Please delete this if I’m in the wrong sub to ask this!

I’m looking to learn a new language without relying on data harvesting apps. Is there a privacy friendly platform I can use, or a FOSS app (android)?

    • Libb@piefed.socialEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      That, or enroll into some local class, if you live nearby some campus check if there aren’t students offering private tutoring for their own native language.

      Also, if you already speak French, get an Assimil book for whatever language you want to learn. The older the edition the better (pre-80s) but even the more recent ones remain a good self-learning method, they’re just not as great as the older editions which were really great. Those books can be purchased (with or without accompanying audio recordings, highly recommended) or they can be had for much cheaper on the used market (also, most people have no idea how much better the older editions are so they can be found for even cheaper but the audio files (LPs) will often not be available). These books are 100% privacy-respecting: you’re alone without any tracking happening, there is no ‘login’ required either. Just you and your book (plus the audio files, if you want them)

      • Imaginary_Stand4909@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        0·
        13 days ago

        Anki + Yomitan is the goat. Download some dictionaries of your target language, load them into Yomitan, and now you can search words on any website with selectable text and instantly make a flashcard out of the word. Watching a video in browser? Use asbplayer to load subtitles onto the video/movie and select the text from that too. Wanna watch not in browser? Use mpvacious with mpv.

        Find yourself a card format you like and some cute addons (I use Ankimon [Pokemon]) for Anki so you don’t fall into that “it looks so dull!” trap because the SRS system it uses is no joke. I have years old vocab on there that I still remember, and medical students aren’t joking when they say it saved them.

        I just love this app so much.

  • foremanguy@lemmy.ml
    0·
    12 days ago

    Try to decide what your threat model is. A language learning app (except harvesting traditional device id and such) doesn’t reveal very important info to anyone.

    The only know which language you learn and your approximate level. Sure that’s better if there’s a more private way of doing it, but the core principle of learning a language doesn’t reveal very much.

    • Modest_Toxic@feddit.ukOP
      0·
      13 days ago

      Thank you. Feel a bit stupid for not thinking of this. Don’t suppose you have a recommendation for a book on learning Spanish?

      • rnercle@sh.itjust.works
        0·
        13 days ago

        you can’t learn how to pronounce correctly through a textbook. You need hispanophone connections, environments withWhom/where you can’t speak english

      • LastYearsIrritant@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        0·
        13 days ago

        Go to your local college or university bookstore, see what they’re using, then go and find it cheaper somewhere else.

      • krank55@feddit.org
        0·
        13 days ago

        Not really, my only period of interaction with the language started and ended in high school. I’m sure you’ll find tonnes of recommendations in language-learning communities on the internet though.

      • Rugnjr@lemmy.blahaj.zone
        0·
        12 days ago

        My partner is quite a fan of the Ollie Richards story learning books. I think they have a couple of those for Spanish.

  • N0t_5ure@lemmy.world
    0·
    13 days ago

    The fastest way to learn a language is with the comprehensible input method. You watch videos, all of which are 100% in the target language. The early videos are easy, involving simple things, and using props and gestures to provide the context for understanding. As you learn more, the videos progress and become more difficult. It’s amazing how quickly you pick up things and retain them. There is a lot of comprehensible input material for Spanish, French, and English, but you can use children’s television shows like Peppa Pig where there isn’t specific material for the target language. Here is a beginner video in Spanish.

    • yellerbadger@piefed.socialEnglish
      0·
      13 days ago

      I second Dreaming Spanish. OP could use Materialous/NewPipe or whatever method they use to watch YT anonymously. Anki also works.

    • a_gee_dizzle@lemmy.ca
      0·
      13 days ago

      Yeah honestly, there’s no replacement for textbooks, paper and pencil when it comes to learning a new language

      • printf("%s", name);@piefed.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        0·
        12 days ago

        I mean, to each their own, but when I was learning Japanese, I did just that: I immersed myself into the language with as many senses (?) as possible. Reading, writing, listening, imitating (called “shadowing”), literally talking to myself, plastering my walls with glossary and example sentences, forcing myself to read them out loud every time I would pass by one of the words or sentences hanging from my walls. Right until I realized that I had hit a barrier that could only be overcome by moving - at least temporarily - to Japan, which I did, but that’s another story.

  • LastYearsIrritant@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    0·
    13 days ago

    You can also try to find some kids shows in the language you’re interested in. I’m sure sesame street has been dubbed into many languages by now.