As technology has become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, the relevant knowledge and skills related to its use can be influential in the learning process. This part of the CULTR website examines widely available applications beyond the classroom, resources to become gradually tech-savvy, and useful tools geared to both teachers and students.

Babbel

Description: Delivering quality courses in 14 languages, Babbel offers a language-learning program that teaches through listening and writing more than speaking and writing. With that in mind, it still offers tools such as pronunciation evaluation to ensure the other aspects of learning a language are accounted for. Babbel exposes users to a lot of new vocabulary to fit almost any conversation needs and then reviews these phrases thoroughly. Milestones are established through a custom class structure to allow users to monitor their progress as well. Languages can be downloaded individually so the user can focus on one language at a time that costs less than many of its competitors.

Languages: Spanish, English, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Dutch, Polish, Indonesian, Norwegian, Danish, Russian

Cost: Free, offers subscriptions

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

Duolingo

Description: Duolingo is a game-based language learning app featuring speaking, listening, reading, and writing exercises. The competitive leaderboards and “Streak Society” motivate users to use the app daily, and personalized learning provides a customizable learning method. Duolingo’s free version features a “lives” system, encouraging users to pay close attention to not lose their lives- if lost, users cannot begin a new lesson until they have recharged. All subscription features are available to buy with “gems”, the in-app currency. The free version also includes ads.

Languages: 38 Languages

Cost: Free, offers subscriptions

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Windows

LingoDeer

Description: LingoDeer is a language learning app like Duolingo in its game-based format. This app includes stories, audio, and thorough explanations of concepts. LingoDeer has more of a focus on grammar and is more geared toward Asian languages.

Languages: 11 Languages, with a focus on Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin

Cost: Free, offers subscriptions

Platforms: iOS, Android

Memrise

Description: Memrise is a language-learning program that utilizes the format of flashcards to teach from an impressive list of 200+ languages and 300,000+ courses. With different modules depending on the proficiency of the user, Memrise takes the memorization and repetition techniques essential to flashcards and introduces a competitive element with the ability to compete against other users. Points and reputation standings allow users to be more engaged in learning a new language and to have fun challenging friends. Furthermore, teachers and students can benefit from Memrise’s option to allow users to design their own courses of rich, multimedia flashcards on anything.

Languages: 200+ Languages

Cost: Free

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

Pimsleur

Description: Based on linguist Dr. Paul Pimsleur’s linguistic work, Pimsleur is a language learning resource focusing on audio, translating between the user’s target language and native language. The paid version of Pimsleur comes with interactive exercises to further your development. 

Languages: 51 Languages

Cost: Free, offers subscriptions

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

Rocket Languages

Description: Rocket Languages is a language learning tool that offers audio and culture lessons, pronunciation practice, and flashcards.

Languages: Spanish (Latin American), French, Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Russian, Arabic (Egyptian), Hindi, Portuguese (Brazilian), Sign Language (American), English

Cost: $149.95 for one level; $449.85 for three levels; limited free content

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

Tandem

Description: Tandem is a social-based app that, instead of teaching you how to speak a language, pairs you with people who know/are learning the same languages as you to get real-life practice. Tandem users can video call, audio call, send voice recordings, and text with other users. 

Languages: 10+ Languages

Cost: Offers subscriptions

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android