Well, it is what it is! We are stuck at home for a while already, and apparently, we are not going anywhere soon. So, why not take all that free time at home and learn a new language?
I am multilingual and an ex-pat myself so I know how it is like to work in a different language and the challenges of trying to learn a new language.
To help make your learning journey a little more I’ve collected a list of 5 of the best language apps and some tips to keep you on track. Language learning apps can be a perfect way to start your multilingual journey and two on the list are completely free.
Choose a language you’re passionate about, dedicate yourself to 15-30 minutes a day and you’ll add a new skill to your CV before you know it.
Best Language Apps 2021
1. Duolingo – low commitment free app
If you are looking for a free language app, something to get you going and start with not much commitment, Duolingo is the best language-learning app. The app works quite well whether you are a beginner or have some experience already and is super easy to use.
Duolingo offers small lessons that you can go through anywhere at any time with a game-like feel. Duolingo is available as both a web and mobile app.
Cost: Free
2. Rosetta Stone – a reliable classic
If you are planning to invest a little on this learning experience, Rosetta Stone would be my recommendation. Globally known for being reliable and accurate, Rosetta Stone offers programmes for 29 languages. Each lesson normally lasts 30 minutes.
Let’s say you take one lesson per day, there is enough content to keep you busy for months. Some users might consider Rosetta Stone a little bit repetitive, but that’s is the main idea of the deductive learning method.
Cost: Free for students / from €13 a month
3. Yabla – good for brushing up on existing language skills
If you are mainly looking for some brushing up on a language that you learned a long time ago, but never really used, Yabla is the one. Yabla covers Chinese, Italian, Spanish, French, German & English and can be done online or via the app.
It is a streaming service that lets you easily find videos in the language you are learning. The app includes exercises, but the main focus is real video footage with native speakers using a natural pace and accent.
Cost: From €11.96 a month
4. Quizlet – fun, free app
All this sound like a little bit too much? Maybe Quizlet would be the perfect choice for you. Known for being the best language app for travel, this is a great option to write down vocabulary to review or to get some assistance with pronunciation. The tools are animated, and the app creates unique content that fits your needs.
Cost: Free
5. Fluenz – interactive app with native instructors
If you need some human interaction to learn, I would definitely suggest Fluenz. This app uses video lessons to present material and follows them with more standard interactive exercises where you can practice what you have learned.
As you progress, the instructor walks you through the lessons that not only include pronunciation and grammar, but also some cultural tips.
Cost: From $187
Tips on How to Learn a New Language by Yourself
Still not sure where to start? Here are some tips to help you stay dedicated and finally tick learning a new language of your to-do list.
Why do you want to learn a new language?
This is the first question you need to ask yourself. You need to know your motivation to learn a foreign language in order to keep committed to the learning process. Do you have an eye on a specific position abroad? Are you passionate about certain cuisine or culture? Use this motivation to set a goal from the beginning.
Listen and repeat
Listen to others have conversations on your soon to be new language. Exercise and try to repeat some words that sound nice to you.
If you are speaking with a close friend or family that speaks the language, ask them to explain the meaning of the words and try to insert them into a sentence. This is a great way to learn new words.
Practice!
There is no better way to speed up your learning than practice. Find a way to use simple sentences – even at the very beginning – and make then part of your routine.
Something silly like saying hello, goodbye or colours help you get comfortable with the new language.
It will take a while to get perfect
Learning a new language is not easy. You will get it wrong at the beginning and guess what? That is ok! If your friends correct you or even laugh at you, take the opportunity to learn and have fun with it.
There is no better time than now
As we all know, the most important step is the first one, so stop wondering about how to learn a new language and just start.