Comment on Duolingo Fires Translators in Favor of AI

• The_Terrible_Humbaba@beehaw.org ⁨5⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

  That’s a bit over the top, in my opinion. I’ve tried plenty of courses, and Duolingo is pretty good to get a hang of the basics of a language.

  I’d say, in my experience, the hardest part of learning a language is getting started, and I feel Duolingo is perfect just for that. To get deeper knowledge and become more comfortable, one should probably switch once they start feeling more comfortable with the alphabet (if there is a specific one), and with the basic vocabulary and grammar.

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  • Kalothar@lemmy.ca ⁨5⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

    Been using a multifaceted approach to cramming Italian in my little brain:

    • Anki flashcards (this is my main thing)
    • conversational pod casts
    • movies, shows and music
    • lastly, Duolingo

    Any suggestions on what I could be using instead of Duolingo?

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    • The_Terrible_Humbaba@beehaw.org ⁨5⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

      The podcasts and other media consumption will probably be what you will get most of the benefit from in the long term, and something like Anki and Duolingo I think are good complements for that.

      Any alternatives to Duolingo that I think would be worth replacing it, would have to be something that is more focused on the specific language that you are learning, i.e. Nicos Weg for German (and I don’t personally know any for Italian, sorry). Most other general language learning websites/apps would probably be running into the same issues and limitations as Duo, and which one to use depends most on personal preference; however, there is one I’ve heard of called Italki (there may be more) which basically acts as a language exchange app, where you connect talk to people who natively speak the language you are learning, and they can give you input. I’ve never tried it, but I’ve heard good things.

      Other than that, you have certified online/in person courses, but obviously those are not as convenient as Duo, and they cost money (probably more than a Duo subscription).

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    • MadBob@feddit.nl ⁨5⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

      I notice Duolingo is your only form of output. Is that a conscious decision? Otherwise I’d second the recommendation for something involving speaking to someone with the patience to, or who agrees to, have a conversation with you.

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      • Kalothar@lemmy.ca ⁨5⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

        Yeah, it is at the moment for the most part. My girlfriend is fluent in Spanish, and I have talked to her about general concepts that overlap.

        We decided after I started getting deeper into the language that we should maybe not do that as much so I don’t pick up bad or flat out wrong habits.

        I myself am of an Italian descent, however the relatives I have that speak it either live in Italy still and are estranged or sadly have passed away. There is an Italian grocery store near me, and I have heard them speaking it so I was hoping to strike a couple friendships up over time there.

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