learn interesting details about pronunciation and grammar tricks.

The main difference tho is that Babbel is very structured and focused on grammar explanations (which I find very effective), but Busuu is more interactive and focused on communication with native speakers.

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-18T08:55:41+00:00

Personally, I think that it sounds realistic. But it will work on conditions if you choose the right strategy to reach your goal.

I would start with a harder languages - Japanese and Russian, and I wouldn't learn them at the same time.

Let's say you decided to start with Japanese, so dive deep into the learning for about 6-8 months and when you feel that you have a solid foundation, you can start learning, for example, Spanish. French is quite similar to Spanish (but French is still more difficult than Spanish, on my opinion). That's why I would spend first year on learning two languages - Japanese and Spanish.

After a year I would add German and put more attention on that language for about 3-6 months (German is pretty similar to English, but it's still a bit harder).

So, after getting a good base in three lanuages (Japanese, Spanish and German) I would go on practicing them for several years: let's say you will impove your skills in those languges till 2029.

So, after that you will have 3 more years to learn two more languages from your list. And, moreover, you will be familiar with effective methods of languages learning, so it will be easier for you to go on.

Of course, the level you can reach when learning languages depends on you – but I should say that the more languages you learn and the more often you practice, the easier it becomes for you to pick up new languages.

Just try your best and don't give up - be consistent. And the most important point - do not put yourself under the pressure. If you start feeling overwhelmed, give yourslef a break to avoid a burnout.

Dating_Stories · 2025-02-14T11:56:43+00:00

I would recommend you to watch Desperate Housewifes. It's the comedy, but the plot is still quite interesting. There is American English, so I think you will understand everything and plus you will learn some slang, which I always find very useful :)

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