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how to learn a language when duolingo isn't cutting it

I know sometimes we try to learn a language through these fancy programs and games, but here are some other activities and ideas if you feel like you're stuck

Use a dictionary. Not an online one, a paper copy. The bigger the better. It helps you think of the grammar (e.g. conjugations) so it's not just available at the touch of a screen. (if you really can't find a word in the dictionary, thencheck online).

Read books and articles and look up and write down every word you don't know. Then, when you've looked up the words, read over it again, checking your new vocab list when you come across the words you don't know. You can make these words into flashcards, but you don't have to. Eventually, you'll have a pretty solid base on common words because of this.

Translate with only your dictionary and your brain. Similar to number one, but treat the translating like an exercise. If you're translating into your target language (or even into your native language) get a native speaker to check it over.

As for what you should translate, go for passages of articles and books, or songs. Preferably what you like or find interesting, but go for some slightly boring stuff as well for variety.

Drill verb conjugations with flashcards, especially irregulars.

Listen to music in the language and sing along to the lyrics. This really helps if the writing system is different to your native language's, but it also helps reading speed regardless. The more words you know, the faster you'll become, usually.

473 notes View Post

papilonblanche

4 years ago

Virgo (m) and Pisces (f) “Hearts don’t break around here”

Virgo is a goal oriented, hardworking type of person, who will not and does not rest until they have finished their share of responsibilities and duties for the day. Virgo’s are serious and mature individuals who often might appear reserved and simply busy at a task at hand to be approached by someone. They are the person everyone else relies on when the going gets though to pull through and “take the wheel”, meaning that the Virgo is used to having the weight of the world on their shoulders and silently bearing it without making a fuss about it. Apart from being the back-bone of the society, they have a caring and protective kind of nature, always looking after the underdogs and the oppressed, for they experienced how it feels to be in that position once or twice in their lifetime. When looking for a partner they want someone who will be just as committed as they are in a relationship. A soft heart, that knows how to love as deeply as they do, for Virgos are tired of people who play games and just use them for their money/security/or status that they have. Virgos are known to be the provider, yet most people take that for granted and misuse their good will and helping hand, leaving them broken and feeling empty. That’s why the want a partner who will appreciate the effort they put in and truly love them for who they are, giving them the peace and security they so crave, and even a little bit of admiration and praise to lift up their spirits every now and then.

Pisces are dreamers, kind and loving people who put the emphasis on love and relationships in their life. They desire someone who will treat them as a “princess”, and behave as the prince charming you see in movies. In return they give the person their full support, love and unquestionable loyalty. Pisces look for a stable and reliable partner who is well off and who will take the lead in their relationship, wooing and courting the Pisces like a gentleman. They like someone with will power and a dominating personality, yet someone who will have a spot towards them and never lose their temper. Pisces make the best lovers, they will shower their special person with creative and usually hand made gifts and their endless attention, admiration and unexpected surprises. The chosen person will feel as if they are the most important person in the world. Moreover, Pisces are empaths who feel everything too deeply and must therefore express their emotions to the people around them. They need someone who will be gentle and understanding with them. Additionally, this is the sign that knows heart break, they have had their fare share of failed relationships, betrayal and disappointment. Always falling for someone who was careless with their heart and turned out not what they had hoped for.

Virgos have also experienced too many heart breaks and let-downs and ,therefore, are tired of being used and taken for granted. A relationship between these two signs would be full of understanding, mutual support and security in one another. Both know how it feels to be lonely and would never intentionally inflict pain on their partner. Virgo would take charge,provide and protect their Pisces, and in return the Pisces would give them unconditional love, cuddles and the softness of their presence. Pisces will take notice of every little deed the Virgo does for them and thank them double for it, always making sure the Virgo gets the appreciation for all the hard work they put into. This is a soft and gentle kind of love, that gives one rest and does not tire one out.

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papilonblanche

6 years ago

Staying Organized as a Lazy Girl

To start: Rake through all your junk in your desk drawers, under your bed, and every other nook and cranny. And if you’re anything like me, you might be a bit of a hoarder, so throw that old receipt away (or old kinder egg surprise in my case) and move on. Ask yourself, will I really need this in the future?

1. Now that that’s all done, my number 1 thing is to keep things minimal! Don’t go overboard with decorating because in the long run there will be an accumulation of clutter again.

2. Use baskets, small box shelves, and boxes for storage. Inside of these there is no organization whatsoever but at least it makes me look and feel organized.

3. Use mason jars to store things. I use them for my pens and pencils, makeup brushes, and to hold small change.

4. Keep a hamper nearby so that you aren’t tempted to throw clothes on the floor or on the back of that chair. You know which chair I’m talking about, the one that’s about to topple over, yea that one.

5. Make your bed in the morning! It takes two minutes, and all I do is pull the comforter up to the pillows and fold it back. This will put your whole day in motion towards feeling more organized (The throw pillows don’t make it up there every morning but I try.)

6. Now this step (is extra) was hard for me, so this is more like an if-you-are-up-for-it kind of a step. I started to make a bullet journal, creating pretty lists made me feel like I had my life together even though I spent no time doing actual work and I spent two hours trying to make sure the letter ‘h’ was pretty. So if you decide to tackle it maybe set aside some time on a weekend afternoon to creating a pretty list of things you’d like to do this fall!