How to study on public transportation

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Madrox
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How to study on public transportation

Postby Madrox » Sun Apr 30, 2017 1:03 am

Hello all! I did a search for this question and came up empty-handed, so I apologize if it's been asked before and I missed it.

I've been lurking in this forum for a while now and have recently decided to take the plunge and start learning German, something I've always wanted to do. I've started with an introduction to the language using Pimsleur I & II and Michel Thomas, which I feel are complimenting each other well, in addition to perusing Dover's "Essential German Grammar" when I come across something that piques my interest or is particularly challenging to me. Once I'm done with these two programs I'm planning on moving on to Assimil (and possibly FSI simultaneously, we'll see how that goes).

My question though is about finding more time to study. I'm currently going over Pimsleur and MT at home in my free time, but I realized that I'm ignoring a great opportunity to get studying done: my 1.5-2 hr daily commute to work. I take public transportation though, so I can't do the exercises aloud that these programs require (I assume Assimil and FSI will require similar vocal repetitions). I was wondering if anyone might have any advice on the best way to study without actually speaking out loud. Should I continue apace with my current learning plan and just not bother actually responding aloud? Or is there some other program/material I can use that would lend itself better to silent study?

Thank you!
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby aokoye » Sun Apr 30, 2017 1:58 am

Reading would be ideal, very ideal. Another logical option would be listening to audio from places like Deutsche Welle. I see no need to stop what you're doing now as long as you still have time/energy for it - just add on stuff while you're on public transportation.
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby smallwhite » Sun Apr 30, 2017 2:58 am

Madrox wrote:I'm planning on moving on to Assimil

Then I would listen to that now.

On the train, I learn or review flashcards, do translation practice, read textbooks, read phrasebooks, read in target language.

On foot, I listen to audio, shadow, self-talk, recite conjugation tables, name things I see, describe things I see, read car number plates, recall lesson dialogues.

On the bus, I admire people's front yards and peek through their windows.
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby blaurebell » Sun Apr 30, 2017 9:48 am

Since I get motion sickness on any transport other than the metro, I can only do audio stuff. Usually I listen to podcasts, radio documentaries and audiobooks.
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby arthaey » Sun Apr 30, 2017 10:02 am

Madrox wrote:I take public transportation though, so I can't do the exercises aloud that these programs require

I'd challenge this assumption. I only did Pimsleur on the bus. I subvocalized or muttered, depending on whether my seatmate had headphones in themselves.
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby zenmonkey » Sun Apr 30, 2017 12:05 pm

arthaey wrote:
Madrox wrote:I take public transportation though, so I can't do the exercises aloud that these programs require

I'd challenge this assumption. I only did Pimsleur on the bus. I subvocalized or muttered, depending on whether my seatmate had headphones in themselves.


I too mutter. I must look like a crazy old man. Don't care.

I do Anki, paper cards, ASSIMIL, podcasts and rarely, I'll pull out a workbook and work an exercise.
One can always use the time to read - in the target language.

Unfortunately my current commute is about 10-12 minutes on a tram - I barely get enough time to do something.

Every other week I drive for 4-7 hours straight and will do a lot more but have to be careful that the monotony/effort of a lesson set doesn't put make me too tired.
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby Serpent » Sun Apr 30, 2017 12:45 pm

We had this thread on the old forum :)

Nowadays it can be worthwhile to finish various boring tasks during your commute and have more free time when you're back home :)
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby tarvos » Sun Apr 30, 2017 2:48 pm

blaurebell wrote:Since I get motion sickness on any transport other than the metro, I can only do audio stuff. Usually I listen to podcasts, radio documentaries and audiobooks.


I have this problem too, but I also am able to do work on trains. Which is why I infinitely prefer train journeys to bus journeys over longer distances.
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby blaurebell » Sun Apr 30, 2017 3:51 pm

tarvos wrote:I have this problem too, but I also am able to do work on trains. Which is why I infinitely prefer train journeys to bus journeys over longer distances.


Same here, but only on slow and medium speed trains. A fast train like a German ICE has some sort of tilting technology that makes me sick even without reading. It's worse depending on the terrain, so I can basically only take ICEs in the north of Germany without feeling sick :roll: The worst of the worst are couch journeys in mountain terrain though, like the only connection between here and the next airport :? Landing at that airport is fun anyway, because of the combination of small planes and mountain winds, perfect preparation for the following coach journey, yikes! At that point I can forget even the listening ...! I hate flying!
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Re: How to study on public transportation

Postby tarvos » Sun Apr 30, 2017 4:05 pm

If you're in the north of Spain, then I know all about it... I had to go up and down the mountains to work every day for 8 months and after that time I would be completely nauseous every afternoon from the motion sickness. Same with Bilbao airport.

I don't have trouble in the ICE's. I don't know why, but trains just don't make me sick. I find it does help to eat well beforehand.
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