by Andrew Fleming
The recent rise in virtual learning has caused a surge in the use of language learning apps. While in the past language learning was thought of as a class-room activity, language learning today can happen anywhere you can take your phone. However, with this language-app boom comes a difficult question: with so many choices, which app should you choose? We have compiled the following set of questions to help guide you through the world of online language learning. The apps mentioned in this guide are by no means exhaustive, but rather are meant to help you consider what options might best suit your goals and learning style.
What kind of language(s) do you want to learn?
Popular language learning apps like DuoLingo and Babbel offer a vast selection of spoken languages from around the world. If you’re a Star Trek nerd looking to confuse your enemies, DuoLingo even offers Klingon! If you’re interested in learning American Sign Language, Sign It!, Hands On ASL, and The ASL App offer great options. Extending beyond speech and sign, the apps Pocket Braille and Ballyland Magic provide fun informative instruction for learning braille or the touch gestures of Voice Over.
What kind of learner are you?
Fans of focused, steady-paced learning will enjoy the carefully constructed platforms of apps like Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, and Sign It!, which offer an immersive experience of multimedia content. If the thought of traditional learning makes you shiver with boredom, language apps like Transparent and Memrise offer exciting new ways of connecting with target languages through sound and video. And if you prefer a more implicit learning experience, the app series Infinite tricks you into acquiring new vocabulary with simple, enjoyable games in a wide selection of languages.
What language abilities are you most focused on?
When it comes to language abilities and skills, different apps are designed to help you improve in different ways. While many apps are focused on reading or writing, apps like LingQ allow you to watch news videos with interactive subtitles, which can help your listening comprehension. If you’re interested in business-related skills, the app Busuu provides an individualized multi-year study plan and offers ways to connect and speak with other learners from around the world. The apps of Hellotalk and Tandem also provide ways for you to talk with other speakers around the world, and offer interactive messaging software that highlights errors as you type. And if you are interested in nailing down your pronunciation, apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel are adding features that analyze and assess spoken output to provide helpful feedback!
Keep trying different things
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a language app is that you do not need to pick just one! Many apps offer extensive free trials, which can be a great way to see what is offered and whether it suits your needs. In fact, it’s likely that as you improve in your new language, your needs will grow and change. Hopefully the list we’ve provided here will help you on your quest to find a variety of apps suited to various stages of your development and interests. We hope you have fun with your learning, and please feel free to get in touch and share your comments and suggestions with us!