Answers
Feb 16, 2012 - 11:15 PM
great idea I may try it. Thanks
Feb 17, 2012 - 07:18 AM
Myrt -- so this essentially simulates the Write the Word/Phrase you Read workouts, right?
Feb 17, 2012 - 10:26 AM
Yes it does simulate the hear then write part of the exercises. It seems to me that French is spoken in bursts and you have to learn those bursts that sound little like the words do separately. The Flash Cards help with that. I just hope the Fluenze folks keep improving this very valuable resource. I spend more time with the Flash Cards than I do the lessons.
Feb 21, 2012 - 12:17 PM
Myrt – I totally agree with you. With the workouts, I felt like my comprehension was lacking and I needed more repetition. The flashcards mimic the write-the-word/phrase-you-read and repeat workouts, but if you (1) cover the screen or, what I do is make the window smaller so I can only see the arrows and use my arrow keys to advance or repeat, and (2) use the “French/English-Old School-Super Random” mode -- then not only does it help me with the rhythm of French, but also improves my listening comprehension.
Mar 20, 2012 - 12:59 AM
Myrt - Thank you so much for the tip! Now I am using the flash cards in Writing mode for two different practice sessions: (1) Translating the Fluenz written English text into typed French text, as well as (2) translating the Fluenz spoken French into typed French text. I do the latter by not looking at the screen when displaying the written text with the Return key and activating the spoken French with the down arrow. While still not looking at the screen, I type what I heard, then look up and compare my typed text against the Fluenz written text for accuracy and possible typo's before hitting Return.
I would love it if I could alternate the mode between Writing and Spoken so the process would be less awkward, but I'm pleased that with your tip I can extend my practice sessions from just reading and typing to listening and typing. Thanks again!
I would love it if I could alternate the mode between Writing and Spoken so the process would be less awkward, but I'm pleased that with your tip I can extend my practice sessions from just reading and typing to listening and typing. Thanks again!
Mar 20, 2012 - 01:13 AM
In addition to this, there are several ways to make the lessons go further than intended. Instead of simply matching phrases by dragging and dropping, only look at the english translations and translate them yourself with a pen and paper and check your answers. On the 'Repeat the phrases' section of a workout, do not look at the phrases, simply play them and try to figure it out. Once you do, look at the translation and repeat it at least 5 times to perfect your pronunciations. This adds an additional 30-45 minutes to your workouts, but it is well worth it.
Mar 22, 2012 - 01:53 PM
Thanks Tyler really good ideas that I'm going to use immediately.
Mar 22, 2012 - 05:22 PM
Flashcards are also very helpful in Spanish. I have finished all 5 levels and now use the flashcards every day.
Mar 22, 2012 - 07:59 PM
J Webb, I am always curious about where people are in their language development people who have finished the entire program, or who are close to finishing it. Since you have completed the program could you share some things like; how confident are you in your Spanish skills? Have you travled and used it successfully? Have you talked to any native speakers, if so, how would they rate you? What is your next step?
Mar 23, 2012 - 05:03 PM
Tyler, I have completed all 5 Levels of Spanish. It took 2 years. I went to Cabo San Lucas last month. If I had time to form the phrase or sentence, I could do it pretty accurately. If the Mexican responded slowly with just a phrase or two, I could understand. However, under pressure, the conjugations left me. My husband fell down a flight of steps, and I yelled, "Emergencia" but used "Ayudarme". However, I guess it got the point across. I felt the most confident reading the signs. Reading came much easier than speaking or listening.