Speaking a second language not only provides better career opportunities, but also introduces you to an entirely different culture. The learning process also improves memory and builds confidence in communication. Unfortunately, returning to the classroom is often impossible when the hustle and bustle of life gets in the way. With that in mind, it’s great that picking up or relearning a language is easier than ever with the help of the internet.
There are numerous ways to boost your language skills online. You can start by getting to know the target language’s culture through translated media, such as books or films. Also, there are many platforms on the internet that connect you with native speakers who can teach you about the culture and help you with vocabulary and grammar. Language learning apps combine these benefits by starting your journey with simple tasks and then providing extra materials as you progress.
With millions of active subscribers all around the world, Babbel sits at the top of the industry as one of the best-selling language learning apps. The courses use real-life situations, which means students are ready to have conversations within the first three weeks. Babbel offers complete writing, listening, and speaking exercises to teach vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural trivia. There are also various extras, such as games, podcasts, and live classes. Unfortunately, Babbel only teaches 13 different language courses, but they’ve been carefully created by a team of over 150 language experts. You can try one class for free, but to gain full access to Babbel’s teaching methods, you’ll need to subscribe. There is no free trial but you can take advantage of the 20-day money-back guarantee.
Used by millions, Busuu is a well-known and well-loved language-learning application. Based in the UK, this platform ensures an engaging experience by providing a decent variety of exercises. There are 12 courses available, and all of them are built taking into consideration the language’s and country’s cultural aspects. In other words, besides teaching vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, Busuu also provides hints on how to properly behave when speaking with the natives. What’s more, Busuu offers a limited free plan that you can use forever. That being said, a paid subscription is necessary to have access to Busuu’s full potential, such as the ability to interact with other people using the app. The price can be as low as $5.41 per month, and there’s a 14-day money-back guarantee to test the premium plans.
Pimsleur was one of the first self-instructional language learning courses to hit the market. Back in 1963, Dr. Paul Pimsleur released his very first reel-to-reel tape with a Modern Greek course. Nowadays, Pimsleur offers programs for more than 50 languages. Though the time of reel-to-reel tapes is long gone, there is one thing that Pimsleur maintained: the Pimsleur method. By combining graduated interval recall, the principle of anticipation, core vocabulary, and organic learning, Pimsleur helps people speak a language in no time. It’s possible to get the various learning language courses by purchasing each level of the program, or by subscribing to a monthly billing cycle that provides full access. Either way, unless you get the CD version it’s possible to use the software both on desktop and mobile, or to download the lessons in MP3 format for offline use.
Lingoda is the perfect language-learning service for people looking for live classes but still wanting flexible schedules. Instead of repeating exercises, Lingoda enables its users to schedule one-hour lessons with real teachers 24/7. Lessons can be solo or in a group, and all teachers are native speakers. Unfortunately, it only offers courses in four languages: Spanish, German, French, and English. It’s also more expensive than other language-learning apps where lessons average the $10 mark. However, people who are committed to taking daily lessons for three months straight can get refunded up to 100%. Students can try Lingoda through the 7-day free trial available for the Monthly and Marathon subscriptions.
The digital era has brought about several methods of learning online. Whether it’s the easiest or hardest language you’ve decided to study, you’ll most likely find an internet community that will help you practice. Joining forums and chatrooms and reading up on a country – even if just via Wikipedia – is easy and free.
Language learning apps are also widely available and are generally user-friendly. Moreover, these programs come in all shapes and forms, with some following a more traditional teaching course with live tutors, and others leaving you to explore the depths of a language independently through various exercises. You can also take them anywhere, with mobile apps allowing you to learn whenever and wherever you like.
These language learning programs also have interactive features that help maintain engagement. For example, some platforms offer minigames that aim to teach you vocabulary while playing. Other tools include live tutoring and extra learning materials like bilingual ebooks. These are either available straight away or unlocked after some progress.
Even if you have a natural aptitude for language learning, you may end up struggling if the new language isn’t related to your own. For example, if a Spanish speaker picks up Portuguese, they’ll soon speak like a local since both languages are descendants of Latin. However, an English speaker who jumps into Russian will have a hard time because the two languages bear no similarities. With language learning software, you’re able to have everything laid out in a logical manner, helping you understand where to start and follow an efficient learning path.
It’s also an issue that it’s hard to find time to invest in learning. With responsibilities growing as you get older, there’s always a reason to postpone taking up a language. Of course, it requires a certain level of dedication, but you don’t have to completely change your routine. A language learning app provides flexibility by letting you manage courses at your own pace.
In more general terms, these platforms help you cut corners. They teach progressively, providing learning materials catered to your level of knowledge. They kick off with the basics and occasionally let you try out short conversations. The right apps also teach through cultural context, making you learn more than just a new language.
A language learning platform is great for taking your first steps, but there are other things you can do to improve your skills. For example, a quick Google search will soon tell you the most common words and expressions of your target language; you should memorize them and use them daily.
Furthermore, since words stick like glue early on, download a mobile dictionary and use it whenever you hear something new. You could also find a chat partner to talk frequently with, and if communication stutters, you can still rely on free online translation services like Google Translate.
Finally, make language learning part of your routine through relaxing activities, such as watching TV shows and movies or playing video games. Granted, you’ll need to fall back on subtitles in your native language, but you’ll hear the target language in its context, so you’ll enrich your vocabulary while you’re having fun.
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