I've made it to a 30-day streak of studying Spanish on duolingo. That was mostly at a 50 points per day goal, which duolingo labels as "insane." I think I'm going to dial it down though, probably to the "serious" 30 points per day goal. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, probably because it's taking more time as I get further into unfamiliar territory.
Well doen! Is there a Spanish-speaking version of the site you can practise on?
While the site can be set for use in various languages, the courses are specific to learning languages from a starting language, e.g. Spanish from English. I doubt it would even work for me if I tried to switch the site's language to Spanish.
Duolingo does have a few features to help in practicing though. One is stories, in which they present little illustrated and often humorous fictional stories in the target language. There are a handful of challenges within the stories and vocabulary practice at the end. I've done many of these and use them as a kind of treat after I finish daily lessons.
The other is a podcast of I think true stories, written in the target language in a simple form. I haven't really gotten into the podcast yet.
I have already been looking for resources outside of Duolingo to help with practice, but I haven't found much yet.
@bingst When I was beginning in Spanish and living in Spain, I found it helpful to watch documentaries - they speak quite clearly and slowly, and also the weather forecast, where they speak quite quickly but the vocabulary is very limited. I think it helps to listen to native speakers even if you don't understand a lot of what they say - it gives you the feel and intonation of the language.
@CeliaVL what a great idea
Posted by David_CooperBrazil's native language groups
Posted by David_CooperI like language maps - if you find any, please share them here.
Posted by JettyWhen a word has more than one meaning. 🤣
Posted by David_CooperTest your French
Posted by JettyIneptocracy
Posted by JettyI wonder if this works in any other language, though, in Chinese, for example.
Posted by JettyWait! You don't pronounce the L?! 😂
Posted by David_CooperI've often seen these in English, but doubtless the rest of the world does them too.
Posted by David_CooperShrödinger's cat
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Posted by EquusDanceJust read a fascinating article on the origins of language.