![]() In order to compensate for this, you should surround yourself with the language by listening to the radio, podcasts, shows and movies. Natives cut, morph, and link words when speaking, and this is something you don’t want to ignore, even as a beginner. ![]() However, this uses a sort of recorded or robotic voice, which doesn’t prepare you for the reality of how natives naturally speak or to participate in conversation. In one of Duolingo’s best exercises, you have to listen and transcribe what you’re hearing. ![]() If you want to learn with Duolingo, the solution to not always translate in your head is to also learn how the language is used in context, for example by reading or watching TV shows, but we’ll discuss more of that in the second half of this article. Plus, it will certainly be more work to stop translating in your head and start thinking in the target language at a later time than if you had made efforts to think in the target language in the beginning. Sure, you’ll be able to do Duolingo’s translation exercises correctly and advance in the course, but in real world use, you will still be confused of how to use these structures correctly, and will likely make a lot of mistakes. These aspects of the language-like syntax, conjugation, preposition use, etc.-usually can’t be translated, and trying to learn them this way can make these already complex parts of the language even more confusing. Second, translation over-simplifies structure and grammar. Unless you have a patient conversation partner, this will be frustrating. If you’re always translating, conversation will be difficult, because you’ll have to think first in your native language, then translate it to English, then say it. Translation slows the process of starting to think in the target language, which is crucial for fluency. It can be helpful to provide understanding in the beginning, but thereafter will become a barrier to fluency.įirst, if you are relying on translating, which you will be if you’re only using Duolingo, you’re always going to connect English to your native language. In general, being overly dependent on translation when learning another language is a bad idea. I’ll divide Duolingo’s exercises into three categories: Translation, listening and writing, and pronunciation. ![]() As you progress, you will learn more advanced vocabulary and some basic grammatical functions. If you enjoy it, keep at it having fun is the most important part of learning.ĭuolingo can teach you vocabulary and basic structures to put it to use. This doesn’t mean to discard Duolingo all together as a resource. Her opinion is that if your goal is fluency, get immersed in the language. Let’s get to it! What Duolingo is Missingĭuolingo is great as a free resource, but as I said above, it is limited if your goal is fluency.Ī respected polyglot recently commented on Facebook that Duolingo is great for playing with the language, but if you TRULY want to learn the language, she wouldn’t recommend it. Tools to help complement your learning with (and without) Duolingo.That’s why I decided to bring you a definitive guide of resources to supplement your learning with Duolingo, so you can make learning English fun, effective, and permanent. However, if you don’t proactively search for opportunities to use the language in your daily life, real fluency will always be just a dream. It’s easy to fall into the trap of depending on just one learning resource, like classes or an app like Duolingo, especially when it’s so convenient. Unfortunately however, it’s unlikely that depending solely on Duolingo will bring you to a level of fluency or professional competence in the language.Įven if you take the time to complete the entire course, without some supplementary resources, you probably won’t be prepared for a job interview or even a spontaneous conversation. Leading this are people, probably like you, with an urgent need to learn English to advance professionally and be successful, but who do not have the means to pay for expensive classes or courses. Forever, a wonderful and altruistic mission.įor this reason, millions are turning to Duolingo for their language learning needs. In fact, Duolingo’s promise is: Learn a language for free. Duolingo has revolutionized the way that people learn languages, and is leading the world in free education.
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