The popular language-learning program Duolingo cut 10 percent of its contracted translators last month amid a generative AI push.
  • Hyperreality
    33•11 months ago

    Honestly, when it comes to duolingo, you’re probably best off sticking to Spanish or stuff like that.

    I tried out a course in my native language, and it really wasn’t great beyond the basics. Loads of mistakes.

    And if you’re going to be paying for that, you might as well buy (or pirate) a proper Spanish course.

    • @zaphod@sopuli.xyz
      17•11 months ago

      Spanish or French and only if you speak English. Everything else might as well not exist.

      • @The_Terrible_Humbaba@beehaw.org
        8•11 months ago

        That’s a bit over the top, in my opinion. I’ve tried plenty of courses, and Duolingo is pretty good to get a hang of the basics of a language.

        I’d say, in my experience, the hardest part of learning a language is getting started, and I feel Duolingo is perfect just for that. To get deeper knowledge and become more comfortable, one should probably switch once they start feeling more comfortable with the alphabet (if there is a specific one), and with the basic vocabulary and grammar.

        EDIT: Forgot to add but another advantage of Duolingo, is that it’s also great to get a taste and basic feel for different languages; and that can be especially useful for someone who is looking to learn a new language but can’t quite decide on one.

        • @Kalothar@lemmy.ca
          0•11 months ago

          Been using a multifaceted approach to cramming Italian in my little brain:

          • Anki flashcards (this is my main thing)
          • conversational pod casts
          • movies, shows and music
          • lastly, Duolingo

          Any suggestions on what I could be using instead of Duolingo?

          • Bob
            1•11 months ago

            I notice Duolingo is your only form of output. Is that a conscious decision? Otherwise I’d second the recommendation for something involving speaking to someone with the patience to, or who agrees to, have a conversation with you.

            • @Kalothar@lemmy.ca
              2•11 months ago

              Yeah, it is at the moment for the most part. My girlfriend is fluent in Spanish, and I have talked to her about general concepts that overlap.

              We decided after I started getting deeper into the language that we should maybe not do that as much so I don’t pick up bad or flat out wrong habits.

              I myself am of an Italian descent, however the relatives I have that speak it either live in Italy still and are estranged or sadly have passed away. There is an Italian grocery store near me, and I have heard them speaking it so I was hoping to strike a couple friendships up over time there.