You also for languages distant from ones you know really need a teacher (which is a problem with Duolingo), at least to break into the elementary levels.
> You speak the words, but the vendor doesn't understand. Your tones are off.
The immersion is critical to having repetitive practice and exposure, but few adults (at least I'm not one) will get this far (that is being capable of extending knowledge via immersion) without the initial aid of a teacher. e.g. Learning to hear/speak sounds that don't exist in your native language requires both extensive instruction and feedback more detailed than just "I don't understand".
You also for languages distant from ones you know really need a teacher (which is a problem with Duolingo), at least to break into the elementary levels.
> You speak the words, but the vendor doesn't understand. Your tones are off.
The immersion is critical to having repetitive practice and exposure, but few adults (at least I'm not one) will get this far (that is being capable of extending knowledge via immersion) without the initial aid of a teacher. e.g. Learning to hear/speak sounds that don't exist in your native language requires both extensive instruction and feedback more detailed than just "I don't understand".