Ereader Easy Swedish is a website offering free, simplified Swedish texts for language learners. It features a growing library of public domain books adapted to different skill levels (A1-B2) by shortening sentences, replacing complex vocabulary, and adding glossaries. The site aims to make reading enjoyable and accessible for learners, providing a bridge between basic textbook learning and authentic Swedish literature. Users can read directly on the website or download ebooks in EPUB, MOBI, and PDF formats for offline use on various devices.
Affixes.org is a comprehensive resource dedicated to English affixes (prefixes and suffixes). It provides a searchable database of these morphemes, offering definitions, examples of their use within words, and etymological information. The site aims to improve vocabulary and understanding of English word formation by breaking down words into their constituent parts and explaining how affixes modify the meaning of root words. It serves as a valuable tool for anyone interested in expanding their lexical knowledge and gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the English language.
Hacker News users generally praised the Affixes website for its clean design, intuitive interface, and helpful examples. Several commenters pointed out its usefulness for learning English, particularly for non-native speakers. Some suggested improvements like adding audio pronunciations, more example sentences, and the ability to search by meaning rather than just the affix itself. One commenter appreciated the site's simplicity compared to more complex dictionary sites, while another highlighted the value of understanding affixes for deciphering unfamiliar words. A few users shared related resources, including a Latin and Greek root word website and a book recommendation for vocabulary building. There was some discussion on the etymology of specific affixes and how they've evolved over time.
Mark Rosenfelder's "The Language Construction Kit" offers a practical guide for creating fictional languages, emphasizing naturalistic results. It covers core aspects of language design, including phonology (sounds), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), and the lexicon (vocabulary). The book also delves into writing systems, sociolinguistics, and the evolution of languages, providing a comprehensive framework for crafting believable and complex constructed languages. While targeted towards creating languages for fictional worlds, the kit also serves as a valuable introduction to linguistics itself, exploring the underlying principles governing real-world languages.
Hacker News users discuss the Language Construction Kit, praising its accessibility and comprehensiveness for beginners. Several commenters share nostalgic memories of using the kit in their youth, sparking their interest in linguistics and constructed languages. Some highlight specific aspects they found valuable, such as the sections on phonology and morphology. Others debate the kit's age and whether its information is still relevant, with some suggesting updated resources while others argue its core principles remain valid. A few commenters also discuss the broader appeal and challenges of language creation.
Summary of Comments ( 52 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43247979
HN users generally found the Ereader Easy Swedish project interesting and useful for language learning. Several commenters praised its simplicity and focus on sentence mining, noting its potential as a more engaging alternative to traditional textbook learning. Some offered suggestions for improvement, such as including audio, adding support for other languages, and incorporating spaced repetition features. One commenter pointed out the potential copyright issues of using copyrighted books. Others discussed the efficacy of sentence mining and different approaches to language acquisition. There was also a brief discussion of the technical aspects of the project, with one commenter asking about the used stack.
The Hacker News post "Ereader Easy Swedish" generated several comments discussing the linked website, which offers simplified Swedish texts for e-readers. Several users expressed interest in the resource and its potential applications for language learning.
One commenter pointed out the value of simplified texts, particularly for beginners, highlighting how grappling with complex grammar and vocabulary can be demotivating. They emphasized that accessible, comprehensible content is crucial for maintaining motivation and making progress in language acquisition. This commenter also expressed a desire for similar resources in other languages.
Another user discussed their experience using graded readers for learning German and suggested that the website creator consider adding features like clickable translations or integrated dictionaries to further enhance the learning experience. They also mentioned the Readlang web reader, which offers similar functionality, as a potential model.
Another commenter appreciated the project but questioned the long-term viability of relying on automated text simplification, suggesting that manually curated content might be more effective. They expressed concern about the potential for inaccuracies or unnatural phrasing in automatically simplified texts.
One commenter focused on the technical aspects of the website, inquiring about the method used for text simplification. They also offered a specific suggestion for improving the user interface by making the font size adjustable.
Other commenters shared their own experiences and preferences for language learning resources, with some mentioning specific apps and techniques they found helpful. There was also a brief discussion about the challenges of learning Swedish pronunciation.
A couple of commenters expressed interest in contributing to or expanding the project, suggesting the addition of other languages or features. One user specifically offered to help with proofreading or content creation.
Overall, the comments reflected a positive reception to the "Ereader Easy Swedish" website, with many users recognizing its potential value for language learners. The discussion also touched on various aspects of language learning, including the importance of simplified texts, the benefits of interactive features, and the limitations of automated text simplification. Several commenters offered constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement, demonstrating a willingness to contribute to the project's development.