Learning a second language

[ASTalumna06]

When in school, my significant other took a lot of Spanish classes, and I took German at the end of high school and for a few semesters in college. Now that it's been 6-7 years since we've graduated - and we've forgotten a good chuck of what we learned back then - we want to refresh our minds and relearn each language all over again.

Has anyone used Rosetta Stone? Is it worth it?

We just stumbled upon this app called DuoLingo. We've each only completed the basic level so far, but it seems ok. Has anyone used it before? It's free and appears to have a lot of material and lessons, so we're going to keep working through it to see how it is.

Does anyone know of any other apps that are helpful? Should we put the money in for Rosetta Stone?

Help!

[AOII Angel]

We've tried Rosetta Stone and didn't really like it. We're learning French with a tutor through the Alliance de France right now and are really enjoying it.

[clarinette]

I haven't used Rosetta Stone, but I've found the best way to restart my German is to listen to music videos on Youtube and read the newspaper, trying to translate only the words I absolutely can't break down and don't know at all.

[pinksequins]

I have found that children's books in the foreign language can be helpful --- don't get them for the plotline! They will often contain idioms as well. They are inexpensive at stores such as Goodwill or Salvation Army.

[tinydancer]

Originally Posted by pinksequins

I have found that children's books in the foreign language can be helpful --- don't get them for the plotline! They will often contain idioms as well. They are inexpensive at stores such as Goodwill or Salvation Army.

That's a good idea. I read Spanish fairly well, not so much speaking it, though. I was a language major for a while, so I also know a smattering of French. I mix them up speaking. I speak Franish.

[PhoenixAzul]

I do DuoLingo to brush up on my Spanish and to learn some Portuguese to speak with one of my clients. I love it- super easy, fun, and I find it is pretty challenging. Also- Pittsburgh. So I'm super biased.

[ASTalumna06]

Thanks for the great suggestions, and especially the ideas about reading the newspaper, books, and listening to music videos! I guess any way to immerse yourself in a language is a good way

[carnation]

As a foreign language teacher, I find that people are better about sticking with a program if they've paid for it. I would say take a college class if you can fit in in!

[aephi alum]

^ That's a good idea. There is a community college in my city and a continuing education program based in the next town over, and they offer foreign language classes.

There are also groups out there consisting of people interested in practicing their conversational <insert language here>. For instance, there's a group based in my city that gets together once in a while in a restaurant, coffee shop, etc. and speaks Spanish. Some people are English speakers who want to practice their Spanish; others are people for whom Spanish is their first language, and they are in the group to pick up some English. They arrange their get-togethers on meetup.com.

[BraveMaroon]

I'm enjoying Duolingo on my phone - although, I find it easier to use with a language I've studied - French, because I have a good grasp of basics, and I use it more to brush up and practice.

Plus, it's my favorite price - free!

[xemry]

I'm currently learning Chinese and tried Rosetta Stone. It's decent, but not really what I was looking for. I also tried the Pimsleur Approach which I learned more in 5 minutes than I learned from days with Rosetta Stone.

[AnchorAlumna]

I took 4 years of Spanish in high school and almost enough in college to have another minor, but never actually used it (except one time on a cruise ship). You really have to speak it to catch the accent and rhythm.
Now our town is 20% Spanish-speaking...I can catch a word or phrase every so often, but still can't speak it. Wish I could have helped the young new mother at the pharmacy yesterday!