Fascinated by a particular country or region and you’d like to be able to learn its native language? That’s awesome!
Learning a second language has been proven to strengthen cognitive abilities like intelligence and memory while lowering risks of brain aging and dementia.
Aside from that, language learning is fun and can expand your horizon of knowledge. After all, the world is becoming increasingly multicultural, so being multilingual might come in handy one day.
Today, students learning a new language have the option of modernizing their learning style by adopting an app. Indeed, there are many language apps available for Android users out there. And with the pace of technology adoption speeding up, you can now learn a new language from the comfort of your own home without a teacher.
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All you have to do is install the right apps to start learning the basics of grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
So for those of you who dream of being able to speak fluent Swedish or Turkish one day, we’ve put together a list of some of the best language apps you can download on your Android right now.
Duolingo
What it is:
Duolingo is probably one of the most well-known language learning services out there. The app uses text, pictures and audio to help you learn new words and phrases.
Why we like it:
- The app comes with a wide selection of languages you can learn, from the more common Spanish, French or German to the more exotic Japanese, Korean, Welsh, Vietnamese and Swahili.
- Duolingo uses games to teach students the basics of the new language and that’s why it’s a great place to start for beginners.
- The app also teaches you how to pronounce the new words.
- You can track your progress with shiny achievements.
- Cute green-owl mascot guides you through the lessons.
Memrise
What it is:
A language learning especially useful for memorizing characters, vocabulary and phrases. The app also incorporates questions and quizzes, so it’s not merely a flashcard app. The app is free to download, but to get access to certain tools you will need to pay.
Why we like it:
- Memrise also uses gaming-style learning to teach you the foundations of the language you want to learn.
- The free account gives you access to plentiful content (note: you will need to unlock the Pro version for additional features like chatting with users who speak the language you’re trying to learn).
- The app uses adaptive learning technology, meaning it changes how it teaches you based on your performance. It’s certainly something you see the teacher do in the classroom.
Innovative
What it is:
An app which gives users access to a wide range of lessons including audio and videos. It requires a subscription after the 7-day trial period expires.
Why we like it:
- The app lets you choose between 34 different languages including English, French, Thai, Arabic, Filipino, Persian and more.
- It offers a 7-day free trial which gives users access to basic learning tools such as full video/audio lessons with .pdf transcripts. These are supported by a vocabulary section.
- Supports other advanced features such as the ability to create personal word lists or 1-on-1 learning with Your Own Teacher option. You can also get a personalized learning program & guidance. But you’ll have to pay to get access to them.
Beelinguapp
What it is:
An app for people who prefer auditory learning, a learning style in which a person learns through listening. Beelinguapp is free to use but features some in-app purchases.
Why we like it:
- Some people tend to learn faster simply by listening. Beelinguapp is an app based on this principle. It’s designed to help you learn a foreign language by practicing listening.
- The app provides side-by-side readings of your favorite fairytales, novels and much more.
- The app supports 12 foreign languages such as German, Italian and Chinese and includes a lot of interesting reading material.
Babbel
What it is:
An app which offers packs of lessons that cover certain abilities, including those targeted at beginners of advanced students. You get one lesson for free, but if you want more you’ll have to spend money.
Why we like it:
- The app teaches you words and phrases and then asks you to spell them out, speak them aloud or fit them into sentences.
- The app focuses on conventional learning and explains grammar rules as you go.
- There’s the option of downloading lessons for offline use, so if you are going off the grid and want some study materials, this app is perfect.
Busuu
What it is:
A language-learning app with a very well-designed interface. It offers compelling lesson packages including a bunch of travel courses that will quickly prepare you for your next trip. The app is free to download, but you’ll have to pay to unlock some extra tools.
Why we like it:
- You start off with a placement test, so you can start learning at the right difficulty level.
- The app includes flashcards, grammar, writing and pronunciation exercise. Quizzes and games are also available for you to test your knowledge.
- Learners can chat with native speakers, and even have them correct their exercises.
Mondly
What it is:
Mondly is your new augmented reality (AR) language assistant that gives a unique spin to your language learning endeavors.
Why we like it:
- Powered by ARCore, MondlyAR is like a foreign friend you can keep on your phone. It engages you in spoken conversation and gives instant feedback to your pronunciation.
- The app tutors teaches new words by having you listen to conversations between native speakers.
- Includes a special Verb conjugations module which teaches you full conjugations including the translation.
So are you ready to learn a new language? Download one of these language apps to get started.
