Show HN: I wrote a book on language learning and released it free | Hacker News Reader

Show HN: I wrote a book on language learning and released it free

29 pointsjamager9 comments

As hard as I tried, I didn't find a modern language learning book that's either very academic, or like "master a language with my super-magic great method in 3 months".

So I dug into the academic research, tried many techniques myself, saw what worked, wrote a book for learners of any language and any level, and made it free without ads.

Today, finally, a 2 years-long project ends. I hope it helps anyone.

Book's here: https://thehardway.guide/

Cheers

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Thanks, this is really cool. I can't wait to read more.

yw, I hope you like it... any feedback is of course welcome

interesting, at 100 pages i can skim it. i tried learning spanish, and lost some motivation after getting overwhelmed lol.

the comprehensive input thing caught my eye though. i never dug into it much. reddit spanish subs really hype dreamingspanish, idk it seems to good to be true, like with no effort except listening and I can learn? curious about some opinions about it.

With no effort no, that's why the domain name ;)

The great inside (for me) of the comprehensive input theory is the idea of trying extensive reading first: focus on the message, don't look up words, avoid interruptions, be ok not understanding everything, keep at it for a good while.

Then you can do a "second pass" with a stronger focus on language and new words to really drive it home, but the first extensive pass is important, and yes, a bit more effortless (if you find the right resources, and depending on level and language).

The original theory made more controversial claims that have been heavily criticized and they go a bit against the experience of many learners, name that you can only learn when you read and listen.

yeah that makes sense, i think that youtube channel i mentioned and communtity beleive that you can learn only from listening/watching. idk I found my self leaning on the spanish I learned in highschool that wasn't fun or easy

I am old and teaching myself Spanish. I am starting with the Fluent Forever 625 list of words with an anki deck and then I will worry about other aspects of the language. A native speaker audio saying the word and then an image of what the word is on the other side is pretty ideal.

btw, if you like, I'd appreciate if you help me share it, just for the sake of seeing one's work being useful!

Congrats on finishing this. I love the domain name!

Link doesn't seem to be working

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