Learning Persian with Anki, ChatGPT, and Dual-Subtitle Loops

The author outlines a hands-on Persian learning workflow using Anki, ChatGPT, and YouTube dual subtitles. He creates screenshot-based cards for reading and translation, and uses ChatGPT as an instant, contextual refresher during reviews. A repeated listening loop with dual subtitles and precise scrubbing aims to achieve real-time comprehension.

Key Points

• Builds Anki decks from screenshots of PersianLearning videos and dual subtitles, prioritizing phrase-level, grammar-focused content.
• Uses single-sided cards for reading practice to combat the challenges of Persian script (positional letter forms, missing vowels) and two-way cards for translation and romanization.
• Integrates ChatGPT as an on-demand tutor by pasting screenshots during Anki reviews for quick, contextual explanations.
• Employs YouTube’s Dual Subtitles and precise seek controls to create material and finely tune listening practice.
• Runs a repeatable listening loop: read English quickly, listen to Persian attentively, read Persian script, speak aloud, and repeat until real-time understanding emerges.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment of the Hacker News discussion is mixed. While there's widespread agreement on the general effectiveness of Anki for memorization and the critical importance of consistent practice for language acquisition, many commenters offer significant critiques of the author's specific methodologies. These critiques focus on perceived inefficiencies in card creation, suboptimal engagement with the Persian script, and the preference for structured learning materials over self-curated YouTube content. However, other commenters endorse similar approaches or share their own Anki successes, creating a balanced but often critical dialogue.

In Agreement

• Anki is a highly beneficial or "best" tool for memorization in language learning, showing a direct correlation with improvement.
• The most effective routine is the one that can be consistently maintained, emphasizing motivation and sustained practice over specific techniques.
• Integrating language learning into daily life, using comprehensible input (like YouTube), and immersing oneself in the language are crucial for long-term improvement.
• LLMs/ChatGPT can be useful for speeding up card creation or providing quick grammar explanations.
• Tools like Clozemaster, which offer pre-made, context-based vocabulary and grammar explanations, provide a similar benefit to custom decks for beginners, reducing card creation overhead.

Opposed

• Card creation fatigue is a significant and common drawback of making custom Anki decks, even when trying to use LLMs to speed up the process.
• Pre-built Anki decks are generally considered ineffective for language learning because the learner misses the personal context and connection built during card creation.
• The author's method of screenshotting, using Latin transcription, and relying on unstructured YouTube content is criticized as not fully engaging with the language and being an "actively worse approach" for learning the script.
• The specific Anki card structure used by the author (Persian writing -> Latin transcription -> English translation) is deemed an "antipatttern"; it's suggested that all information should be on one note, and Latin transcription should be avoided entirely.
• Structured learning through good textbooks is strongly recommended over random YouTube content for mastering the script (especially with marked vowels) and learning foundational grammar, aiming for faster B2 proficiency.
• The challenge of unwritten vowels in Persian script should be addressed by learning to type, using diacritics, or engaging with texts that mark vowels, rather than avoiding full engagement with the script via screenshotting.