Loving the dark
roasted bean ...
roasted bean ...
the teaching ...
and the learning ...
and, one day, the earning ...
and the learning ...
and, one day, the earning ...
Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Ohayo! Wouldn't it be nice to be able to speak a different language? Well, what are you waiting for? Think it's too difficult? Well, maybe. But every journey begins with the first step. And, when you want to keep your brain sharp and working for you, doing new things can achieve that goal. In my previous Fun Friday posts, I've discussed ways to keep your brain in shape. Learning a language is a great way to do that. As you may know I am very frugal, so I try to find ways to do things for free whenever possible (or at least very, very cheaply). So if you feel the same way, let me give you a few suggestions for how to learn a language very inexpensively. My current favorite way is using Duolingo. You can use Duolingo on your computer via your web browser, on iOS or on your Android device. I use Duolingo on my smartphone and, as of this writing, there are over 20 languages I can learn. Right now, I'm actively working on Spanish, French, and Japanese, and sort of puzzling out Portuguese and Danish. I love the way the Duolingo learning method uses both audio and visual learning strategies. Having the audio examples makes it easier to pronounce the words correctly when you see them. The lessons put the words in context as well so not only do you learn the vocabulary but you learn how to use it. The learning is broken up into lessons with activities that I find fun. You get to speak your answers to some of the exercises as well so you can practice your pronunciation. The comment sections let you discuss the activities with other learners of various skill levels and, for the most part, everyone helps one another learn. This is a nice, convenient alternative to a formal classroom setting and you can go at your own pace. It's absolutely free. And, if you choose to opt for a paid plan you can help others learn for free. I love Duolingo! I've also tried using my public library's language learning resource: Mango Languages. The lessons use audio and visuals to help you learn. And just like Duolingo, you can practice your pronunciation by using your device's microphone. So far, they offer over 70 different languages including American Sign Language, Chinese, Tagalog, and Swedish. And if you have a valid library card this resource is absolutely free! In the past, I have also paid for and used Innovative Language. (I used to run an affiliate link here, which has lapsed in recent years.) I love their method for learning Japanese: Japanesepod101.com. I started every day by driving to work listening to the Japanesepod101 podcasts. They were fun, informative and filled with both vocabulary and cultural lessons that have stayed with me to this day.
They also have tons of free YouTube videos where you can learn for free and their website offers many free podcasts as well. Their paid version is pretty economical, especially if you catch it on sale. And I've used that as well. It comes with the line-by-line transcript of every podcast so you can see the language as you're listening to it. So, please check them out as well. Whichever way you choose to learn a new language, please know that it will indeed help exercise your brain and help keep it active and vibrant no matter what your age!! Thank you for reading. Au revoir and Enjoy!
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I've always felt that studying a language is a good way to keep the brain active and working. So, I've been studying Japanese, on my own, on and off again for several years now.
Being a visual learner, I've had no problem learning and remembering hiragana and katakana (two of the three written forms of the Japanese language). However, Kanji is turning out to be very difficult for me to learn and retain. As you can see by my affiliate link, I use Japanesepod101.com's podcasts to help me get the language in my ears. It's also helped to have their study sheets to go with each podcast so that I can see the language in print. They do a very good job at providing a variety of materials and learning levels to help beginning, intermediate and advanced learners. After taking several breaks over the last several months, I've gone back to using their videos for learning Kana and Kanji. So, as I'm drinking my coffee (this time Folgers regular roast and Leucerne French Vanilla Creamer) I'm tuning into Kanji Corner (also available on YouTube) and trying to get my brain to remember all the strokes. If you are studying Japanese, Japanesepod101.com is a great resource. Gambate! ************* Side Note: I can't recommend their Spanishpod101.com, however. I"ve tried it and in my opinion, it's not as well developed as the Japanese learning resources. |
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