One big part of my life overseas in Spain is speaking Spanish. My move here would not be the same (and significantly a lot more difficult) if I hadn’t learned the language. To many people, the idea of learning a foreign language seems so daunting and complex. People often say “oh I wish I could, but I don’t have the time or money.”
However this is also 2018. It amazes me all the things that we can do from the comfort of our own homes these days. All we need is a computer or smart phone, and an internet connection. There are many apps that you can use to learn and practice languages, and they’re free!
Here are a few of my favorite language learning apps.
The best language learning apps
1. Duolingo
The best place to start is Duolingo. On this app, there are at least 20 different languages available to study. You start out with the basics and progress as you master each thing. The instructions are all in your language, so you won’t get confused as to what it’s asking you to do. The tasks consist of things like putting a sentence in order, listening and speaking.
When I was first starting out with Spanish, I used Duolingo. I worked through the entire thing in about a year, doing something maybe several times a week. If there’s a language you’re interested in, why not start learning it on Duolingo? You really have nothing to loose!
2. Tandem
If you’ve already learned a bit of the language, the next best thing is to put it into practice! On the Tandem app, you can have conversations with real people who want to practice. The idea is that you can help someone learning your native language who speaks the language you want to learn. If English is your native language, you will find lots of people who want to speak to you.I
I also really like how the Tandem app is set up. In the chat, it allows you to correct other people and for them to correct you. By this, I mean you can click on what they said, make a correction and it shows the old sentence plus the new, corrected one. I know I’m at the level where I want to be corrected, so I love this feature. They also allow you record audios. This allows you to get that important speaking practice.
However sometimes, this sort of practice isn’t enough. Sometimes we still want a teacher to work with us and teach us. You can also take classes on Tandem. This part is not free, although the first 15 minutes are! You choose the tutor you want and when you want to take class with them. You can choose between 20, 40 and 60 minute classes.
You can download the app for Iphone and Android. Be sure to use the code E2HABRIA.
3. Verbling
The Verbling app has basically every language you want to learn. One day I was just looking around at what they offer, and they even have less popular languages like Berber (spoken in Morocco). I thought that was very cool.
This one is more based on traditional, one-one classes than the others. They do have some forums where both students and teachers can start discussions about different topics. I do find those to be quite helpful and interesting. In regards to their tutors, they have a rule that all teachers have to be native in the language that they teach. Full disclosure: I work as an English teacher on Verbling. So you could take a class with me!
4. italki
I love italki because it’s truly a community. Much like the Tandem app, you can find real people on italki and practice with them. You can write them messages and have a language exchange. However their chat is not quite as language-learning friendly as Tandem is. You cannot record audio or correct your partner. However it’s still good to be able to meet people and practice with them.
Just like Verbling and Tandem, you can also take classes on italki. I have never done that, but I imagine the classes are much like the classes I teach on Verbling. They’re one-on-one and suited to each individual students needs. They also have forums like on Verbling.
5. Babbel
Babbel is an app much like Duolingo. There are all sorts of courses that you can take on there. When you begin, you mark whether you’re a beginner or advanced. I marked advance for Spanish and was given a quick exam just to verify that that was my level. Then you can choose the lessons you want to take. Some of the classes are free and others you can gain access to by paying.
What do you think of the idea of learning a language from your phone? Have you tried out any of these apps? Are there any others that you would recommend as the best language learning apps?
Some of these links are referral links. That means that I may earn a small incentive such as free classes or money if you join one of these platforms.
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