Journey Toward Multilingual

Like with most things that a person who has ADHD tries to focus on, my wish to know more than my native language is something I’ve only pursued in spurts it seems. Can keep up those streaks for a long time or stay away just as long. I am grateful to have friends that have offered me help in learning their languages too (particularly speaking), but I’ve found I get too self-conscious if I know the person. A large part of that is my confidence level in general for speaking. Writing has always been my preferred method of self-expression.

Am I multilingual yet? Hardly. Do I have enough knowledge of multiple languages to get around in an absolute emergency in one of the countries whose languages I have dabbled in? If I’m truly honest with myself, I probably could if there was enough signage or I could pretend to be mute and have people write things down. But that’s not practical nor where I want to put the finish line for my goal. Spanish and German are my main focuses right now, and I hope to say soon enough that I am fluent in both.

As with most things, I do a lot of trying before I find what works for me. Then do still more trying because it often feels like the grass is greener on the other side. Here are a few of the things I’ve tried and why they did or didn’t work for me.

Duolingo

Let’s start with arguably the most known and popular of all language learning tools: Duolingo. Not only does it have the most extensive language library to date (you can learn Klingon if you want to), it has constant and well-managed updates. While I do have a preference for the old format over the new one, the learning path for each language is pretty well mapped out. Simple sentences and structures with vocabulary that will be frequently used then building on that foundation to harder material. The variety of answer styles, particularly if you are using a computer helps keep things fresher in my opinion.

One of my favorite features is probably why I don’t like the new linear map. Stories are very short ways to practice your reading skills with frequent checks for clarification and any new vocabulary you might have picked up. They used to be on your own tab and could be a nice break from the main learning program. Tired of translating, filling in the blank, or just directly practicing skills? Go read a story! Now, they are built directly into the map, so you actually have to get to that point to see one.

Things to keep in mind

Beginner to intermediate language learning is where Duolingo shines, at least for the languages that use alphanumeric characters. I have tried using it for others, such as Japanese, but it just doesn’t really work for me. Still hoping to find a program that has what I need to tackle the written form of that language. The problem I run up on when it comes to Duolingo and those kinds of languages is that I find myself overly relying on the sound of the words being spoken to recognize the written form. Why does this happen? If you hover over a word or answer choice on the computer, a voice will pronounce it for you. So instead of recognizing and attaching a meaning to the symbol as I’m supposed to, I’m tempted instead to choose based on that auditory cue.

Pricing and Subscription

The premium is a little expensive, especially after the price jump a few months ago. Comparing with other programs though, it’s about the middle of the pack for the actual price point. And unlike those others, premium is almost more cosmetic than anything else. In some ways, I might even argue that by not paying for the subscription, you are actually going to learn and do better in the long run. Why? One of the only big differences between paid and not paid is the way mistakes are handled. In the free version, you only get a handful of free passes beyond mistakes (can keep watching ads after that) where these are actually unlimited in the premium.

The other real difference is charging for legendary status vs. trying it for free. After working all the way down through a lesson chunk, you have the option of earning legendary status on that portion. This means working through a challenge eight times without making more than two mistakes each time. For a completionist like me, I have to get that purple. With premium, that means you can do it eight times right in a row if you want before moving onto the next thing. Without, you are almost required to have to do other things before getting purple because each attempt will cost you 20 lingots, and you need at least eight attempts. So again, I’d argue that free is actually better here than premium because it forces a review of sorts.

Overall, Duolingo is one of my most preferred methods of practicing new languages. Yes, there are definite drawbacks, but it’s a tool that I can easily find the time to use every single day. Every lesson is short and can be done in between other things. And one of the best features about it in my opinion, is the ability to customize how you are learning. In an environment where you can’t speak into a microphone or listen to audio right now? Each of those types of activities can be turned off on the settings menu.

Rosetta Stone

Clozemaster

Lingodeer

Memrise

ReadLang

Toucan

Lingopie

FluentU

Polyglot Club

News in Slow Spanish

Pimsleur