Learning Norwegian for Dummies
Starting to learn a new language can be difficult. It takes time, patience, and unrelenting focus. Within the first week of learning Norwegian, I have already failed in all three of these categories.
1. I had made a goal to take 15 minutes each day to work on Duolingo. However, I ended up only using the time I was allotted during class for the Genius Hour. This is no beuno (I haven't learned that phrase in Norwegian yet) because learning a new language requires daily practice. As I get better at making my practices a part of my daily routine, I will begin to recognize the Norwegian phrases more readily and with greater ease.
2. Through the Duolingo program, it can sometimes be hard to have patience. I was hoping to at least learn the basics of Norwegian, as in regular conversational phrases, but that's not how Duolingo works. With the program, you start out with a few words in each category, which you build off of as you continue to learn. It can be frustrating to learn random words at the beginning before you get to learn "normal" words. I guess I will just need to gain more patience and just follow the program.
3. Well I obviously didn't have focus on my Norwegian aspirations. I got distracted easily while I was learning/practicing and slacked on memorizing the phrases that I learned. As I put more time into my practicing, I'll also set aside any distractions so I can put all my focus into my lessons.
Despite my many failures, I did succeed in one thing: I completed three categories! This had been my goal for the first week, but I wasn't quite sure I would accomplish it. I learned some weird words and enjoyed testing out the Norwegian accent. It's a fun language and I think I'll learn to love it. Hopefully next week there will be more success than failure to share!
Phrases I learned this week:
Jeg elsker eskrem. Meaning: I love ice cream.
Jeg er en jenta. Meaning: I am a girl.
Han spiser en fin smørbrød. Meaning: He is eating a fine sandwich.
I totally understand your frustration with Duolingo. I am currently using the program to further develop my Spanish and have found some of its qualities to be somewhat difficult to deal with. Primarily, the lessons are often presented to me in a strange order that does not match well with what I have already learned or am trying to learn. You seem to be doing a very good job of acknowledging your and overcoming your obstacles. Norwegian is a difficult language to learn, way to go!
ReplyDeleteVery proud of what you've accomplished!!! Learning a new language is hard as it is, and you're teaching yourself. Very impressive, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely picked a hard skill to learn. I find that when I am struggling to remember information, that studying it right before I go to sleep helps a lot. It also sets a routine for daily practice. It might help you as well. It sounds like you are off to a great start though!
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