J'aime Memrise

It has never been more clear to me, that I am the kind of person who requires constant variety and change, than during my language learning escapades. If I find myself doing the same thing over and over, suddenly the cat needs some snuggles or the dishes need to be done. (Just kidding, I would do ANY form of studying before I do dishes...)

The point is, variety is the spice of life!!

App Updates

I used Memrise for a little while during the initial stages of my Spanish studies. (About 2 years ago) I think it lasted maybe a couple of weeks before I moved back to Duolingo. I installed it again just recently and I am happy to report that the new version of the app (for Android at least) is much more user friendly, a little more eye-catching and offers 'badges' for the studious study-er. And who doesn't want to collect all of the badges and prove they are awesome??

They even have a new course for Spanish (Which I haven't explored because my brain doesn't like mixing languages. I'll check it out once my French is a little better.)

The beginner French is nice and easy, and progresses at a wonderful pace. There are of course the odd phrases that seem.... less than useful. Por ejamplo: (My first Spanish teacher loved to use this phrase and I think it will be the one thing I will NEVER forget. Ever.) Est-ce que tu es séduisant? 
  
Please, please tell me when I will need to use this? It is firmly entrenched in my memory now and I feel that if I don't use it I will be wasting all the brainpower that went into my studying.

However, despite this entertaining proclivity, which I have found in nearly all language courses, I'm enjoying the app and would definitely recommend it if you're in the market for something new! I should note, there is a paid portion of the app, which I haven't tried, but you can get along just fine with the free version!

Memrise Features

• Clean, straightforward design 
• In the basic levels you see, hear and spell the words/phrases
• New words are quickly added to sentences so you are working with phrases as well as individual words.
• Clear audio recordings. Speech is at the perfect speed for beginners in the A1 French Course.
• Spaced-repetition so that you review the words before you have a chance to forget them
• Several different styles of lessons
• Learning Phase
• Review Phase
• Timed Review
• Audio Review (Pro)
• Adjustable Daily Goals
• Memrise notes words that you frequently miss and allows you to review these 'difficult words' at any time. (Pro)
• Literal translations of phrases (I find these help me remember word order a little better.) 
• Can be used on mobile devices or the computer
• The computer version offers a 'Groups' feature that allows you to study with others
• Memes to help those who need to make connections in order to easily remember

So there you have it. Yet another way to start learning the language you've been considering learning, or have already started! In today's world, there really is no excuse. Not enough time? You can use this app for 10 minutes a day and you'll still learn. No money? It's FREE! Too hard? Pfft. That one is all in your head my dear! xoxo

Side Note: Memrise actually has a rather neat kickstarter on the go - They are planning to launch a video dictionary. Using a variety of native speakers for each language, their goal is to record 10k different phrases in each language. If you're interested in checking it out just follow this link or just watch the video below!

Support this Kickstarter Project

Ends December 17, 2015 

Let Us Welcome to the Stage: FRENCH!!

 

Life is funny. It seems that from almost the moment I decided to commit to this blog, I also began planning for my next trip. As details solidified I realized that as useful as Spanish will be to me, there are other languages that would be equally important for this next adventure. So I began sharing my Spanish Material --- and then decided that learning Basic French was more important right now than improving my Spanish. I know more than enough to get by, but my French was limited to please and thank you. 

As such I have decided to change the focus a little, and will instead share the material I am using for both my new French Studies and any Spanish review that I do. I hope that you will still find my intermittent posts useful as I make my way though this next endeavor.

I've only been studying French for a few weeks now. I started, as I am wont to, with Duolingo. I love the free service. I like the colour and the ease of it. (See my post on the Spanish Duolingo Course). I also know that Duolingo is not at all sufficient. It's just one foundation block among many.

My New Favorite Audio Course

I have spent the last few weeks searching for an audio course that I like. This is easier said than done. The recording needs to be of decent quality. It needs to capture my attention and it cannot bore me to tears.

I've finally found one.

I had never heard of it before. The recordings were done more than a decade ago by a polyglot who began his journey into languages amongst the aftermath of the first world war and the turmoil of the second.

The recordings are of him, conducting a class with two students. The first few minutes are a little awkward, and you're likely to be distracted by his slight Polish accent. And then all of sudden you're so caught up in learning this new language, in a way completely different than any other audio course, that you just can't seem to stop until your brain is so exhausted it just can't handle any more.

The Michel Thomas Method

 

He's a little intense. He has high expectations for his students; but if you can let yourself get caught up in the teaching -- you will be blown away by how much you learn. And how brilliant the man teaching the class is.

I'm about halfway through the total French course right now, and I'm already contemplating buying the Spanish ones for review. I can't comment on the other courses at the moment... but the French one? I love it. It is exactly the type of course I needed. I can't wait to finish it. I actually feel like I'm absorbing the material faster than usual, more easily.

As with Duolingo - an audio course is just one more brick for the foundation, it is never enough on its own  - but if you've had trouble finding a course you like, maybe this one would tickle your fancy too. :)

Amazon.com -- Total French: Revised (Learn French with the Michel Thomas Method)
or
Amazon.ca