Top 5 Language Learning Apps

Learning a new language can be a challenge, especially for older children and adults, since forming the necessary cognitive frameworks is easiest for young children. Utilizing modern technology can help! Here is our list of the top six language learning apps currently available at the app store. 

HelloTalk–the messaging app. This app is unique because it covers a vast array of languages (over one hundred), and also because of the teaching style. With HelloTalk, you learn the language of your choice from native speakers by talking to them directly through a chat function. Users can correct each other’s messages with an in-built correction tool, which transforms the language exchanges into mini tutoring sessions. The text-to-voice option will also make sure you always know how to pronounce the messages you receive. Practicing a language with a native speaker provides invaluable opportunities to expand your knowledge base and skills.

Babbel–the online language course. In addition to having courses in the more common languages, this app also has lessons on harder-to-find languages like Turkish, Dutch, Indonesian, and more. The set up is designed to quickly build conversational skills, and apart from the general beginner’s courses, Babbel also has separate packages devoted to improving specific skills such as grammar or vocabulary. This means that if you already have some experience with a particular language and know where your weaknesses lie, you can focus on improving those chosen skills.

Leaf–the digital phrasebook. Leaf is designed as a 21st century English language phrasebook applicable to every context. Whether you are an international student who doesn’t know how to order a beer in a British pub, a foreigner who has to apply for a driver’s licence, or someone who simply wants to be able to better understand English, Leaf will enhance your English to help make you fluent in all new situations you encounter. This app can also suggest the most relevant lessons to you based on your location and phone usage! Best of all, each lesson teaches you a specific practical skill and can be read in a couple of minutes for those always on the go.

MindSnacks–the gaming app. This series of apps turns learning language into a fun game complete with levels, unlocking achievements, and much more. It is currently available for Japanese, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Chinese. MindSnacks also has educational gaming apps available for vocabulary and math. If you like language games, you should also check out Duolingo, another app that makes learning language fun. You can read more extensively about it in one of our previous posts by clicking here.

(How To) Pronounce–the pronunciation guide. When learning a language online or through an app, the audio element is often missing. This app can help (as can listening to radio broadcasts online in different languages!). You can prevent embarrassing and frustrating moments trying to communicate with native speakers by studying pronunciation. (How To) Pronounce supports only a few basic languages for now, but hopefully that will be expanded in the future.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services