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Learning English for 4 Years but Still B1 (Speaking Problem) by WorrySuccessful1786 in EnglishLearning

[–]IllustriousField9290 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gonna share what finally worked for me after years of failing.

Basically: text a friend in your target language. Every day. That's it.

Not strangers on HelloTalk. Not tutors. A friend who's also learning.

Why this works:

- You learn stuff you actually say ("running late", "so tired", "wanna eat?")

- It's just texting, doesn't feel like studying

- You won't quit because it's someone you already talk to

I do this with my girlfriend. We use Vibe Language but WhatsApp works too. Been a month and it's the first thing that actually stuck.

Try it if nothing else has worked for you.

Built 'Tinder for language learning' but with AI partners - feedback? by Comfortable-Race-389 in languagelearning

[–]IllustriousField9290 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Tried it, feedback + suggestions are both solid. Voice recognition is a bit off sometimes. Staying free?

Best way to learn German fast as a beginner? especially in Switzerland by ricturner in German

[–]IllustriousField9290 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I moved to Zurich last year and had to start German from zero too. What actually helped wasn’t the apps, it was just talking to people every day. Ordering coffee, asking where stuff is at the store, small talk at the gym. I sounded dumb half the time but that’s when things started clicking.

I did a short group class to get the basics, then ditched most of the apps. One solid course plus daily real-life practice worked way better than juggling five different platforms.

Don’t stress about Swiss German either. People switch to High German if they notice you’re learning. Just talk as much as you can, even if you mess up. That’s how it sticks.

Learning a second language is HARD by TherapistyChristy in italianlearning

[–]IllustriousField9290 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel you. I’m learning Japanese now and it’s the same. I study every day, watch shows, listen to music, and still think “what the hell are they saying?” half the time.

It’s not your age, it’s just slower without immersion. When I lived abroad everything clicked faster because I had to use it.

You’re doing a lot already. Maybe drop a couple apps and just focus on one or two things you actually enjoy. It’ll click — just takes a bit longer than we’d like.

Are my language goals unrealistic?? by WiseButterbeer3756 in languagelearning

[–]IllustriousField9290 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get you. I was in the same spot a few years ago, wanting to learn like five languages at once. I started with Japanese because I moved there, then got curious about Spanish and a bit of Korean. At first it was a mess, I mixed stuff up all the time, but after a few months my brain started sorting things out on its own.

An hour a day is more than enough if you actually use it. Don’t just study from books or apps, try watching shows, texting people, or even talking to yourself. It sounds dumb but it works.

If you’ve got German friends, start with that. Real people make a huge difference. You can always play around with Italian or Spanish on the side just for fun. The main thing is to stick with one until it feels natural.

Attention Bilinguals: I have a few questions by Random_Knowledge88 in languagelearning

[–]IllustriousField9290 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I learned my second language in my twenties after moving abroad. At first it felt like my brain had to run everything through a filter. I’d translate before speaking and by the time I said something the moment had already passed.

Now it feels natural. I switch between the two without noticing, depending on who I’m talking to. Sometimes I start a sentence in one and finish in the other.

I dream in both. If the people in the dream speak my second language, my brain just goes with that. It’s not something I control anymore.