Postby Khayyam » Mon May 09, 2022 6:03 pm
Trying a new approach with my reading: rather than look up every word I don't know on Google Translate once I'm done with each chapter, I read each chapter once in German, circling unknown words, read the English version. and then reread the German, freely glancing between versions. Earlier in my journey, this would've felt like cheating, but now that I can read almost anything in German and at least get the gist, I see the dual-language approach as a legitimate and vastly more efficient way to absorb new vocab. It's also really fun to see how the translator thinks, and where s/he thinks it best to render literal translations vs. change the meaning to do justice to the spirit/intention.
I don't remember if I mentioned this before, but I bought a German eagle pendant a while ago that I wear pretty much everywhere. I bought it simply to reward myself for reading all the Harry Potter novels in German (seemed like such a monumental achievement at the time!), but it's turned out to have a very useful effect: people who recognize it often turn out to know some German, or even to be native speakers, and if they're feeling indulgent, I get to practice speaking with them. (Of course, it's also resulted in a few idiots suspecting me of being some kind of Nazi, but well, I'm far too obstinate to refrain from sporting a perfectly benign and respectable eagle on account of idiots. If they're willing to listen for 10 seconds, at least I get to school them on the subject.)
Still mulling over whether to quit the gym to focus harder on German. They've got a machine called a Woodway treadmill that I recently started using, and it goes so well with listening to audiobooks, podcasts, etc. that I would consider buying one for myself if it didn't cost TEN GRAND. Seriously, ten grand for what essentially amounts to a hamster wheel for humans. No electricity--you walk or run at whatever pace you like, and the belt responds accordingly. The reason I think it's perfect for listening exercises is that it occupies my mind to exactly the right extent to prevent me from getting distracted from the German, but not so much that it becomes a distraction itself.
My ability to understand fluent speakers jabbering at high speed has improved. The key is the same as it's always been: finding material that interests me enough that I'm motivated to persist.
4 x
Das Leben ist ein langer, roter Fluss
Die Klinge ist mein Segelboot