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.
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.
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.
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 ( 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.