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jfengelOP1y ago

I had actually done the full Pimsleur course already. I've never tried Duolingo on a language that I had zero experience with.

I might try it on Chinese at some point, just to see what it's like.

Pimsleur doesn't do grammar per se either. They want you to infer it by feel, as a child does.

shermantanktop1y ago

Right. I grew up in a German speaking house and was functional at 6 or so but lost it later on, so trying to get it back. I’m not sure whether that early exposure helps or hurts.

watwut1y ago

It forces you to kind of pick it up based on pattern matching. In order to understand things, you don't need great grammar, just passable one.

atemerev1y ago

170 days of Duolingo is not enough. It sort of works... but yes, it takes a few years of daily focused work.

shermantanktop1y ago

Sure, of course it’s not. I’m not aiming for a cram-course. I find Duolingo’s ridiculously effective gamification keeps me engaged.

I’ve augmented it with a grammar book and YouTube videos. Once I get stuck I plan to do lessons via italki or equivalent.

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