FluentSubs offers a Duolingo-like language learning experience using real-world content sourced from news articles and podcasts. Users complete interactive exercises, including fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice, and listening comprehension, based on authentic materials. This approach aims to provide more engaging and relevant practice with contemporary language and real-world contexts than traditional language learning methods. The platform currently offers exercises in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese.
The blog post "Solving SICP" details the author's experience working through the challenging textbook Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP). They emphasize the importance of perseverance and a deep engagement with the material, advocating against rushing through exercises or relying solely on online solutions. The author highlights the book's effectiveness in teaching fundamental computer science concepts through Scheme, and shares their personal approach of rewriting code multiple times and focusing on understanding the underlying principles rather than just achieving a working solution. Ultimately, they advocate for a deliberate and reflective learning process to truly grasp the profound insights SICP offers.
HN users discuss the blog post about working through SICP. Several commenters praise the book's impact on their thinking, even if they don't regularly use Scheme. Some suggest revisiting it after gaining more programming experience, noting a deeper appreciation for the concepts on subsequent readings. A few discuss the value of SICP's exercises in developing problem-solving skills, and the importance of actually working through them rather than just reading. One commenter highlights the significance of the book's metacircular evaluator chapter. Others debate the practicality of Scheme and the relevance of SICP's mathematical focus for modern programming, with some suggesting alternative learning resources.
Summary of Comments ( 105 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43543235
HN users generally praised the idea and execution of FluentSubs, particularly its use of real-world content like news clips for language learning. Some expressed interest in adding support for additional languages beyond the currently offered Spanish, French, and German. Several commenters discussed the challenges of acquiring and licensing copyrighted news material. One user pointed out potential accessibility issues for deaf or hard-of-hearing learners. Others suggested improvements like slowing down audio, adding visual aids, and incorporating spaced repetition. There was also a discussion about the effectiveness of Duolingo's gamified approach versus more traditional language learning methods.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Duolingo-style exercises but with real-world content like the news" linking to https://app.fluentsubs.com/exercises/daily sparked a discussion with several interesting comments.
Many users praised the idea of using real-world content for language learning, finding it more engaging and relevant than traditional textbook exercises. One commenter specifically appreciated the connection to current events, stating it could make learning more motivating. Another echoed this sentiment, adding that using real-world materials allows learners to encounter natural language and colloquialisms they might not find in structured courses.
Several users discussed the technical aspects of the platform. One asked about the source of the transcripts and how accuracy was ensured, highlighting concerns about potential errors in automatically generated transcripts. The creator of the platform, who actively participated in the thread, responded explaining they use a combination of human-created and AI-generated transcripts, with plans to improve accuracy and add features like manual transcript correction. This exchange demonstrated a focus on quality and responsiveness to user feedback.
The pricing model also came under discussion. Some users questioned the subscription-based model, comparing it to free alternatives like Anki. The creator defended the pricing by explaining it covered costs like transcript generation and server maintenance, and also highlighted the value proposition of curated content and a user-friendly interface. This prompted further discussion about the balance between free and paid language learning resources, with some users advocating for open-source solutions.
A few commenters shared their personal experience using the platform, offering both praise and constructive criticism. One user complimented the user interface and the selection of content but suggested adding features like speed control for the audio. Another user appreciated the innovative approach but pointed out the potential difficulty of understanding complex topics in a foreign language.
Finally, the conversation touched upon broader topics related to language acquisition. One commenter emphasized the importance of active recall and spaced repetition, suggesting these techniques could be further integrated into the platform. Another discussed the challenges of learning different language families, highlighting the potential benefits of tailoring the exercises to specific linguistic structures.
Overall, the comments section reflects a generally positive reception to the platform, with users appreciating the innovative approach of using real-world content for language learning. The discussion also highlighted technical considerations, pricing concerns, and user experience feedback, providing valuable insights for the platform's development.