I thought those 'learn a language in 30 days' apps were a total scam, but I'm actually speaking basic Spanish now.

For years I rolled my eyes at the ads promising fluency fast. Then my friend in Miami bet me I couldn't learn enough to order a meal on a trip. I used one of the popular apps for just 15 minutes a day for 6 weeks. I was shocked when I could actually ask for directions and understand the menu at a restaurant in Tampa last weekend. On one side, maybe these apps just teach you phrases, not real grammar. On the other, getting over the fear of speaking is half the battle. Has anyone else had a surprise success with something they thought was just hype?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_betty3mo ago

Honestly, that tracks. I used one to prep for a trip to Portugal and the biggest win was just not freezing up at a cafe. You're right, it's all phrases, but that's what you need at first. I found writing down three new sentences from the app each day and saying them out loud made them stick way better than just tapping the screen.

ray_mitchell3mo ago

Ngl, I was the same way. But getting those basic phrases down actually gave me the confidence to try a real conversation.

quinn_king161mo ago

Ray, that part about not freezing up is exactly what I felt. The difference between knowing words and actually spitting them out in the moment is wild. @the_betty, you mentioned writing down three sentences a day - did you just pick random ones from the app, or did you try to focus on stuff you knew you'd actually say out loud? I found the app's built in voice practice helped me get over feeling dumb, but only when nobody else was around to hear me.