Pivoting Your Language Learning: From Duolingo to a Structured Approach with Assimil

Dear learner, it's a common experience to encounter frustration while learning a new language. If you've realized that the resources you are using, like Duolingo, aren't sufficient for your needs, you might be searching for a more structured and effective approach. This article will guide you through the process of transitioning from a casual, gamified app to a comprehensive, book-based learning method utilizing the famous Assimil language courses. Whether you're learning French or German, or even both, we will explore the best strategies and resources to help you achieve fluency.

Understanding Your Learning Habits and Level

The first step in re-evaluating your language learning journey is to assess your current status and learning habits. If you are a beginner, Duolingo can be a fun and engaging way to start, but it may not be sufficient for progressing beyond a certain level. Duolingo is popular for its gamification, making it appealing to many learners, but it often lacks the depth and consistency needed for long-term success. For this reason, it is not recommended for everyone, and the decision to use it or not depends on your personal learning preferences and the specific language you are studying.

Choosing Suitable Resources for French and German

For a beginner in French, Assimil is a highly recommended option. Derived from the well-known Pimsleur language courses, Assimil materials are known for their natural and effective approach to language learning. Although Assimil can be quite expensive, many learners find it invaluable. Similarly, for German, you might consider Klett or Langenscheidt. These well-established publishers offer comprehensive resources that can help you build a solid foundation in the language. It's essential to visit a bookstore and try different materials to determine which suits your learning style and needs best. However, it's crucial to acquire only one language course at a time to avoid overwhelming content overload.

Building a Strong Language Foundation

Once you have chosen your course, the next step is to focus on building a strong foundation in the language. The target should be to reach a firm A2 level, where you have a solid grasp of the basics. At this stage, you can start incorporating comprehensible input into your daily routine. This could involve reading simple texts, listening to easy audio, or watching videos in the target language. The key is to be consistent and patient, as mastering a new language requires a significant time investment.

Gradual Progression and Prioritizing Languages

Many learners make the mistake of attempting to learn multiple languages simultaneously, but this is generally not a wise strategy. The human brain has a limited capacity for language learning, and attempting to master too many languages at once can lead to frustration and poor outcomes. It's best to focus on one language at a time, dedicating your efforts to achieving a firm B1 or B2 level before moving on to the next. This approach not only ensures that you acquire a solid foundation but also gives you the confidence and skills to tackle more advanced material.

According to experienced language learners, the journey from A2 to B1, and eventually to B2, can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years, depending on your dedication and the amount of time you can allocate to learning.

Recommending Learning Resources

To further support your language learning journey, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the following resources:

Luca Lampariello: This YouTube channel provides valuable insights and tips on language acquisition, particularly for those who are advancing in their studies. Steve Kaufman: Steve Kaufman offers a wealth of information on language learning methods and strategies through his YouTube channel. Canguro English: Canguro English is a YouTube channel that specializes in language learning and offers practical advice and resources, including videos and courses.

Additionally, there are numerous other YouTube channels and online tutorials that can be valuable resources for your language learning journey. These channels often provide actionable insights, language practice, and motivational content that can help you stay engaged and on track.

Personal Experiences and Encouragement

From my own experience, I can attest that you can learn a new language every day by incorporating a few new words and expressions into your daily routine. However, vocabulary, syntax, and grammar cannot be effectively learned from an app alone or even from self-study without a teacher's guidance. It's normal to feel that you have made little progress or that you are not mastering the language as quickly as you would like. Patience is key in language learning, and it's important to remind yourself that progress comes gradually.

Regarding your challenges with French and German, let's consider the context in which you learned these languages. Learning French in school and then working in Spain and the Czech Republic might not have provided you with the speaking practice you needed. However, this doesn't mean that your language learning efforts are in vain. Learning a language is a continuous process, and the more you use and practice it, the better you will become. The issue might be more about the type of learning and the environment you are in, rather than the language itself.

My advice is to not worry excessively and to continue your learning journey. As you immerse yourself in different cultures and languages, your understanding will deepen, and your ability to communicate will improve. Whether you are learning Romanian as your native language or a second language, the key is to continue putting in the effort and maintaining a positive attitude. With dedication and the right resources, you can master any language you set your mind to.