English
Hi! I'm Federica from Italy, I'm a software developer and I really want to improve my English speaking and writing skills. I'm also trying to make language learning a habit instead of doing it only when I have time. I love doing outdoor activities, like walking and running. I like reading novels and comic books. When I was a child, I always used to draw: I drew for hours, and really enjoyed doing it. Growing up I stopped, I don't know why, but this year I'm trying to start drawing again!
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Hi Frederica.
You have perfect hobbies conducive for language learning.
I combine walking/running with language learning. (I have a flash card app on my phone that doesn’t require me to read the answer - each card has a picture and audio button that says a sentence or two about the picture. If it is a long sentence I can run for several minutes repeating it aloud until I get it perfect.) Speaking is a very physical activity. Trying to practice in silence is like trying to get good at soccer by watching games. I believe people need some blood flowing in their veins for the muscle memory to work.
Also you can combine writing/drawing with language learning. I write fiction chapters on a writestreak sub on Reddit, and after someone corrects my text I draw a picture for the scene and hand write the chapter in order to practice the corrected grammar. Drawing takes hours, so it gives me time to really absorb the corrections. I underline/bolden the parts that got corrected, in order to pay more attention to the correct form.
Here is an example, it was the drawing/corrected writing I did last night: https://www.reddit.com/r/WriteStreakHungarian/s/DYlNZzNmbN
I congratulate you on your decision to actively learn more. Let us know how it goes
Hi Nemvagok! I'll definitely try your suggestions, they seem very useful, and I also love your idea of combining writing and drawing. Thank you so much for you message!
@Nemvagok
I'm afraid I have to partially disagree with you. It's well known in Italy that watching football from home automatically makes you an expert in the field. Otherwise why would we have the expression allenatore da divano? It literally translates into coach from the couch.
Of course, I'm being sarcastic.
Anyway, welcome to Journaly @fed_rik1