Discussão em português

[jumbojak]

Going through some of the grammar book tonight I'm beginning to realize how shaky my grasp of language is in general. I can speak and write intelligently - some of the time - but I haven't really known what I was doing.

[Tank]

Going through some of the grammar book tonight I'm beginning to realize how shaky my grasp of language is in general. I can speak and write intelligently - some of the time - but I haven't really known what I was doing.

100% agree!

[xSilverPhinx]

Going through some of the grammar book tonight I'm beginning to realize how shaky my grasp of language is in general. I can speak and write intelligently - some of the time - but I haven't really known what I was doing.

Me too! Though I dislike studying grammar for any language, and generally learn without picking up a grammar book. Don't ask me why something is the way it is, I just know it is that way, in most cases.

Not to mention, there are all the 'nonstandard' variations being spoken and written everywhere that can really confuse you if you're looking to learn 'proper' grammar. Those variations aren't wrong, though. Just different.

I'm not saying that grammar is useless, if there weren't any standardised rules then languages probably wouldn't have any brakes and diverge until you wouldn't understand what someone from across your own country was saying.

[jumbojak]

I've moved past the basic phrases in Duolingo and am onto food and animals. The proverbial loaves and fishes - pao e peixo.

[xSilverPhinx]

I've moved past the basic phrases in Duolingo and am onto food and animals. The proverbial loaves and fishes - pao e peixo.

Legal (cool)

You mean peixe? 

[jumbojak]

Sim...

[xSilverPhinx]

Thought so.

I think I'll try duolingo out. I'm curious to see how it works.

[jumbojak]

It's an interesting concept. Instead of learning lists of words and rules for pronunciation the focus is on associating words with images and hearing them spoken. You pick up patterns based on the short lessons.

[xSilverPhinx]

It's an interesting concept. Instead of learning lists of words and rules for pronunciation the focus is on associating words with images and hearing them spoken. You pick up patterns based on the short lessons.

Looks like it's gamified as well. Interesting.

[hermes2015]

It's an interesting concept. Instead of learning lists of words and rules for pronunciation the focus is on associating words with images and hearing them spoken. You pick up patterns based on the short lessons.

Is this what they refer to as acquiring a language, as opposed to learning it?

[xSilverPhinx]

It's an interesting concept. Instead of learning lists of words and rules for pronunciation the focus is on associating words with images and hearing them spoken. You pick up patterns based on the short lessons.

Is this what they refer to as acquiring a language, as opposed to learning it?

I have no idea. For me learning is acquiring memories, so I see no distinction.



But I don't know. What do you guys think?

[jumbojak]

Does it really matter? Language is one means of communication, so I don't think it makes much difference how you gain the skill. Someone who is immersed in an alien culture and figures out how to speak and listen to be understood effectively might be different from someone with technical knowledge of a language, but the result is the same. Well, basically the same.

If I only aquire Portuguese as a language instead of learning the intricacies I can still do what I want to do. Writing epic poetry might be beyond my grasp but I might be able to string together little haiku when I'm bored or in a playful mood.

[jumbojak]

It's an interesting concept. Instead of learning lists of words and rules for pronunciation the focus is on associating words with images and hearing them spoken. You pick up patterns based on the short lessons.

Looks like it's gamified as well. Interesting.

Oh yes, I've recently unlocked some bonus content for the pittance of thirty precious lingots. The question is, do I learn to flirt or pick up some Portuguese wisdom in the form of proverbs and idioms?

[xSilverPhinx]

It's an interesting concept. Instead of learning lists of words and rules for pronunciation the focus is on associating words with images and hearing them spoken. You pick up patterns based on the short lessons.

Looks like it's gamified as well. Interesting.

Oh yes, I've recently unlocked some bonus content for the pittance of thirty precious lingots. The question is, do I learn to flirt or pick up some Portuguese wisdom in the form of proverbs and idioms?

Looks like Duolingo's got you covered as far as pick up lines are concerned:



Though a little brega (corny, tacky), heh. 

As for proverbs and idioms, I don't know. A lot of them have equivalents in English even though they may not be literal translations. One proverb I particularly like is:

Faça como eu digo e não como eu faço.

(Translation: Do as I say, not as I do.)

[jumbojak]

I think I'll go for the proverbs. If I can't pull of a corny pickup line in English I damn sure won't get it right in Portuguese!