turtledove

I'm currently learning French, and I'm finding all the conjugations and rules difficult to handle. Almost every rule that exists seems to also have an exception, which is a real pain. There are also a huge number of irregular verbs, and I find it quite difficult to remember all the different conjugations.

I like to write a lot, because it helps me remember conjugations for different verbs. I also like to write down new vocabulary, as it helps me remember it and it's good for me as a reference in the future. But, for me, speaking is definitely more difficult, since I need to be more confident to try and speak in a foreign language!

I think speaking in a foreign language requires a lot more confidence, and to write you just need to know the basics of the language. Even if you write something wrong, it won't be as uncomfortable or awkward if you make a mistake. As well as this, speaking means that as well as the language itself, the pronunciation, accent and fluency are also heard, so it can be a lot harder for some people.

I definitely prefer offline learning. I'd rather have somebody actually in front of me, so that I can talk to them and I can ask them questions personally rather than over a computer. However, even if I go to a language class, I would use an online resource as well to learn more vocabulary.

There are so many different ways to learn languages. Doing online courses, using websites, learning from teachers, using workbooks, having an online tutor... There are so many different options. I personally like learning from someone who's already good at the language, so I like learning from a teacher, although I do often use online resources to help me. How do you learn a language best?

I like reading through my old work or my old notes. Sometimes I watch movies or read magazines in the language. I also like to go onto language websites (like duolingo or babbel) to refresh, they help quite a lot. It is a bit of a pain at times to go back after a long time and try to remember what you used to know so well, and it may take a while to get back up to speed, but you'll get there eventually!

When I first started learning languages, I felt incredibly uncomfortable. I felt like I would make so many mistakes, or I would sound silly or do something horribly wrong which would be humiliating. However, after a little while, you get used to it. You may be feeling shy because you're worried that you'll make a mistake - I think most people feel that way. Just keep trying, and soon you'll feel confident speaking.

This is a really interesting idea, and I think it could actually be true. If german speakers and english speakers see the world differently, then it's highly probable that people who speak both languages see the world in a completely new light. It's quite a fascinating theory, and I hope that in the future we do find out whether this really is true or not!

This is great, Lena. Clearly you're doing pretty well with your English, and I'm really happy that this method has worked so well for you. I don't know if I could learn to speak a language fluently by myself at home, but I'm so glad that you've motivated yourself to do it!

This may sound childish, but one of my favorites (I don't have one definite favorite) is Tangled. Yes, a Disney movie. I just love the main character's outgoing and excited character, and I really enjoyed watching it.

I think that generally it's knowing that you'll be able to talk to people fluently in their language that motivates me. I usually feel far less motivated if I'm not doing well, but if I'm doing well, that's great motivation too. If you're learning the language just for the sake of knowing it and you're not genuinely interested in it, it will be hard to feel motivated. However, if it's just the odd dip in your performance, once you're doing better again you'll probably be up and running!

If there's such a technique, I'd really like to know. However, I think that 15 minutes would be enough to learn a few sentences and conversational phrases, nothing more. I think it's pretty much impossible to be fluent in a language and know lots of vocabulary in just 15 minutes!

Language sharing seems like a very efficient and easy way to get help on a language. Both people involved are generally interested, as they're getting something from the arrangement and giving something as well. It's a very good way of improving your language skills, and although I don't think you can fully learn a language through this, it could be very useful.

Informal English should definitely be taught in classes. It means that students will be more comfortable talking to people. It shouldn't be the most important thing that students learn, because informal English is pretty easy to catch onto. However, I think that informal English is particularly important if you want to improve you're communication with other people who are fluent in English.

I started learning languages as they were compulsory in school. I found them really interesting, so I decided to learn more online from websites like Babbel and Duolingo. Languages are a great way to learn about a country's culture, and I think that it's nice to try and talk to someone in their own language rather than expecting them to know English. Why did you start learning languages?