How to Learn a Foreign Language

How to learn a foreign language?

Learning a foreign language can be a challenge, especially for students with dyslexia or learning disorders. However, tools like Duolingo make this learning more accessible and motivating through interactive and tailored methods. Here's how Duolingo can help you progress in a new language, even with learning difficulties.

Why learn a foreign language with Duolingo?

Duolingo is a popular app that offers fun and progressive learning. With interactive exercises and short sessions, it is particularly suited for students with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. Here’s why:

1. Clear and repetitive structure:

The lessons follow a repetitive format that facilitates memorization. Words and phrases recur regularly to reinforce learning without overwhelming memory.

2. Personalised progression:

Duolingo adapts to your pace and offers exercises based on your performance, which avoids frustration related to overly complex tasks.

3. Diverse formats:

The app combines listening, reading, and writing, which stimulates multiple learning modes and helps Dys students to better understand and retain information.

4. Immediate feedback:

Instant corrections allow you to understand your mistakes without delay, a valuable aid for effective progress.

Useful Duolingo features for Dys students

1. Audio and pronunciation:

Listening exercises help you get accustomed to the language without focusing solely on the written form. You can repeat words as many times as necessary and compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker.

2. Colourful visuals:

Colorful interfaces and pictograms help associate words with images, which is particularly useful for students with visual or memory difficulties.

3. Short sessions:

Each lesson lasts between 5 and 10 minutes, ideal for students with concentration difficulties or those who tire quickly.

4. Spaced repetition:

Duolingo uses a method that brings back words and phrases in subsequent lessons, reinforcing long-term memorization, even for those with memory challenges.

5. Supplementary resources:

With podcasts, quizzes, and interactive stories, the app offers varied formats that help consolidate learning in a fun way.

Tips to optimise your learning with Duolingo

1. Listen multiple times:

Enable the repeat option to hear words or phrases multiple times before responding.

2. Use a vocabulary notebook:

Write down the words and phrases that you find difficult in a notebook for later review.

3. Have regular but short sessions:

Prefer sessions of 5 to 10 minutes each day instead of long occasional sessions to maintain regular and effective learning.

4. Combine Duolingo with other resources:

Use flashcards, watch videos in the target language, or use adapted books to supplement your learning.

Other supplementary resources for Dys students

1. Speechify:

An app that reads texts aloud, ideal for students with reading difficulties.

2. Memrise:

An app similar to Duolingo, with a greater emphasis on learning through repetition and memorization.

3. LingQ:

A platform that allows you to learn a language through adapted readings with visual aids and translations.

Conclusion

Learning a foreign language with Dyslexia is entirely possible thanks to tools like Duolingo, which offers a playful, interactive, and progressive method. With its tailored features, the app helps students overcome their difficulties and progress at their own pace. By combining Duolingo with other resources and personalised tips, you can master a new language while enjoying the learning process. So, are you ready to give it a try? 😊