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Level 362 of 470

The case for learning a second language: First argument

Read what you have already written above, then add this section to it.

Target
44 WPM
Accuracy
95.4%
XP
85

Section 2 of 5

The case for learning a second language

Is learning a second language still worth the effort?

What you have written so far

Introduction

Translation software is now good enough that a traveller can order a meal, read a sign and hold a rough conversation without speaking a word of the local language. It is reasonable to ask what is left of the argument for spending years learning one properly.

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The first thing translation cannot give you is the ability to listen. A conversation runs faster than any device can mediate, and the moment you need a phone between you and another person, you are no longer really in the conversation. You are receiving a summary of it, slightly late.

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Notes on this level

What this level is training

This level does not introduce a new key. It drills the left index, right pinky, right index, left middle, right thumb, right middle, left ring, left pinky, right ring fingers on keys you have already met, at a target of 44 words per minute and 95.4% accuracy.

Speed at this stage comes from removing hesitation rather than from moving faster. If your accuracy is above the target but your speed is not, the gap is almost always time spent deciding, not time spent pressing.

Stuck on this level?

Most difficulty at this stage is technique rather than effort. These explain the technique.