#Learn English

[clever-ludicrous]

How to Actually Learn a Language (Without Wasting Time)

Polyglots will do anything to sell you something, so here’s the fastest and most basic technique based on my research.

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Step 1 – Getting the Absolute Basics In

This is where most people already get lost. If you search social media for how to start, the advice isn’t necessarily bad, but it often makes you dependent on a single resource, usually an app that will eventually try to charge you. Duolingo, for example, has turned into a mega-corporation that perfected gamification to keep you on the app.

Remember: free apps make money by keeping you on their platform, not by helping you become fluent.

At this stage, the goal is not to gain conversational skills but to avoid overwhelming yourself and get a feel for what you’re actually getting into. All my recommended resources are free because I believe learning a language should be a basic right. I wouldn’t advise spending any money until you’re sure you’ll stick with it. Otherwise, it can turn into a toxic “but I paid for this, so I have to keep going” mindset that drains all the fun out of learning.

• Language Transfer – Highly recommended for Spanish, Arabic, Turkish, German, Greek, Italian, Swahili, and French.

• Textbooks – Simply search for [language] textbook PDF, or check LibGen and the Internet Archive. Don’t overthink which book to choose—it doesn’t matter much.

• Podcasts – Coffee Break is a solid choice for many languages.

• YouTube Channels – Join r/Learn[language] on Reddit and find recommendations.

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Step 2 – The 20/80 Principle

The idea is that 20% of words make up 80% of everyday speech.

What you’re going to do:

Search “Most common words [language] PDF”.

This list is now your best friend

For flashcards, I highly recommend AnkiPro. It lets you import pre-made lists for Anki/Quizlet and has an archive where you’ll definitely find the most common words. But it lacks audio. The real Anki program has it, but only on PC (unless you’re willing to pay $30 for the mobile app). Use AnkiPro for now—we’ll come back to repeating phrases later. In the meantime, find a YouTube video with the most common words pronounced, or use Google Translate for audio.

(Knowt is a free alternative for Quizlet if you prefer that)

These lists will spare you from learning unnecessary vocabulary at this stage. Spaced repetition (which Anki uses) can take longer, but it’s worth it because you want these words to stick. Anki will only introduce a small number of new words per day. Once you start new words, write phrases using them. Doesn’t matter if they’re random just try to use them.

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Step 3 – The First Breakup With the Language

This isn’t really a step, but I have to mention it. For me (and for other language learners I’ve talked to) this is where motivation crashes.

The dopamine rush is over. Your ego boost is gone. You’re stuck understanding just enough to notice how much you don’t understand, and topics are getting more complex. Everything feels overwhelming, and motivation drops.

This is normal. You have to push through it.

I’ll write a separate post on how I manage this phase, but for now:

• Take a step back and make sure you understand the basics.

• Find something that keeps you motivated.

• Consistency is key. Even if it’s just five minutes a day, do it. (Edit: You can search online for inspiration on scheduled plans. I found one that organizes language exercises into different categories based on how much time you have each day, which seems helpful. https://www.reddit.com/r/languagelearning/s/sSGUtORurM

Personally, I used AI to create a weekly plan kind of as a last resort before giving up on the language, but try looking for pre-made ones first.)

I personally enjoyed story learning during this phase. And don’t forget the frequency lists are still your best friend. For story learning check out Olly Richards books!

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Step 4 – Immersion

Your brain needs active and passive immersion. The earlier steps were mostly active, and now you’ll start the fun part.

How to Immerse Yourself:

1. Join some kind of community.

• I enjoy Reddit/ r/lean[Language]. Do this in your target language, but also in the language you already speak. Post that you’re looking for a chat partner in your target language. The most people are nice, and the mean ones will just ghost you anyway.

2. Watch shows.

• Subtitles only in your target language or drop English subtitles ASAP.

3. Listen to podcasts.

4. Read

I personally dislike media made for kids (except on low-energy days). For real immersion, pick something for adults.

5. Translate, write, and speak.

Before this, you wrote simple sentences using vocabulary. Now, put them to work:

• Translate texts.

• Keep a diary.

• Write short stories.

• Complain about the language in the language.

It doesn’t matter, just use it.

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Step 5 – Speaking

Start speaking earlier than you think you’re ready. Trust me. This is probably where most people disagree with me. I do think you should start by focusing on input, but the importance of output isn’t talked about enough.

Now, the real Anki (or any program with phrases + audio) comes into play. At lower levels, it doesn’t make sense to just start talking, since you wouldn’t even be able to recognize your mistakes. Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Repeat phrases out loud.

2. Record yourself speaking.

3. Compare your recording to the original audio and adjust your pronunciation.

If it’s a tonal language (or if you struggle with accents), start this even earlier.

Other Speaking Strategies:

• Shadowing – Repeat after native speakers.

• Reading aloud – Your own texts, books, anything.

• Talking to yourself.

• Talking to natives (if you’re brave).

I’m not here to fix social anxiety, but I am here to help with language learning, so just speak.

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Final Thoughts

• These steps overlap, and that’s fine.

• This is supposed to be fun. Learning just because you’re “too deep in” or because of school won’t cut it.

• If you’re lost, take a step back.

• I’m not a professional. I just think a straight answer is way too hard to find.

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If you have anything to add, feel free to share.

[yarensdiary]

Productivity days (3)🌙

I had a Presentation at university at 10.00a.m, i was successfully! (what a shame) 😇

Then today (20 November )my friends did celebrate and took a cake for my birthday when its did to be my birthday in November 16th , no one suprised to me. But they celebrated a words actually!

Anyway, im studying still to my national exam (yds) and im reading english book with general English because yds exam is grammar exam!

[yuyamuya]

Korean Emotions (part 1)

가뜬하다 (adj.) : refreshed; light-hearted 몸이나 마음이 가볍고 상쾌하다. Body or mind being light and refreshed. 예.) 가:너 오늘 기분이 굉장히 좋아 보인다? 나:과제를 다 끝냈더니 마음이 가뜬한 게 날아갈 것 같아.

가련하다 (adj.) : pitiful; poor; pathetic 마음이 아플 정도로 불쌍하다. Sadly sick or troubled. 예.) 직장에서 해고를 당하고 집에서 놀고 있는 형이 매우 가련하다.

가소롭다 (adj.) : ridiculous; absurd 비웃고 무시할 만하다. Deserving to be belittled and ignored. 예.) 형은 내 말을 형편없고 가소롭다는 듯이 들은 척도 안 했다.

가���다 (adj.) : feeling pity 마음이 아플 정도로 불쌍하고 딱하다. Feeling heartfelt pity or sympathy for someone. 예.) 나는 자식들을 먹여 살리느라 평생을 고생하신 어머니가 가엾게 느껴졌다.

가증스럽다 (adj.) : despicable; detestable 다른 사람의 말이나 행동이 화가 날 정도로 몹시 밉다. Behavior or a remark being mean or hypocritical enough to upset others. 예.) 승규는 남들 앞에서만 착한 척하는 지수의 행동이 가증스러웠다.

가책 (n.) : admonishment; rebuke 자기나 남의 잘못을 꾸짖음. The act of scolding oneself or others for doing something wrong. 예.) 나는 친구를 속이고 한동안 심한 죄책감과 가책에 시달렸다.

갈등하다 (v.) : be ambivalent 마음속에서 어떻게 할지 결정을 못 한 채 괴로워하다. To experience agony and inner struggle over what to decide. 예.) 나는 시험 준비를 할까 좋아하는 드라마를 볼까 한참을 갈등했다.

감개 (n.) : deep emotion 지난 일이 생각나서 마음속에서 솟아오르는 감동이나 느낌. One's state of feeling deeply moved and getting emotional from one's memory of past events. 예.) 작가는 몇 년 동안 고생하면서 쓴 소설이 출판된 것을 보고 깊은 감개에 젖었다.

감개무량하다 (adj.) : touched deeply; emotional 지난 일이 생각나서 마음속에서 느끼는 감동이 매우 크다. Feeling deeply moved and getting emotional from one's memory of past events. 예.) 상을 받은 여배우는 감개무량한 표정으로 소감을 이야기했다.

감격하다 (v.) : be touched 마음에 깊이 느끼어 매우 감동하다. To be deeply moved and touched by someone or something. 예.) 대회에서 일 등을 한 선수는 감격한 표정으로 소감을 말하였다.

감동하다 (v.) : be moved; be touched 강하게 느껴 마음이 움직이다. To be touched by something very deeply. 예.) 나는 어려운 환경에서도 꿈을 잃지 않고 살아가는 청년의 이야기를 듣고 무척 감동했다.

감명 (n.) : impression 잊을 수 없는 큰 감동을 느낌. 또는 그런 감동. A state of being deeply touched, or such a feeling. 예.) 지수는 가족의 사랑을 그린 영화를 보고 감명을 받아 눈물을 흘렸다.

감미롭다 (adj.) : mellow; sweet 달콤한 느낌이 있다. A story, voice, song, etc., sounding sweet. 예.) 김 감독은 사랑에 빠진 남녀의 행복하고 감미로운 사랑 이야기를 영화로 만들었다.

감복하다 (v.) : be impressed; be moved 진심으로 크게 감동하다. To be impressed deeply and sincerely. 예.) 공연이 끝난 후 관객들은 배우들의 훌륭한 연기에 감복해 박수를 쳤다.

감탄하다 (v.) : admire; wonder 마음속 깊이 크게 느끼다. To feel strongly and deeply about something. 예.) 관객들은 서커스 단원의 공중 묘기에 감탄하여 박수를 쳤다.

감회 (n.) : reminiscence 마음속에 일어나는 지난 일에 대한 생각이나 느낌. Thoughts or feelings on the past. 예.) 아버지는 돌아가신 할머니의 사진을 보며 감회에 젖으셨다.

개탄하다 (v.) : deplore; lament 분하거나 안타깝게 여겨 탄식하다. To sigh at something out of anger or regret. 예.) 나는 경솔한 말 한마디로 사랑하는 여자를 떠나보낸 뒤 자신이 어리석었다고 개탄했다.

거부감 (n.) : sense of refusal 어떤 것을 받아들이고 싶지 않은 느낌. The feeling of not wanting to accept something. 예.) 이 책은 고전을 청소년들의 눈높이에 알맞게 개작하여 그들이 거부감을 갖지 않고 쉽게 읽을 수 있다.

걱정하다 (v.) : worry; be worried; be concerned 좋지 않은 일이 있을까 봐 두려워하고 불안해하다. To feel fearful and anxious that something bad might happen. 예.) 그는 다가올 시험에 대해 항상 걱정했다.

겁나다 (v.) : be afraid; be scared 무서워하거나 두려워하는 마음이 들다. To feel afraid or scared of something. 예.) 나는 교통사고를 당한 이후 차 타는 것이 겁난다.

격노하다 (v.) : be furious; be enraged 몹시 화를 내다. To be extremely angry. 예.) 강제로 해고된 직원들이 회사에 격노하여 복직을 요구하는 시위를 벌였다.

격분하다 (v.) : be furious; be enraged 몹시 화를 내다. To be extremely angry. 예.) 사기 피해자들이 격분하여 사기꾼의 멱살을 잡고 분통을 터뜨렸다.

격정 (n.) : passion 강렬하고 갑자기 생기는 참기 어려운 감정. A powerful, sudden burst of uncontrollable emotion. 예.) 나는 알 수 없는 격정으로 가슴이 꽉 막히는 것 같았다.

겸연쩍다 (adj.) : embarrassed; abashed; sheepish; awkward 쑥스럽거나 미안하여 어색하다. Awkward due to being shy or sorry. 예.) 나는 짝사랑했던 그를 마주 대하기가 겸연쩍어 자리를 옮겼다.

sources:

KOR-EN Basic Korean Dictionary through Naver Dictionary. National Institute of Korean Language. Accessed 14 July 2024. <https://en.dict.naver.com/#/main>.

Park, In-Jo., & Min, Kyung-Hwan (2005). Making a List of Korean Emotion Terms and Exploring Dimensions Underlying Them. Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology, 19(1), 109-129.

[manonsdiarysblog]

📖✨ A little messy, a little productive. My desk is a mix of open books, scattered notes, and quiet determination today. Between pages and pens, I managed to dive into Duolingo lessons, revisit my favorite book, and organize the chaos (well, almost). Also, went to a new coffee shop, watch a movie and back home. ☕️

Sometimes it’s okay to study outside, I studied in my yard and it was more relaxing, it was different but good. 🌿

I’m also, trying to design my planner templates ✨🤎

It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up. Even if the papers don’t stay in place, the progress does. ☁️

[englishclubbers]

Basic phrases vs Advanced phrases

[sarcasticskyway]

Learning a new language shouldn't be awkward.

It feels awkward because unnecessary stigma causes you to feel that way. "Broken" English, "Silly" Japanese, "Odd" Spanish, etc. are all derogatory terms that are hurtful to people when they just seek a deeper understanding. The best way to practice a new language is to get out there and introduce yourself. Have a chat at a coffee shop, gab on the train, have fun with your friends. Travel if possible and interact with the locals. We are all individuals, and every language is beautiful. Communication is beautiful.

[vivicantstudy]

Unusual and Unique Words in English

1. Peregrinate: To travel or wander around from place to place, often used in a literary context.

2. Limerence: The state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person, typically characterized by intense romantic desire.

3. Susurrus: A soft, whispering or rustling sound, often used to describe the sound of wind or leaves.

4. Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time; fleeting or transitory.

5. Ethereal: Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world; otherworldly.

6. Quixotic: Extremely idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical; often used to describe someone who is romantically chivalrous.

7. Sonorous: Having a deep, pleasant sound; capable of producing a rich, full sound.

8. Melancholia: A deep, persistent sadness or gloom; a philosophical term for a state of profound sorrow.

9. Serendipity: The occurrence of happy or beneficial events by chance; a fortunate coincidence.

10. Wanderlust: A strong desire to travel and explore the world.

11. Zephyr: A gentle, mild breeze, often associated with the west wind in literature.

12. Sonder: The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

13. Epiphany: A moment of sudden and great revelation or insight.

14. Vellichor: The strange wistfulness of used bookstores, the nostalgic feeling associated with the scent and atmosphere of old books.

15. Nefarious: Wicked or criminal; often used to describe someone who is villainous.

16. Cogitate: To think deeply about something; to ponder or contemplate.

17. Dysphoria: A state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction, often used in discussions of mental health.

18. Nostalgia: A sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

19. Obfuscate: To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.

20. Panacea: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; often used in a metaphorical sense.

For new writers who want to enhance their vocabulary and make their writing more vivid and engaging!

[felic2q]

don't forget to be smart

[languageboutique]

[idiomland]

"Storm in a teapot" = a lot of anger or worry about something that is not important.

Example: I really think you're making a storm in a teapot over this. It's just a tiny scratch on the car! ⠀ Example: All the reports about global warming are a storm in a teapot - it's not as dangerous as they say. ⠀ Learn idioms in our app - https://onelink.to/zhdnr2

[mylinguaacademy]

Learn about modal verbs of permission

[londonlingo]

French phrases used in British academia

Did you know that there’s an array of French terms that are still used in British academia. The following is a list of terms that I’ve collected throughout this semester’s university readings:

Bête noire = “a person or thing strongly detested or avoided”

Fin de seìcle = “of, relating to, or characteristic of the close of the 19th century and especially its literary and artistic climate of sophistication, world-weariness, and fashionable despair”

Vis-à-vis = “in relation to”

À propos = “being both relevant and opportune”

Avant-garde = “an intelligentsia that develops new or experimental concepts especially in the arts”

Carte blanche = “full discretionary power”

Mise-en-scène = “the arrangement of actors and scenery on a stage for a theatrical production”

En rapport = “in harmony : in a state of mutual accord and sympathetic understanding” 

Savoir-faire = “capacity for appropriate action”

As always, all definitions sourced from Merriam Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/

[yarensdiary]

Productivity started with today (1)🤍

For learn a new language then you can listen to podcasts so i did so too🤞🏻

I'm originally from turkey but I'm learning English for using and Bulgarian language (because of my mom is Bulgarian)

Im reading book like a nowel for my improve, like i will improve myself..

Also im a graphic design student and i dont take a photo about that what im doing at school so much..

And please don't force too much yourself to study about bla bla (you know) you should get outside and take a breath🤞🏻

[gardenofwordss]

Learn common vegetable names in English with flashcards and clear pronunciation! This video will help you expand your English vocabulary and improve your pronunciation as you listen and repeat each word.

[irregularcards]

"Outdraw" = attract a larger audience. ⠀ Past / Past Participle: outdrew / outdrawn ⠀ Example: Joe couldn't believe that such a nerd like Mike outdrew all girls on the beach. ⠀ Example: She outdraws all male stars at the box office. ⠀ Learn irregular verbs in our app - https://onelink.to/9ssyrh