4 Language Learning Apps For Beginners

Learning a new language is super important right now, especially considering the ever-evolving political climate. Not only that, the ability to speak multiple languages is a highly attractive skill that opens doors to new job opportunities, improves communication with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and broadens your understanding of our fellow humans.

With today's flustered society, however, learning languages on the go is not only desirable, but necessary. In this article, we will discuss the top four language learning apps that you can use to learn a new language on the go!

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps with over 300 million users worldwide. The app offers courses in over 40 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more. The app is designed to be interactive, fun, and engaging, making it an ideal tool for beginners. Duolingo uses a gamification approach, which means you earn points for completing lessons and progress through levels as you learn. The app also has a feature that allows you to compete with other users, adding an element of competition to the learning experience.

However, the app is very limited due to its paywall. The app is free, but there's only so much learning you can do a day before the app asks you to upgrade to Super Duolingo. The price is lower compared to the other apps ($6.99/month). But is the price worth it?

Duolingo excels in its gamification of learning languages. With that being said, the app is too simple for its own good and does not provide enough in-depth instruction on grammar and syntax, which is essential for learning a new language! Additionally, some learners have reported feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of lessons and exercises once you upgrade, which can make it difficult to stay motivated and engaged over the long term.

Score: 4/10

This app is free, and upgrading won't cost you a fortune. Even so, you get what you pay for when it comes to Duolingo. Its gamification reminds me of brain training apps, which have been proven ineffective. If you're looking to learn a new language, Duolingo may not be the way to go.

Babbel

Babbel is another popular language learning app that offers courses in 14 different languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, and more. Unlike Duolingo, Babbel focuses more on conversational skills, with lessons that are designed to help you speak confidently in real-life situations. The app offers a personalized learning experience that adapts to your learning style and pace. Babbel also offers speech recognition technology, which helps you improve your pronunciation by comparing your speech to that of a native speaker.

That may sound nice, but howe effective is this app? Some users have criticized the app for lacking depth and not providing enough opportunities to practice writing and reading skills. The app is also pricier than Duolingo (about $38 for 3 months). Due to its useful speech recognition technology, the price may be worth it for you if you're trying to get speech down for a trip.

Score: 7/10

Keep in mind: Babbel is really popular for a reason. It can definitely help you jump start at a language. If you're interested in getting a 3-month subscription, you can use this link.

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is a well-known name in the language learning industry, and its app is just as effective as its traditional software. The company has been around teaching languages electronically since 1992! This app offers courses in 24 different languages and is designed to help you learn a new language the same way you learned your first language, encouraging you to learn more than one language. The app uses an immersive approach, which means you learn through pictures, sounds, and context rather than translations. The app also offers a feature called TruAccent, which is designed to help you perfect your pronunciation by analyzing your speech and providing feedback.

Rosetta Stone has been a major player in the language learning industry for decades, but its app has faced criticism for being expensive and not offering enough support for beginners. The app's immersive approach can also be overwhelming for some learners, particularly those who are not familiar at all with the language being taught. Additionally, the app's lack of grammar explanations and translation can make it difficult for learners to understand the underlying structure of the language.

Score: 7/10

Rosetta Stone, even with its drawbacks, has proven to be effective for decades. It's definitely worth a shot if you consider yourself a quick learner and can grasp new concepts with ease. If you choose to get a 3-month subscription with Rosetta Stone with any language of your choice, follow this link.

Memrise

Memrise is a language learning app that focuses on vocabulary building. The app offers courses in over 20 languages and uses a variety of techniques, such as videos, interactive games, and mnemonics, to help you remember words and phrases. Memrise also offers a feature called Difficult Words, which helps you review and master the words you find most challenging. The app also allows you to learn from native speakers, giving you an opportunity to practice your conversational skills.

Memrise, while known for its effective vocabulary building techniques, has been criticized for lacking structure and not providing enough opportunities for grammar instruction. Some users have also reported that the app's focus on memorization can feel repetitive and dull over time, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. Even worse, due to this teaching method, you may very well forget the language if you take a break from the app.

Score: 3/10

Memrise is best used as a companion for other language learning methods or apps.

Language learning apps have made it easier than ever to learn a new language. The four apps discussed in this article, Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Memrise, are all excellent tools for language learners. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, there is an app that will suit your needs. So, choose the app that works best for you, and start your language learning journey today!