nathanifill
6 Feb 2017
Language / How long to to learn Polish? In hours? [64]
That depends on your definition of fluent. I have studied Polish flashcards for more than (a combined) 87 hours and have spoken Polish in language exchanges for more than 118 hours over the last 18 months. I can hold my own in a conversation about pretty much anything. I'd guestimate than logging 150 hours of speaking Polish is enough for anyone to learn how to have conversations in the language.
Everyone is gifted at languages - that's why we all speak at least one. I personally don't believe that total immersion is the reason people learn languages. I have met many people who have lived in England for decades and cannot speak the language. Where I think the real learning comes from is necessity. The people who have lived in England without learning English haven't needed it. They have managed to use the language(s) that they already know to get by. When learning a language is necessary to live your life, you'll learn it.
Can only comment on Pimsleur. Spaced repetition was awesome. Learning how to say "I'm an American" and ask ladies out to a bar was not very useful considering I'm not American and the very fiery Polish woman by my side would KILL ME for even looking at another woman, let alone invite her to a bar!
I'm going to be controversial and politely disagree here. After reading from other learners to not start with the grammar, I avoided learning any rules and have picked up all of the grammar that I know from just paying attention. It's quite nice not having to do the mental arithmetic that other learners use to speak. Because I don't know any grammar rules, I never hesitate when I'm speaking.
JuiJitsu - how long you think it would take in hours to be "fluent" in Polish?
That depends on your definition of fluent. I have studied Polish flashcards for more than (a combined) 87 hours and have spoken Polish in language exchanges for more than 118 hours over the last 18 months. I can hold my own in a conversation about pretty much anything. I'd guestimate than logging 150 hours of speaking Polish is enough for anyone to learn how to have conversations in the language.
Chemikiem - True, but the people they hire are naturally gifted at languages
Everyone is gifted at languages - that's why we all speak at least one. I personally don't believe that total immersion is the reason people learn languages. I have met many people who have lived in England for decades and cannot speak the language. Where I think the real learning comes from is necessity. The people who have lived in England without learning English haven't needed it. They have managed to use the language(s) that they already know to get by. When learning a language is necessary to live your life, you'll learn it.
Lyzko - Even with Rosetta, Berlitz, Pimsleur, to be frank, you're probably wasting your time!
Can only comment on Pimsleur. Spaced repetition was awesome. Learning how to say "I'm an American" and ask ladies out to a bar was not very useful considering I'm not American and the very fiery Polish woman by my side would KILL ME for even looking at another woman, let alone invite her to a bar!
Chemikiemthere's no getting away from learning the grammar properly or communication won't move past pidgin Polish stage.
I'm going to be controversial and politely disagree here. After reading from other learners to not start with the grammar, I avoided learning any rules and have picked up all of the grammar that I know from just paying attention. It's quite nice not having to do the mental arithmetic that other learners use to speak. Because I don't know any grammar rules, I never hesitate when I'm speaking.