Speaking a foreign language is one of life’s most essential skills. It offers numerous benefits, such as expanding your career opportunities and providing a gateway to other cultures. Part of the beauty of the learning process is that there’s always something new to discover. Even if you’re fluent, there’s still room for improvement, as not even native speakers are masters of their own language.
Finding new and challenging learning materials becomes increasingly difficult once you’re fluent. Progression is often fast paced initially, but this slows dramatically once you speak confidently. Most people have a clear understanding of grammar rules at this point, as well as a wide range of vocabulary, so locating suitable lessons is a task in itself. Unfortunately, most courses are aimed at beginners rather than advanced learners, but this can be overcome when you know what to look for.
Recommended Language Learning Apps for Advanced Learners in 2023
Lingoda
Lingoda is the perfect solution for returning learners of English, German, Spanish, and French. Before you begin learning, you’re asked to complete a placement test so that you can enter an advanced course right off the bat. The lessons consist of live sessions with qualified teachers who work on a flexible schedule, so you can always find a tutor regardless of the time or day.
In addition, the platform provides downloadable learning materials to help you prepare for lessons in advance. On completion of a Lingoda course, students receive a CEFR certificate, qualifying them as language speakers. Price-wise, the company offers various subscription options, including tempting rewards that include getting a full refund if you complete a Super Sprint course in two months.
Booking Classes Is Straightforward
Lingoda Class Overview
Lingoda Progress Overview
LinguaLift
It’s impossible to be a proficient speaker without extensive knowledge of a country’s culture. LinguaLift teaches you a lot about the country while offering intensive courses in five languages: Japanese, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, and French.
The lessons provide in-depth grammar explanations and live tutors are available to help if you’re stuck, making for a well-rounded, supportive language learning experience. Furthermore, each course follows a personalized roadmap, meaning every student experiences a unique learning path.
They also include reading materials and videos, which are both informative and fun. Alongside the app’s reasonable prices, the company offers three lessons for free and discounts for extended subscriptions.
LinguaLift Welcome Screen
LinguaLift Writing Lesson
Lessons Always End With Fun Facts
Mandarin Blueprint
Mandarin is one of the most challenging languages to master. Fortunately, Mandarin Blueprint guides students all the way up to advanced levels with methods like graded reading and teaching Chinese stories via ebooks and videos.
This mode of learning gives you an edge as you absorb vocabulary in its context instead of through translation, which is more entertaining and memorable. If you find yourself struggling to progress at any point, the instructors and fellow learners help you out by providing constructive feedback.
Learners also receive a video review at the end of each course that outlines their areas for improvement. If you’re still unsure, Mandarin Blueprint’s 14-day free trial may convince you to give the platform a chance.
Mandarin Blueprint Lesson Example
Mandarin Blueprint Course Structure
Mandarin Blueprint Anki Guide
Why Master a New Language With Language Learning Software
According to a Japanese proverb, ‘even a thief takes ten years to learn his trade.’ Likewise, a language can only be mastered through rigorous training. This involves being proactive, especially at an advanced level. Many people supplement their understanding by streaming shows, but that will soon lose its effects if done inconsistently.
Language learning apps are viable alternatives, until you realize that most are catered to beginners – much like regular language school courses. Therefore, you have to be picky. This is because you need an app that pushes the envelope by teaching you not just the language but the country’s culture, history, dialects, and slang as well.
These apps provide a specific set of tools that are tailored to your requirements. For example, if the software has integrated live tutoring, it can help you book a lesson with teachers. They also connect you with like-minded learners to speak with and make friendships while practicing the language. Most apps also provide a reading list and videos to watch, letting you learn about a given culture while relaxing.
Tips To Keep Making Progress When You’re an Advanced Learner
When you’re already at an advanced level, it can be hard to know how to progress. But don’t despair – you just need to think outside the box a little. For instance, you can start by incorporating the new language into your daily life. This could mean reading or watching the news in your target language and discussing it with other speakers. In turn, this may then lead to immersing yourself in the country more broadly by reading up on its cultural events, national celebrations, and politics.
Another option is listening to broadcasts in the target language. This can involve tuning in to the radio stations of the country or looking for podcasts online. Watching movies and series in the language you’re learning is also a great idea, especially if they give you a better understanding of the country’s culture.
Finally, there’s no better way to improve at this point than to spend some time among native speakers. If possible, visit the country for a few months, as being fully immersed in the language is guaranteed to significantly advance your skills. Of course, this option isn’t available to everyone, but luckily the internet provides many alternatives, such as chat rooms to get you speaking with natives or other learners.
Best Ways To Master a Language Online
Language learning apps are extremely helpful, but it ultimately comes down to personal effort. Most important is to keep studying, even when you’re fluent. Speaking like a native requires getting in touch with locals as often as possible, and the internet provides plenty of platforms for that.
If this doesn’t appeal to you, then watch a video, write down difficult words, and practice them with the correct pronunciation. Writing practices can prove the most challenging, but visiting a forum and writing comments can do wonders. You can also try to find a writing partner and come up with a story together. Not only will you improve your language skills, but you’ll also boost your creativity.
Finally, try combining reading, listening, and writing by doing fun exercises like playing a video game in the language you’re learning and then writing an online review about it.