7 Apps and Tech to Teach Yourself a New Language
August 14, 2017
If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time thinking about how much you’d pay for a magic pill that grants fluency in any foreign language. No? You don’t do that? Well it doesn’t really matter, because there is no pill. There are, however, plenty of resources available for anyone willing to devote some time to joining the global conversation.
Sure, it takes work—but breaking through a language barrier makes a big difference professionally and is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your adult life. (Plus, it makes you feel like less of a schmo when you travel abroad.) So get your respective app stores open, and let’s get a lil’ lingual.
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1. ANKI: Depressing fact: The moment you learn something, your brain begins to forget it. That's why
Anki uses spaced repetition, a method of memory retention that med students and Jeopardy winners alike swear by. The algorithm learns when to quiz you on the stuff you're struggling with (more often) vs. the stuff you easily retain (less often). You can download thousands of free decks (they're like advanced flashcards) submitted by teachers all over the world—ranging from Esperanto lessons to acing the Sommelier exam. This app is essential for serious language learners.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
2. DUOLINGO: Ah, the
ol' faithful of language learning apps! But it's still one of the best—and getting better all the time. Currently offering 24 comprehensive language courses (with Klingon and High Valyrian coming soon...really) it's the most accessible and user-friendly way to learn a language on the go. Whereas Anki relies on learning algorithms, DuoLingo appeals to the urge to compete and complete—turning each lesson into a system of points, rewards, and levels that encourage daily practice.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
3. MEMRISE: Want to make language learning even
more of a game? Switch to
Memrise. Where Duo is modeled on more of a traditional structure (teaching grammar and separating vocab out into chapters), Memrise has you dive right in with common phrases and expressions that get you learning fast. It also integrates more social aspects into the game, including a leaderboard and the ability to follow other users. Use DuoLingo, play Memrise.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
4. TANDEM: Once you've built up the fundamentals, it's time to use those skills IRL! (Or at least with real people on the internet.)
Tandem hooks you up with native speakers of your target language who want to help you learn—and practice their English in exchange. No scheduling required, just log on and start video chatting with native speakers. Because let's face it, no matter how smart DuoLingo or Google Translate get, there's no substitution for a native speaker telling you that you sound like an idiot.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
5. ITALKI: Sometimes it's not enough to talk with an ordinary native speaker—sometimes you need an actual teacher.
iTalki connects you with thousands of teachers and tutors from around the world so you can get professional one-on-one help refining your language skills, and taking real steps to becoming fluent. Simply sign up, choose a language and a teacher, and schedule a time to talk. You can book trial lessons for as little as $5, and hourly rates usually start around $15.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
6. LANGUAGE IMMERSION EXTENSION FOR CHROME: If you really want to learn a new language, you've got to integrate it into your life—which for most of us means browsing the web. Try installing
this extension for Chrome that automatically switches random words on the page into your target language based on the difficulty you set. (A simple hover-over will reveal the English.) There are a few others out there if Chrome isn't your thing, but this is my favorite.
Images courtesy of Use All Five Inc.
7. MO' MEDIA: Language learning shouldn't be work! Find podcasts and shows in your target language that immerse you in both the spoken word and cultural nuances. Netflix has tons of great international shows and movies in their mother tongues—just always opt for the subtitles over dubbed. For Spanish learners who enjoyed Breaking Bad, Netflix's Metastasis—a complete remake of the series starring native Spanish-speaking actors—is a great place to start. (And of course, it has our favorite, Walter Blanco.)
Images courtesy of goldenglobes.com.
1. ANKI: Depressing fact: The moment you learn something, your brain begins to forget it. That's why
Anki uses spaced repetition, a method of memory retention that med students and Jeopardy winners alike swear by. The algorithm learns when to quiz you on the stuff you're struggling with (more often) vs. the stuff you easily retain (less often). You can download thousands of free decks (they're like advanced flashcards) submitted by teachers all over the world—ranging from Esperanto lessons to acing the Sommelier exam. This app is essential for serious language learners.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
2. DUOLINGO: Ah, the
ol' faithful of language learning apps! But it's still one of the best—and getting better all the time. Currently offering 24 comprehensive language courses (with Klingon and High Valyrian coming soon...really) it's the most accessible and user-friendly way to learn a language on the go. Whereas Anki relies on learning algorithms, DuoLingo appeals to the urge to compete and complete—turning each lesson into a system of points, rewards, and levels that encourage daily practice.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
3. MEMRISE: Want to make language learning even
more of a game? Switch to
Memrise. Where Duo is modeled on more of a traditional structure (teaching grammar and separating vocab out into chapters), Memrise has you dive right in with common phrases and expressions that get you learning fast. It also integrates more social aspects into the game, including a leaderboard and the ability to follow other users. Use DuoLingo, play Memrise.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
4. TANDEM: Once you've built up the fundamentals, it's time to use those skills IRL! (Or at least with real people on the internet.)
Tandem hooks you up with native speakers of your target language who want to help you learn—and practice their English in exchange. No scheduling required, just log on and start video chatting with native speakers. Because let's face it, no matter how smart DuoLingo or Google Translate get, there's no substitution for a native speaker telling you that you sound like an idiot.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
5. ITALKI: Sometimes it's not enough to talk with an ordinary native speaker—sometimes you need an actual teacher.
iTalki connects you with thousands of teachers and tutors from around the world so you can get professional one-on-one help refining your language skills, and taking real steps to becoming fluent. Simply sign up, choose a language and a teacher, and schedule a time to talk. You can book trial lessons for as little as $5, and hourly rates usually start around $15.
Images courtesy of iTunes App Store.
6. LANGUAGE IMMERSION EXTENSION FOR CHROME: If you really want to learn a new language, you've got to integrate it into your life—which for most of us means browsing the web. Try installing
this extension for Chrome that automatically switches random words on the page into your target language based on the difficulty you set. (A simple hover-over will reveal the English.) There are a few others out there if Chrome isn't your thing, but this is my favorite.
Images courtesy of Use All Five Inc.
7. MO' MEDIA: Language learning shouldn't be work! Find podcasts and shows in your target language that immerse you in both the spoken word and cultural nuances. Netflix has tons of great international shows and movies in their mother tongues—just always opt for the subtitles over dubbed. For Spanish learners who enjoyed Breaking Bad, Netflix's Metastasis—a complete remake of the series starring native Spanish-speaking actors—is a great place to start. (And of course, it has our favorite, Walter Blanco.)
Images courtesy of goldenglobes.com.
