Although we are lucky that the dominant language around the globe is English there are times when it helps to know a little bit of the local language. Travelling is not just about getting that instagram shot but also about immersing yourself into a new place and new culture and knowing a few key phrases can really help with this. With that in mind we’ve listed our top five language learning apps below, some focus on making learning fun and easy, others on a more intensive course with a personal tutor. They all follow different methods and it’s worth giving them a try to work out which is best for your learning style, budget and time constraints.
1. Listen & Learn
Listen & Learn offers both face-to-face learning and online courses via Skype in a wide range of different languages matching individuals with native speakers. In order for you to get the most out of a Listen & Learn course they are tailored to your individual needs be that business conversations, medical lingo etc. and current knowledge of the language.
Lessons can be purchased in blocks of 10 hours upwards with discounts for longer courses, and if you’re learning with a friend there is a minimal additional cost for an additional learner making the courses much more cost effective. You can find out more and take a quick proficiency test to check your knowledge on the Listen & Learn website.
2. Duolingo
One of the most well known language learning apps out there Duolingo is a popular choice for learning on the go offering bite size lessons you can complete is just five minutes. With over 30 languages included on the app covering some more rogue options such as Klingon you can easily swap between the different courses you’ve enrolled to on the app, and the best thing of all they’re all free!
Injecting fun into learning a language Duolingo turns language courses into a game with badges to collect as you learn and three lives in which to complete a level.
3. Rosetta Stone
Although one of the more expensive options on the market Rosetta Stone has been one of the leading language learning programmes for years and for good reason. Immersing you into your chosen new language from the get go Rosetta Stone does not include any translations instead encouraging you to begin to think and speak in the new language.
One of the best features of Rosetta Stone is TrueAccent, their finely tuned speech engine that ensures your pronunciation is on point from day one.
4. HelloTalk
HelloTalk is another free language learning app that has taken off in recent years. Built on the concept of a worldwide community HelloTalk gives users the opportunity to talk to native speakers of their chosen language online. Users can communicate by text, voice recordings and even doodles (for when you’re really stuck!) with the optional corrections tool to rectify any mistakes. Simply set up a profile with a brief introduction and set your preferences of age/gender to make new connections across the globe.
5. Travel!
Putting all that learning aside, one of the best ways to pick up a new language and practice some of the basics you may have picked up from any of the above language courses and apps is to get out there and try it! You’d be surprised by how quickly you pick up on certain common words and phrasing as you’re travelling around, and why not try out a few, people will respect you for trying to speak their native language (even if you’re pronunciation is horrendous!)
Explore more of our Travel Tips.
