Lingq Review - Can You Become Fluent?

Summary

In this detailed review, Lewis dives into the features of the language learning platform Link, focusing on its strengths for readers. He emphasizes the importance of reading articles and using spaced repetition to reinforce vocabulary. With a user-friendly interface, Link tracks progress through stats and flashcards, making it easier to stay on course toward fluency. Lewis also highlights the platform’s variety of content, the ability to import personal articles, and the added benefit of booking tutors. Link is ideal for learners committed to consistent practice, and Lewis provides a referral link to access free credits for newcomers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Link is a language learning tool primarily focused on reading, but it also includes audio content alongside written materials for various languages.
• 📚 If you enjoy reading, Link is a powerful tool to help you become fluent in a language, but if you're not a fan of reading, it may not be suitable for you.
• 🔍 Link offers a variety of content, including books, podcasts, articles, and news. You can even import your own articles for personalized learning.
• 🌍 Link supports multiple languages, and you can use the same account to learn more than one language without extra cost.
• 🎧 The platform includes mini-stories with audio and lessons, which help beginners and intermediate learners improve their language skills.
• 💬 Link offers a Chrome extension (Link Importer) that allows users to import articles directly from websites, making it easier to learn from real-world content.
• 📈 The system tracks your progress by showing new words, known words, and the words you're currently learning, providing a clear overview of your development.
• 🧠 Link uses a spaced repetition system (SRS) integrated with flashcards to help reinforce long-term memory retention of words and phrases.
• ⏱️ To become fluent in a language with Link, it's suggested to read one article per day and review vocabulary using flashcards, with a timeline of about 1.5 years to learn 5,000 words.
• 💡 Fluency in a language can be achieved by mastering 5,000 words, which covers about 98% of daily conversations, according to language experts like Dr. Paul Pimsleur.
• 👨‍🏫 Link recently introduced a tutoring feature where you can book lessons with tutors, get feedback on your writing, and engage in conversation practice, similar to platforms like Italki and Preply.

Q & A

What is the main value proposition of Link?

The main value proposition of Link is that it allows users to learn languages from content they love, such as books, podcasts, news, and online articles. It combines written and sometimes audio content to enhance the learning experience.

Is Link suitable for people who don’t like to read?

No, Link is not ideal for people who dislike reading. It is primarily designed for learners who enjoy reading as it heavily relies on reading articles and books to learn a language.

What is the role of spaced repetition in Link’s learning system?

Spaced repetition is a core feature of Link’s learning system. It helps users retain vocabulary in the long term by reviewing words at increasing intervals to counteract forgetting and ensure better retention.

How does Link support vocabulary retention?

Link supports vocabulary retention by allowing users to save unknown words they encounter in articles. These words are then added to a flashcard system using spaced repetition, which helps users review and remember them more effectively.

Can you use Link to learn multiple languages?

Yes, Link allows users to learn multiple languages under a single account. The platform supports a variety of languages, and users can switch between them without additional cost.

How does the flashcard system work in Link?

The flashcard system in Link is integrated with the reading lessons. When users click on an unfamiliar word, it is added to their flashcards. These flashcards are reviewed using spaced repetition to help users memorize and retain the words long-term.

What is the significance of the 5,000 most common words in language learning?

According to Dr. Paul Pimsleur, mastering the 5,000 most common words in a language covers about 98% of daily conversations. Link helps learners achieve this goal by encouraging consistent practice, with users potentially learning around 10 new words per day through reading articles.

How long does it take to become fluent using Link?

With consistent daily practice, such as reading one article a day and reviewing flashcards, it can take about a year and a half to learn 5,000 words and potentially achieve fluency in the language.

What kind of content can you learn from on Link?

Link offers a wide range of content including books, news articles, podcasts, and online articles. Users can also import their own content, which adds flexibility in choosing learning materials that are relevant to their interests.

What are the tutoring options available on Link?

Link offers a tutoring service where users can book lessons with native speakers of their target language. Tutors can correct written content, help with conversational skills, and provide personalized feedback. It is similar to platforms like Italki and Preply.