(https://sopuli.xyz/c/japaneselanguage) On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being great and 1 being horrible, how good is Duolingo for learning Japanese?
@japaneselanguage On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being great and 1 being horrible, how good is Duolingo for learning Japanese?
Maybe 1.5?
It's not that it's completely useless, but it's not designed as a learning tool. It's a game designed to keep you engaged. While it's possible to pick up some things from Duolingo, what it actually rewards with streaks and leaderboard positions and so on isn't learning, but just engaging with the app. It's pretty easy to fall into a trap where it keeps telling you that you're doing well, but you're not actually making progress, because demonstrating progress is completely irrelevant for getting rewarded. And on top of that it teaches some things that are just outright wrong, it even gets kanji readings wrong.
It's just not good as a learning tool. I'd recommend learning elsewhere and using Duolingo for reviewing or getting familiar with the language. (and only if you like it)
@mtlvmpr Okay, what tools do you suggest?
Do you know the kana already? Those should be your priority nr. 1 priority in whatever you do.
Input is also very important. Fastest way is to start using Anki deck(free) or Wanikani(paid) so you'll get past the kanji barrier. Learn grammar from a textbook or alternatively Youtube channels like TokiniAndy and/or CureDolly. If you like games, Game Gengo is an excellent channel as well.
Are you a native English speaker? If not then you might want to pick up a Japanese textbook from your local library as some things are much easier to understand through your native language.