Posted on Thursday, July 11th, 2013 by Franckie Echeverria
Our world seems to be connected at every turn. We associate with others across the globe through travel, business, and even online ventures and the need for common ground is more than necessary. language learning proves to be a vital key towards success and sustainable partnerships.
This is a blog post about the 10 most useful online language learning tools. While all different in many respects, the “Top 10” will be your best shot at locating supplemental learning tools online. After recognizing that these are not to be used as primary sources for the task of holistically learning a new language, their various redeeming qualities can provide assistance and support throughout your journey.
1. Mandarin isn’t SpanishThe philosophy of Fluenz is one that differs from other language learning platforms. Fluenz recognizes a platform that chooses to teach multiple languages should not be teaching them in the exact same manner. Each language is different and it should be taught differently. Fluenz focuses on the reality of language learning. It understands the difficulty involved and chooses to give its users a thorough and smooth process to make a language stick while being learned in its beginning stages. Although Fluenz only offers six languages it boasts about its ability to make students understand exactly what they are learning instead of just memorizing words and phrases.
2. The LegendWhen you think about learning a language often times the first words to pop into mind are Rosetta Stone. The king of all language learning software Rosetta Stone boasts a great track record on the market. Although it is seen as pricey to most, it is a solid supplemental learning tool that would be more cost effective than taking a class or using one-on-one tutoring. Essentially, you are paying for the brand name and the quality behind it.
In response to this blog the Rosetta Stone team contacted us and offered our readers a £100 discount voucher to the Rosetta Course Download ( Voucher code: s1uk1000413dl_S5DN ) and another £100 discount voucher to the Rosetta Course CD ( Voucher code: s1uk1000413dl_S5CD ). 😉
3. Busuu…?Based on a Freemium business model, Busuu offers twelve different languages. Its method of teaching is structured and interesting. Busuu splits each language into numerous units. Reading comprehension, writing practice, and voice recordings are only some of the ways that you can begin to learn a new language with this program. Busuu teaches useful phrases and words and provides a relevant context. Mobile apps are available for your convenience to take the learning anywhere you go. When a user is uncertain you can send your written sentences to native speakers for correction and immediate feedback. The content is image and sound based which makes it aesthetically pleasing to view over the internet. Join for free or purchase a premium package which offers added amenities such as PDF files and podcasts.
4. Connect with Natives!Fluentify connects language learners with native speakers around the world. It provides language learning opportunities for the students as well as an opportunity for native language speakers to earn money teaching others. Sessions are short and run through a built-in videoconferencing platform. Students and teachers are paired by interests. That way the conversation is natural and comfortable. You can learn languages through meaningful and useful conversation. Teachers range from professionals to everyday individuals. The price is set for 30 minute sessions and depends entirely upon the amount a teacher chooses to charge.
5. Review with FlashcardsCustomized flashcards act as an added aid to boost an individual’s everyday vocabulary. Through declarative learning, an individual can supplement his knowledge of a language. By using Byki, a personalized flashcard platform, your vocabulary reservoir will be deepened. It is a useful, personalized and supplemental learning tool for straight memorization. Byki Express is free to the general public. If you want an added bonus, however, you can purchase the Byki Deluxe which costs $69.95 and has several added attractions other than the typical vocabulary flashcards.
6. Online Pronunciation GuideForvo is the largest pronunciation guide on the market with audio pronunciations available in more than 200 languages. Forvo has the native language speakers doing the talking. By signing up for Forvo you get more benefits than just clicking on the pronunciations. Rate and discuss, create your own pronunciations, download MP3 files and even compile your favorites into an easily accessible list. Setbacks include no guarantee of the validity of the pronunciations as well as the use of vulgar or inappropriate words due to their policy of complete inclusion. Overall, Forvo is strictly a way to pick up extra words and have the added bonus of knowing the appropriate pronunciation.
7. Rosetta Stone Adopts a ChildLivemocha fuses traditional learning methods with online practice and interaction with native language speakers from around the world and promises conversational fluency. LiveMocha was created to address the issue of globalization and interconnectedness. A supportive online community makes this product very enticing. The application must have the most current update of certain browsers to run. The website is free unlike Rosetta Stone. If you prefer structured courses, however, you could navigate to a separate section and pay based on the language you opt to take. Livemocha was purchased by Rosetta Stone in (2013).
8. Language on the Go!Radio Lingua Network is a way to learn languages in only minutes. Through the use of downloadable podcasts, learning becomes convenient. This company is a small startup with only a few full-time employees helping to develop the content and to ensure proper production of the shows the team works closely with native language speakers. Radio Lingua is not meant to be a program for those who appreciate very structured language learning. It’s about learning when it’s most convenient for you. Payment varies based on the program an individual selects and all programs available within a single purchase can be immediately downloaded. For our faithful readers Radio Lingua has offered a special discount! By using coupon code “allmyfaves” (lower case) readers can get 20% off the cost of signing up for one of Radio Lingua’s memberships.
9. Where’s the Restroom?Mango Languages states their dedication to help customers fill their growing language learning needs with the most fun and effective tools available. The website is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate and feeds a wide range of students from elementary school to university. The objective of Mango Languages is to ensure its users feel comfortable in another country from the moment they set foot in the airport. There is no set guideline for pricing and you must establish a user account. Sometimes you only want to know how to find a taxi or order a delicious looking sandwich without sounding inappropriate. Mango understands the need for useful communication and pledges to make each individual user feel comfortable by fulfilling the most basic language needs.
10. The Social Networkitalki is an online destination for learning new languages by connecting individuals from around the world into one friendly community. It provides an online forum for people to learn about different cultures and languages. There is an option for language exchange where both parties can act as recipients and teachers as part of a free online language exchange. italki can also help students connect with teachers for paid online lessons. Pricing and description of teacher capability are also listed on the website. italki is an interesting twist on the language learning process and makes learning fresh and interactive. By experiencing live action learning, italki users will be able to come out of a lesson not only aware of the language, but also culture, customs, and proper pronunciations.
After perusing through this list, you will most likely recognize learning a language can be difficult and daunting.
You can brave the language acquisition process with a helping hand from various online services and tools. A myriad of different websites can be found to complement an individual’s personal learning style. The sites on this list as well as many other services can be found on the languages section of our Education Homepage. There is much the internet has to offer and by taking an All My Faves approach you can remain focused, unafraid, and aware while searching the internet for your personal needs!
