Apps & Programs to Boost Your Language Learning
I love learning languages, even if it's only a few phrases. The fact that I can communicate with others when I’m traveling - even if it’s just to say hello and thank you - feels empowering. I've dabbled in a lot of languages including Spanish, French and German, but currently I'm putting all of my focus into learning Japanese (and trying to keep up my Italian). So you can probably imagine, I’ve tried out a LOT of language apps and programs. Today I’m sharing what I’ve tried and found most effective in my journey to learn various languages. Everyone learns differently and some of my suggestions work better than others for certain languages. So try them out and see what works best for you!
Language Apps
Language Transfer
If you’re the type of person that wants to learn in a more organic way, Language Transfer is for you. And the best part? It’s completely free! Each Language Transfer class is made up of audio files and nothing else. The audio consists of a teacher leading a volunteer student who is starting with zero knowledge of the target language. The teaching unfolds in a very organic way, and as you follow along with the conversations, you’ll discover that you’re learning to speak your target language in a very natural way. Initially it will feel VERY different from traditional learning, especially if you’ve studied languages previously. But you’ll be amazed at how quickly you gain speaking skills. Along with more popular languages, Language Transfer also offers a few languages you don’t see often, including Swahili, Greek and Turkish. I absolutely love Language Transfer, love the method that it uses, and think it’s one of the most effective and natural ways to learn a language.
LingoDeer
When I started learning Japanese, LingoDeer only offered Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Now they’ve expanded to offer a wider variety of languages, including Spanish, French, Russian and Portuguese. I like LingoDeer for the way it structures the material and how the grammar is integrated into each lesson so you can quickly look up questions you have. And though the setup is similar in many ways, I find that I retain more information when I use LingoDeer vs. a certain app that features a certain green bird.
Speakly
Speakly doesn’t rely as much on multiple choice questions, which makes it a powerful alternative to other language apps. It offers a number of languages, including a few hard to find ones like Finnish and Estonian. The part of Speakly I really love is the way it forces you to actually, like its moniker, speak the language! It also has great listening exercises and what they call LIVE-situations that place you into a dialogue where you have to respond. I will say however that Speakly can be glitchy at times, so I wouldn’t rely on it as your main source of learning. But it’s a great supplement to other materials you may be using.
Wanikani (Japanese only)
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Wanikani. The program uses spaced repetition to help you learn and memorize the Jōyō kanji and their meanings. I love that Wanikani automates the process, so all I have to do is log in and study without worry. Wanikani focuses solely on definitions, so if you’re looking to learn how to write, you’ll have to either look elsewhere or supplement Wanikani with something else. But I can’t recommend it enough. I saw so much value in it (and progress in my kanji studies) that I purchased a lifetime membership!
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PARTNERS
Tandem
One of the best things you can do to accelerate your language learning is to use it! Participating in a language exchange is the perfect solution. This is a great way to ask questions, practice speaking and put a little good into the world by helping someone else learn their target language. My favorite app for this is Tandem, and I’ve met several people based in both Italy and Japan who have been wonderful in helping me with my studies, and who have become friends in the process. You simply make a profile with information on what you want to learn, what your interests are, and how you can help others. If you hit it off with someone, you can agree to meet on a regular basis. My Japanese language partner and I meet on a weekly basis over Zoom to help one another, and it’s so much fun! I can’t recommend this way of learning enough. HelloTalk is another program with a similar setup to Preply. Try them both and see which works better for you and the language you’re learning.
LANGUAGE TUTORs
Preply
There are several websites where you can find a tutor (iTalki immediately comes to mind), but personally I use Preply for my weekly Japanese lessons, and have been happy with it. Prospective tutors set up a profile featuring their teaching experience, their schedule, their rates, and usually a self-introduction video. Just scroll through and find a tutor you’d like to work with. Preply offers a free trial lesson with your first tutor, so you determine if you’re a good match. If you enjoy the trial, you can set up ongoing lessons with them. It’s a great way to learn the language from a native speaker and hold yourself accountable to regular classes, without leaving your home.
Other Suggestions
Look for YouTube videos featuring TV shows or vloggers in the language you want to learn. If you’re a beginner, there are a lot of children’s television shows dubbed into various languages on YouTube, as well as shows made especially for language beginners (French in Action, easy to find on YouTube, is one of my favorites - it’s hilariously dated, but absolutely delightful!). You can also find TV shows and movies on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.
Read in your target language. Newspapers and magazines are particularly helpful.
Listen to podcasts and music in your target language, even when all you can do is listen passively.
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
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