Author’s Bio: Ross Smythe is the chief concept developer at Teknowledge Mobile Studio. He regularly writes on the web, on topics related to educational technology. In this piece, he discusses tools designed to help users with language learning.
Global studies have shown, around 55% of students from all over the world take an active interest in learning foreign languages. Apart from the sheer fun and excitement of studying a new language, doing so can also expand career opportunities for an individual. Contrary to what you might have believe, you need not attend classes and study textbooks to increase your familiarity with a new language. The following apps can help you attain fluency in languages of your choice, in the matter of weeks.
- Babbel - You can take your pick from as many as seven different languages to learn from on this advanced mobile learning application - ranging from French and Spanish, to Italian, German and Portuguese. English-learning courses are available on the Babbel app too. There is authentic audio support on the application, to help learners pick up the correct pronunciation, of around three thousand words in each of the languages.
- Duolingo - You have probably already come across websites in foreign languages which you cannot understand. The Duolingo app uses the basic website translation feature required in such cases, to help people pick up on a new language. Most of the translation exercises are framed as engaging games, to keep users interested. With tools for Android and iPhone application development in India and abroad steadily expanding, more languages will soon be available on Duolingo.
- Byki Mobile - Arguably, the language-learning app that offers the maximum choice. You can select one (or more) languages to learn using Byki Mobile, from a whopping eighty options. Interactive quizzes, multiple-choice games, and audio narration of a large number of words - all featured in this user-friendly smartphone application. The ‘Learned Items’ feature of Byki helps in keeping a tab on the progress you make in your language-learning endeavors.
Duolingo Language Learning App
- Living Language French - If you wish to get a feel of the systematic classroom procedure for improving your fluency in French, this is the app you should opt for. Living Language comes with a set of intuitive flashcards, focused on gradually improving the familiarity of individuals with French alphabets and words. The entire course is divided into multiple difficulty levels. The games and puzzles on this application are worth a separate mention too.
- Visual Dictionary - When it comes to mobile apps offering multiple language-learning opportunities, Visual Dictionary ranks among the very best. There are thirty-three language courses programmed in the application, with over a hundred words and more than a thousand correctly framed sentences for each of them. The lessons are sub-divided into interesting scenarios. Setting up the Visual Dictionary app on your iPad is easy to do within minutes!
- Mindsnacks - Thinking of mastering the Spanish language? Get the Mindsnacks application, and give shape to your aspirations with ease! The built-in language algorithm is designed to aid learners in memorizing letters and words, and using them in just the right manner. There are six interesting language games in Mindsnacks, along with a mighty impressive vocabulary stock to delve into. In a few months, languages like French and Portuguese would also become available on the Mindsnacks app.
Mind Snacks Language Learning App
- Livemocha - This language-learning app was launched nearly seven years back, and its popularity has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years. The total number of languages available in Livemocha (which was later acquired by Rosetta Stone) is just under forty - and for each language, there are informative video tutorials and web-supported classes. You won’t face any difficulties in picking up the phonetics of the words of a new language, thanks to the audio support on the app, provided by professional native narrators. Some portions of the language courses on Livemocha are free.
- Human Japanese HD - The mobile app framework and format used in Human Japanese HD make it stand out from most other language applications. While learning to read/write the apparently difficult Japanese alphabets, you will enjoy the inherent element of fun and embedded games in the app. The display board of Human Japanese HD resembles the familiar Facebook news feed. Every day, you get to learn a new Japanese proverb as well!
- iStart - Grammatical confusions tend to plague most people starting to learn a new language - and that is precisely the issue iStart primarily focuses on addressing. The app, at present, offers options for learning four different languages, with a maximum of 50 lessons for each of them. Users can either buy the app (for a seamless, ad-free learning experience), or go for the free version. The built-in language quizzes of the app would iron out all grammar-related doubts that you might have.
- Innovative Language 101 - You would need to become a member (either basic or premium), to start using the Innovative Language 101 app on your iPad or iPhone. A systematic approach is adopted in the application, to familiarize learners with the pronunciation techniques of words, in a wide set of languages. Innovative Language 101 packs in a perfect blend of visual appeal, instructive language-learning features, and a distinct fun element. The web version is enormously popular, and the mobile version of the app has also received favorable reviews from users around the world.
Memrise Language Learning App
Finally, for learning languages as common as English, to comparatively rarer options like Vietnamese and Swahili, Word Power Lite is a much sought-after mobile app. Howeer, if you are more concerned about being able to memorize the foreign language grammar and vocabulary lessons, the Memrise app would work like an absolute charm. Learn a new language - it’s a great hobby, it’s a whole lot of fun, and with these mobile apps, it’s easy too!
Author’s Bio
Ross Smythe is the chief concept developer at Teknowledge Mobile Studio. He regularly writes on the web, on various topics related to education technology.
Author’s Bio
Ross Smythe is the chief concept developer at Teknowledge Mobile Studio. He regularly writes on the web, on various topics related to education technology.
