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Crash course in learning a new language

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Crash course in learning a new language

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Old Mar 20, 2015 | 11:50 pm
  #16  
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Originally Posted by enviroian
I didn't realize RS sucked. After I've seen so many awards and accolades it touts on its infomercial. Not surprised though.
It's fine for raw vocabulary learning, but in terms of creating fluency, it just can't do it.
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 11:31 am
  #17  
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RS effectiveness also varies by individual language as well.

I did fairly well with RS to pick up some German, though I have forgotten most of it. For Thai, it was pretty worthless. It just does not do well with tonal languages.

Highly recommend the lessons via skype for Thai. Very reasonable rates (~$12 hour) and having a native speaker be able to instantly correct tones for pronunciation is vital.
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 6:48 am
  #18  
 
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If you want something for free Duolingo isn't too bad but only has a certain number of languages (no Japanese, sadly!).
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 9:37 am
  #19  
 
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Picture Talk

Originally Posted by shaner82
Going to Greece at the end of May so I'm looking to pick up the extreme basics of the language, or about as much as I can learn in the next 2 months. I want to do this because we'll be venturing into some areas where English might not be widely spoken.

Anyone done this before going on a trip? What's the best way? There's Rosetta Stone obviously, but I'm not sure that's the best method for what I have in mind. What about youtube? Anyone ever tried picking up some basics off youtube? Any other good sites?
Try:
Picture Talk Spiral-bound May 29, 1999
by Langenscheidt (Author)
2 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0887291913 ISBN-10: 0887291910
1 New from $999.11 5 Used from $4.99

It works for any "language"
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 1:21 pm
  #20  
 
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Learning Languages quickly

I find that Pimsleur is great for those typical conversations you will have as a tourist.

How to get to places, greetings (most obvious to some), asking for your reservations in the native language, ordering food, drink, bathrooms, etc. People then open up to you that you are trying and many times will find ways to communicate or someone to interpret. Even in small towns, there are folks who may speak English. It also becomes better for you since you begin to pick up pieces of conversations.

Listen to them in the car, on the plane to reinforce. I use to have a little guidebook to translate but in the heat of the moment, it offers little help.

Good luck and have a great trip! Greece is nice.
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