Learning a new language is hard work, especially if you are going about it the old fashioned way. Luckily there is a bevvy of apps and language learning services out there to help you learn languages in a straightforward and easy way.
Each of them has a unique approach to language learning with enough gamification and interaction to make language learning hip and fun.
Language Learning Services
TechVise takes a look at some great language learning services that work great standalone, and better when combined!
Busuu
Busuu is extremely popular for being an elegant and straightforward app. Users can choose from twelve different languages, and a worldwide community can help reinforce the language you are learning.
You can learn language courses covering four leading skills; reading, writing, listening, and speaking, from beginner to a higher level.
You can sign up for free and get a Premium membership to get advance training. If all this isn’t reason enough to hop on board, I don’t know what is.
Memrise
Memrise is also one of the most popular language learning services around, and it is for a reason. Memrise has a staggering expansion of languages and ready-made courses, in 21 languages.
Memrise also incorporates intelligent technology that adapts to the user’s learning style. Plus users can create their own lesson plans and groups. Combine that with the service’s Android and iOS apps and the fact that it’s totally free, and it is clear to see why Memrise is such an explosively popular service.
Anki
Anki is one of the most popular languages learning services on this list, and it holds that title for a reason. The free service utilises flashcards to help users learn their new language. It is incredibly simple and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It also has companion apps for iOS and Android devices. While for the rest of them, there is Anki for The Web that is accessible from any browser. For something simple and fun, Anki may be the service for you.
LiveMocha
LiveMocha is another great language learning service powered by its massive community of users. If you haven’t heard of this yet, then you would have heard about its paid older brother – Rosetta Stone.
LiveMocha approaches learning differently via its Whole-Part-Whole methodology, that works around activity sets and personas. At the time of signup, you mention your native language and the language you want to start learning. LiveMocha allocates you points at the time of signup which you can spend on your activities. In return, you can earn points for helping out fellow partners who are native speakers of the language you are learning and need a native language user you are native in. Win – Win. It is a point that separates LiveMocha from the competition, and that is what makes it a great service.
Duolingo
Of all the services on this list, this is the one most people think of when they think about language learning services. Duolingo is a unique service because it teaches new languages in a fun and interactive way. That’s because Duolingo teaches through games. It doesn’t have the wide selection of languages like Memrise – actually limited to European languages only, but its addictive and fun learning style makes Duolingo a favorite among foreign language learners. Plus it has a compatible app on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone (something much of the competition lacks).
There are many other language learning services out there, but the ones on this list are among the best. Podcasts are another method, and there are many out there to choose from. Another way to quickly get into the habit of using a language is to change the native language on your Phone. I know that’s pretty harsh but hey you will get into the habit of reading and doing quick translations. Are there any other hacks and apps you use to learn a new language? Do share….