Learning a Language
 

I finally decided I waste too much time on layovers on fb and APC, and am going to start learning some languages. It's on my bucket list, I do a fair amount of International, and have time to spare for it.

As a retired mil guy, I tried the Defense Language Institute, since their reputation is sterling. They have free on-line programs....but they aren't compatible with an ipad. :mad:

I found a site called Duolingo. Free, no ads (run by a non-profit). I speak a smattering of Spanish and German (as proficient as a two-year old), and the site seemed pretty good, although my limited background was definitely needed in the lessons.

My question for APCers: have you found other sites that you would Recommend? Or is this a good one to stick with?

Rosetta Stone has a sterling reputation.
On my bucket list too: Learn Spanish and one can have a lot of fun in South America.
Dear Santa..

Rosetta stone is great, but fairly pricey.

If I brought my laptop on trips, I could do DLI for free....but I don't want to lug that thing around.

This Duolingo site has a slogan: "friends don't let friends pay for language software!", which I thought was pretty funny.

So, I was curious if there were other free sites that people had good experiences with.

With respect, the only cost, seemingly, to your learning a new language using a sterling program is lugging a laptop around--so it's not worth the cost?

Yeah, I honestly don't have room for it. Since I am required to bring the ipad, I wanted something compatible.

I hate rosetta stone my Spanish professor recommended Duolingo and musica.com to start off.

Thanks! I'll try both.

Another vote for Duolingo. It has some functionality while offline and has a similar teaching style to Rosetta Stone. I've heard it is not 100% accurate, but it is free...

Look into Mango as well. I haven't used their app yet, but tried the browser version a couple years ago and was happy with it. I don't know what it costs now.

Sounds like Duolingo has fixed its leaks:

How to control information leaks from smartphone apps | KurzweilAI

Not using the app, just on-line.

So far, I like it.