I run a language learning app (leerly.io) which focuses on teaching language through comprehensible input, which seems to be at least somewhat how LLwN is approaching the problem of language acquisition. For those interested in how to get the most out of language learning tools like LLwN, some tips which are backed up by the field of applied linguistics:
- Don't translate! If you do, do so very sparingly. It sounds counter-intuitive, but stopping to translate often will just slow you down. That's because...
- The most important thing is just experiencing the language. You need hundreds and hundreds of hours listening to the language to really start to acquire it. Comprehension is inevitable, just optimize for time spent listening/reading.
- Avoid speaking. This has shown to actually hinder the process of acquiring a language. Speaking is the natural result of having learned a language. You'll notice when you're ready to start speaking a little because you'll occasionally have thoughts in your target language. Until then, speaking practice is virtually useless.
Maybe these will help you, as they've definitely helped me learn Spanish. Buena suerte :)
Note: These tips are also only for people who want to learn a language to fluency. If you just want to learn enough to order at a restaurant, that's a different ballgame.
- Don't translate! If you do, do so very sparingly. It sounds counter-intuitive, but stopping to translate often will just slow you down. That's because...
- The most important thing is just experiencing the language. You need hundreds and hundreds of hours listening to the language to really start to acquire it. Comprehension is inevitable, just optimize for time spent listening/reading.
- Avoid speaking. This has shown to actually hinder the process of acquiring a language. Speaking is the natural result of having learned a language. You'll notice when you're ready to start speaking a little because you'll occasionally have thoughts in your target language. Until then, speaking practice is virtually useless.
Maybe these will help you, as they've definitely helped me learn Spanish. Buena suerte :)
Note: These tips are also only for people who want to learn a language to fluency. If you just want to learn enough to order at a restaurant, that's a different ballgame.