btripp2

I would teach my kids by speaking the language around them. I think some, if not all, kids form their interests around things they are exposed to. I will expose them to language learning so they are better able to interact with people and even understand them more so than others. I feel like learn languages is a gateway to better understanding and accepting a culture that is different from yours.

I like to study in the library. My library's fifth floor is quiet and I like working in quiet. But sometimes I go to the other floors where I am able to talk so I can study and interact with others. But the library in general puts me into this certain mode where I actually get my work done.

I think the potential to be smarter has grown with the access to so much information. And if taught correctly how to think critically and evaluate evidence, people have the potential to effectively sift through this information to find what they believe to be "good" or "bad" information. I am happy with the advancement of technology. Especially things like MOOCs where people can go to sites like Coursera and anyone can have access to learn certain topics that are generally only taught on a college campus.

Hygge is a Danish word that means "complete absence of anything annoying, irritating or emotionally overwhelming, and the presence of and pleasure from comforting, gentle and soothing things." Apparently it is associated with things like Christmas time. It is a very beautiful word. There is also another German word that was really long that I learned a long time ago. It also does not have an English equivalent, but I cannot remember the word or its meaning.

RedRose makes a good point. I also suggest that if you want to practice conversational Spanish (apply what you have learned), then you should use a website called WeSpeke where you can connect with people that speak that language you wish to learn. But you have to figure out what you want to learn Spanish because that will be your motivation to push you through the tough times.

I do this. But when I learn a language I like to sound like a native. And I just wish I had a British or Australian accent. I wonder if there's a science behind teaching yourself to speak in a different accent because it is possible. But what part of the brain is involved in doing that?

Really nice tutorial! I'll have to pass this along to some friends so they can be enlightened as well.

Hi I will send you a private message! Perhaps we can skype as well.

It's a Japanese word, "kaisen." It's centered around making incremental improvements to reach a goal so one does not become overwhelmed and give up.

One of my favorite Spanish teachers had us do that. It made me way more engaged in learning the language. I highly recommend it for anybody at any language level, though you may find yourself less frustrated at a higher language level.

Neat idea! Too bad they do not have this for iPhone.

Thanks! I always figured that Duolingo was not a "stand alone" application for language learning. I'm still on the quest for such a product that may or may not exist at the moment.

I started studying languages because I was tired of taking so many years of Spanish in middle and high school and not being fluent. So I decided that I would teach myself Spanish to become fluent. I am still working on the fluency part, but there is a level of satisfaction I gain when I speak to a native and they are impressed with my language skills (or perhaps they're being polite). And I know there was a study that said that language learning releases dopamine when one sees the reward of accomplishing a new word or having a successful conversation in a different language.

I would say one of the most valuable languages would be Arabic, especially for my intended field in cyber security. If I work for a governmental agency like the NSA then I think Arabic would be a valuable asset. However, if I work in the private sector (which I intend on doing because they pay way more), then I think Arabic would be less valuable job-wise, but more valuable in the deficiency of those that speak Arabic in the United States. Or rather, there seems to be a deficiency. But maybe there is not.

It's important to become immersed in the culture when you are learning the language, perhaps as a motivator to learn more. But my favorite tip for learning a language is using the language with natives as much as you can. Some people overlook this with fear of stumbling over words or having long pauses, but it is so pivotal in building your confidence and being able to become fluent in the language. So whenever you can, even if you are a beginner, you should practice with a native as much as you can. People generally seem to be delighted when you make an attempt to speak to them in their own language.

I personally learn foreign languages because I feel as though it is a way to connect with many different people. I once read this study that had bilingual individuals take personality tests in two different languages and the results would come out different. I feel as though speaking different languages brings out a different side or form of yourself. Perhaps I may go so far as to say that speaking different languages helps you learn more about yourself in general. I cannot confirm or deny that statement since I am not fluent in any other language besides English at the moment. Though when I do speak Spanish I feel more confident and a little more sexy lol. How does speaking different languages make all of you feel?

I personally need to listen to more Latin music because there are so many wonderful artists. But one of my favorite artists is Juanes. Not only is he devilishly handsome, he also has a nice voice. My favorite song by him is "La Camisa Negra", which all my friends hated. But I also like "A Dios Le Pido." I love how his songs, and Latin music in general, make you want to move your hips. It's like you can feel the music as you listen to it.

I don't think I have ever read a Spanish book, but I have read two Spanish novels that were translated. I highly recommend, Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Unfortunately he died this year in April, but that man is one of the most talented authors I have ever read. I think what pulled me in was his satire, it's phenomenal. And Chronicle of a Death Foretold is one of those books where you learn more as you keep reading it. You may or may not hate it at first (I did), but you will fall in love with it as you read it over and over again.

I completely agree with @ThatJamal and everyone else had really good suggestions too. But the most important thing to do when you learn the basics is to talk to either a native or someone else that is fluent in Spanish. Many people seem to avoid this because they want to be "perfect" at the language before they start talking to natives for fear of messing up, but that is one of the best ways to learn a language. As you're learning the language through applications and books, make sure that you are taking every opportunity to speak with a native. Not only will it reinforce vocabulary and grammar you have learned, but your brain will release a little dopamine after the conversation to give you (theoretically) the motivation to keep on going. Good luck in your journey!

One of my favorite Spanish movies though I have not seen many is "La Misma Luna." It came out in 2008 and I think what made this movie one of my favorites is the ambiguity at the end. My classmates and I felt that the ending should have told us more, but sometimes the right amount of ambiguity makes the difference between a good movie and a great one. It's not one of those "life changing" movies, but rather "I'm-glad-I-watched-this" sort of movie. Hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to watch it!

I hope they add Arabic if they do not already have it. However, am I the only one that wonders if Duolingo is better suited for language learners that already have a little background in the language they wish to become fluent in? Or do you all think that if I had no experience with Portuguese, for example, that Duolingo would be suitable for my proficiency level? I'm sure there is an article on this somewhere, I will just have to search for it. But what are your thoughts?

Mi espanol es muy mal especialmente con la ausencia de los accentos. Pero, me gusta trabajar porque soy un estudiante a la Universidad en Georgia. Tengo mucho tiempo estudiar y trabajar y yo necesito dinero para muchas cosas. lol