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Duolingo

(24 Posts)
Streaky Tue 08-Nov-22 17:43:42

Has anyone been using Duolingo since it changed its format. I’m finding it a bit frustrating trying to find where I left off in the old format. There doesn’t seem to be a vocabulary for new lessons or helpful grammar hints anymore. I’m wondering if it is because I use an iPad and have been trying to progress without having to pay. I wish they’d just left well alone, I can’t see how the new version is an improvement.

Grandmabatty Tue 08-Nov-22 17:58:04

No, I'm finding it frustrating too. I use it on my phone.

Blondiescot Tue 08-Nov-22 18:02:09

Mine hasn't changed, but I'm seeing a lot of complaints from people who are very unhappy with the new format. I certainly won't be coerced into paying for the 'super' version, but I will admit I'd be reluctant to give up my 2207-day streak.

Blossoming Tue 08-Nov-22 18:20:23

The structure and content of the Scots Gaelic lessons has changed but I prefer it now I’m getting used to it. I still have all my points and my streak. I’m just ignoring the adverts as usual and won’t be going to the paid version. It’s fine as it is and I’m also watching some YouTube videos which are great for pronunciation.

TerriBull Tue 08-Nov-22 18:25:14

Yes I mentoned it on another Duolingo related thread a couple of days ago. I can use the old format on my phone, so I'm doing some of the new on laptop but going back to phone for some unfinished exercises. I'm not sure what I think of the new format yet.

Nannylovesshopping Tue 08-Nov-22 20:28:32

I def don’t like the new format!

CanadianGran Tue 08-Nov-22 21:41:54

Blondiscot, that is quite a streak! What language, and do you feel proficient enough that you could be conversational?

NanKate Tue 08-Nov-22 21:58:58

I wish I could print off the grammar advice for each module. I would buy an accompanying text book but there isn’t one. ☹️

I seem to be coping with the new format but everyday as I log off I get that annoying advert to sign up for the Family Plan which I ignore now.

I’m on 1135 days of Spanish and am reasonable at reading Spanish but not having a conversation. I only want to learn the language to keep my brain working. It is a lovely language.

JackyB Wed 09-Nov-22 07:06:32

I was on over 600 days of Polish but I can't get on with the new look at all and have stopped. I will have to get out the books I used to work with.

I had a look on the website but there doesn't seem to be anywhere where you can post feedback except on Twitter or Reddit.

I'm not joining either of them just to complain about Duolingo and anyway, plenty of people seem to be complaining already.

I'm out.

Blondiescot Wed 09-Nov-22 08:32:18

I've been doing Turkish from the start - and while far from fluent, I can hold a conversation. A few years back, we stayed in a small hotel where we were the only non-Turkish guests and none of the staff spoke English, and I was really proud of myself because I managed to make myself understood. I'm sure I've given the Turks a few laughs with my pronunciation, but they genuinely appreciate that I'm making an effort to learn. I've also dabbled in the Scottish Gaelic course too.

Mollygo Wed 09-Nov-22 11:36:59

I don’t mind the new formula now I’ve tried it but I’m on 2420 days, so I wouldn’t quit anyway. I like the chance to earn points for a Legendary half way along a unit as well as at the end and the points for review challenge.
I miss the extra points for summarising stories and I wish they would do stories for Dutch.

Rainwashed Wed 09-Nov-22 12:12:49

I didn’t like the new format at first but am getting used to it.

Gin Wed 09-Nov-22 14:21:44

I am quite new to Duolingo and find it totally confusing. Where do you find grammar hints? I am used to learning language by knowing the bricks that build the grammar but this just plunges one into usage and at the moment I am completely flummoxed over pronouns . I am learning Dutch and only on level 7

Wheniwasyourage Wed 09-Nov-22 17:21:13

The grammar hints for each section are at the beginning of the section, Gin. I'm trying to catch up by doing the Level Up challenges at the end of the sections in I didn't previously reach Legendary(if that makes sense). Think I'll get used to the new arrangement, but at the moment I'm doing Italian, in which I'm just a beginner, so there isn't so much to go over. I find Dutch and French more complicated to get hold of because I was further on before it all changed. In fact I had finished Dutch on the blue level, but now, apparently, I haven't finished it!

CanadianGran Wed 09-Nov-22 19:14:55

Blondiescot and Mollygo - wow, I can't imagine keeping such a long streak going!

I started with French quite a few years ago prior to a trip. It did bring me back into practice, but I still had people switch to English as soon as I tried my French! It did make me chuckle, but I also know the French are sticklers for pronunciation. I know because my parents were fluent, and always correcting us on our pronunciation.

Streaky Wed 09-Nov-22 19:53:31

Thank you for all the replies to my post. I’m glad I’m not alone in struggling a bit with the new layout. I am also in awe of those posters with such long streaks, I am studying Scottish Gaelic and thought I was doing well with my 104 day streak!
I shall persevere with the new Duolingo but I’ll also be making use of some of the other excellent resources on the Net.
Good luck with all your studies.

TerriBull Sat 12-Nov-22 10:17:52

Rats! I was doing some French catching up with exercises (old format) on my phone, where they WERE still available, went off to make a coffee, returned only to find new format is now on phone tooshock So that's it sadly the familiar style which it seems most of us preferred has gone for good [sad

Mollygo Sat 12-Nov-22 10:35:37

Duolingo users, do you finish one language and move on to another or do you have several on the go at once?
I like to have several on the go at once, so that I get a break from one I’m finding difficult.

TerriBull Sat 12-Nov-22 10:53:49

I have contemplated doing another Latin based language, they are the world's most beautiful languages, to my ears at any rate. My husband does Spanish not on Duolingo he uses several other sites. I'd probably opt for Italian not so dissimilar to French and there's always hand talk with Italian if mind goes blank, which happens, it's so much easier to read and translate than to make conversation. Anyone who is fluent in a couple of languages is a genius to megrin For the moment I'll stick with French and as well as Duolingo investigate some other on line language sites

Mollygo Wed 23-Nov-22 10:44:51

When I’m in Portugal next year, I’m not sure that Duolingo teaching me tosay Potatoes don’t wear hats. is going to be very useful.
Which unlikely to be needed phrase is your favourite?

Kate1949 Wed 23-Nov-22 11:44:27

I've been trying to learn Italian on Duolingo. I hasn't taught me any basics. I'm not sure 'The girl eats an apple' will be of much use.

Blondiescot Wed 23-Nov-22 13:22:16

Mollygo

When I’m in Portugal next year, I’m not sure that Duolingo teaching me tosay Potatoes don’t wear hats. is going to be very useful.
Which unlikely to be needed phrase is your favourite?

The Turkish course has some crackers! I can confidently say 'my pink elephant is reading the newspaper' as well as 'you know nothing, Jon Snow' in Turkish! Oh and 'if I meet a French man, I will drink wine with him every day'.

Mollygo Wed 23-Nov-22 22:40:12

Dutch on Duolingo seemed to be obsessed with rhinoceros in the first few lessons .

Wheniwasyourage Thu 24-Nov-22 17:07:00

Mollygo

Duolingo users, do you finish one language and move on to another or do you have several on the go at once?
I like to have several on the go at once, so that I get a break from one I’m finding difficult.

I'm like you, having several on the go at once. At the moment I'm getting easy points by doing the legendary levels in French (which I still remember from school) at 40 points a shot, and also tidying up some of the legendary levels in the other languages as a bit of revision.

You must admit, Mollygo, you will never be stuck if you need to report the presence of a rhinoceros to the Dutch police, should you come across one in the streets of Rotterdam or Utrecht. Or an elephant, come to that. They seem to be keen on them too. 🦏 🐘