The way people are learning new languages is changing. Learning how to order food in Italy or navigate the streets of Bangkok no longer requires dusting off a brick-shaped dictionary. Modern language-learning software allows users to absorb information through their laptops, tablets, and phones. Learning a new language isn’t just important for travel. It can offer a massive advantage when doing business online.
Learning a new language or improving a known one has never been easier. Smartphone apps and websites provide immersive learning techniques, games, and classes. These fun and easy-to-use tools will get you to a conversational level in no time.
TOP 7 LANGUAGE-LEARNING TOOLS OF 2020
There’s a lot of software available. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to find the very best. Below are the top 7 language-learning tools of 2020.
1: ROSETTA STONE
It’s been said that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. This is how babies eventually learn to speak, after all. There’s no question that this is an effective way to make sense of a new language. However, it’s not always practical. This is where Rosetta Stone comes in. The software will plunge you into a simulated environment using the Dynamic Immersion method. This technique uses interactive activities and contextual lessons that result in speedy learning. The method has been proven to stimulate increased recall compared to memorising a list of vocabulary.
Rosetta Stone can be used to learn a wide range of languages, including German, French, Hindi, Hebrew, Russian, and Arabic. You won’t only speak like a local, but will sound like one too. The software will help you to fine-tune your pronunciation using speech recognition functions.
Rosetta Stone is ideal for busy people. It’s available on any device, and smartphone users have access to an award-winning app. Learn on your way to work or on your lunch break with 10-minute lessons that are accessible online or offline.
Rosetta Stone is available on both iOS and Android. Pricing options range from €9–35 per month.
2: BABBEL
Babbel is the best-selling language-learning app in the world. The app boasts lessons made by language experts, and audio voiced by native speakers. The learning process involves interactive dialogues to simulated situations and voice recognition to ensure everything sounds correct. This level of realism will prime you for real-world experiences. Once you’ve completed a lesson, tailored review sessions are available to enhance your recall.
Babbel tends to individual needs. You can select lessons from specific categories, including business and travel. The lessons are available in short 10-minute sessions, which means you can learn a new language alongside your regular schedule.
European languages, including Spanish and German, take centre stage. However, the app also teaches Indonesian and Russian.
Babbel is available on both iOS and Android. Subscription fees range from €23–69. However, the first lesson is free!
3: BUSUU
Bussu was developed to make it easy for busy people to learn a new language. The idea behind the software is to teach a language in only 10 minutes per day. Busuu offers over 1,000 lessons created by language experts. These sessions are enhanced by machine learning technology that utilises personalised study plans and speech recognition. Choose from a long list of languages, including Polish, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, German, and Chinese.
The company has established a worldwide community of over 90 million learners. Members have the opportunity to teach and learn from each other. Users can submit and receive feedback on written and spoken lessons from other members.
Busuu can be used on desktops, laptops, and smartphones, and is available on both iOS and Android. The software is reasonably cheap. The most expensive membership fee is around €8 per month for three months.
4: HELLOTALK
Learn a new language while making friends around the world. HelloTalk is a free chat app featuring 15 million users and 150 supported languages. Native speakers will teach you their language, and you’ll teach them yours in return! HelloTalk works on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to speak it. Chat with fellow users individually or in large group discussions. HelloTalk will enhance the learning process using built-in language tools that translate and correct text automatically.
Learning on HelloTalk isn’t limited to text. You can also test your skills using voice recordings, voice calls, and video calls. The “moments” feature will allow you to publish posts to all speakers of your selected language. You can expose your thoughts and questions to millions of people at once!
HelloTalk is supported by iOS and Android.
5: TRANSPARENT LANGUAGE ONLINE
Transparent Language Online is a comprehensive language-learning tool for independent study. The software is ideal if you’re serious about learning a new language and dedicated to the pursuit. It’s excellent for self-directed learners who like to take things into their own hands.
The software offers over 100 languages, with plans to add more. After experiencing their welcome lesson, you’re free to tread your own learning path. The core skill-building activities will facilitate your learning using listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Your progress will be tracked by learned words and phrases charts, which serve as a visual source of motivation.
Start with alphabet lessons, work on your grammar, and proceed to learn supplemental vocabulary. Keep yourself on your toes by learning the word of the day!
Transparent Language Online features long lessons with few breakpoints. It requires a long attention span, but the payoff is huge.
The software works with both iOS and Android devices. Start learning with a monthly fee of around €22, or purchase an annual membership for just under €140 per year.
6: DUOLINGO
Duolingo is one of the most popular language-learning apps out there. It’s ad-supported, but it’s worth sitting through them to acquire a new skill. Duolingo is a fun, easy, interactive way to learn languages like German, Japanese, Swedish, and Mandarin Chinese.
The software features a game-oriented method of learning. You’ll feel a sense of progress every time you finish a session. You’ll earn points with correct answers and level up over time. Your motivation will go through the roof as you collect coins and watch your fluency score increase.
Your areas of weakness will be made immediately apparent with instant grading. The software will help you work on these areas with tailored exercises and personalised learning.
Duolingo is completely free for both iOS and Android. If you want to dodge ads, Duolingo Plus will cost you just under €7 per month after a free one-week trial period.
7: MEMRISE
Memrise has turned learning a language into a series of fun mobile games and lessons. It’s the complete opposite of textbook learning. The award-winning app boasts thousands of video clips. These short-form pieces of material will grab your attention without overloading your brain with content.
Over 42 million people use Memrise’s game-based courses. Learn a variety of languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and more. The app includes distinct categories for each language, including Arts & Literature, History & Geography, Trivia, and Maths & Science.
A free version of Memrise is available for both iOS and Android. You can access more content for as little as €5.
