Six apps to help you learn a new language during lockdown

As the desire for more fluency in new languages is increasing, more and more people are turning to language learning apps. These apps can ultimately turn a fleeting aspiration into an attainable goal – all from the convenience of a laptop or smartphone. 

Keeping busy: Learn a new language during the lockdown using these apps

1.Mondly

Back in 2013 Mondly’s founders, Alex Iliescu and Tudor Iliescu saw the opportunity of introducing language learning to smart technologies of the future. As you might guess, it was love at first sight. After years of research and hard work, they became the planet’s number one company to make language learning with speech recognition possible in AR and VR.

With Mondly you can learn languages with free lessons daily. In just minutes you’ll start memorising core words, form sentences, learn phrases and take part in conversations. Fun language lessons improve your vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation like no other language learning app. Beginner or advanced learner, traveller or business professional with a tight schedule? The app works great and dynamically adjusts to your needs.

2. Memrise

According to Oprah Magazine, Memrise’s claim to fame is their teaching method that utilizes memory techniques and an algorithm for a customised learning experience. Another standout feature is the integration of video clips of native speakers filmed in their hometowns to give students a sense of authentic accents and culture, making the app ideal for visual and auditory learners. 

3. Pimsleur

This app is said to be optimal for the learner on the go. Pimsleur’s approach mirrors how people learned their native language by listening, repeating and answering questions. When users commit to 30 minutes a day for 30 days, they can achieve an intermediate level of language proficiency, according to Pimsleur. The premium version of the app also includes flashcards, quizzes, and a skills section.

4. Tandem

Take your language learning to the next level and team up with a native speaker to practice languages. Find your Tandem partner, start chatting, and speak your way to fluency!

With this app you can reach fluency in over 160 languages, including Spanish, English, Japanese, Korean, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and 12 different sign languages, including American Sign Language.

5. Duolingo

This app is completely free and is ideal for those who love learning via games. Since staying motivated is often the hardest part of learning a language, this app’s focus is to nudge consistency with the ability for gamers to accomplish daily streaks, earn points, level up, get virtual currency, and compete with others globally through their new leaderboards feature. 

6. Rosetta Stone

It is said that Rosetta Stone is what often comes to mind for many who consider learning a new language outside of a traditional academic setting. One unique offering is an immersive experience with words, images and native speaker voices in which users can learn a new language without the help of their first language (unless users choose to long-press a word to translate).