The world is increasingly going global, and being multilingual is an added skill that you can never go wrong with. Understanding another international language besides English will only give you an edge in your career.
You might be looking to go on a vacation to Tokyo or get a scholarship to study in Amsterdam. Learning a new language is always a good way to expand your mind and learn about the ways of life of other people.
Here are seven easy-to-use mobile apps that will help you become multilingual in no time.
1. Clozemaster
Clozemaster is available for both iOS and Android users. The app offers over 100 languages, an optional text-to-speech feature, and free account signup for saving your progress. It is a good follow-up for testing what you recently learned or brushing up on a language you learned years ago.
2. Duolingo
Duolingo has a bright and intuitive interface that lets you naturally progress at your own pace. It helps you start with simple phrases and gradually moves on to more complex sentences. The app addresses reading, writing, and pronunciation by challenging you with an interesting range of activities. You tend to quickly pick up the basics without even realising it on this app. It is available for free download on Android and iOS.
3. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone, like the first two, is available for free download on Android and iOS. It lets you choose from 24 languages, and then you start learning the basics. You get to listen to the words and repeat them, then match photos to phrases. You can review your progress with correct answers in pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. This app is a subscription-based learning tool, but you can try out the first lesson for free to see if you like it.
4. Memrise
Memrise starts you off slowly. It has a friendly interface that’s encouraging and attractive. A pro version also offers games, chatbots and an offline mode for learning on the go. It is great for learning Spanish. Memrise is available for free on Android and iOS.
5. Busuu
This app has over 80 million users worldwide. It is a very interactive app with 12 languages, full courses, exercise reviews from native speakers and accent training. It is very useful for intermediate learners who already have basic understanding of a language. The app provides offline access, grammar tips and official certificates with its premium upgrade. It is also free on Android and iOS.
6. HelloTalk
HelloTalk helps connects you to people who speak the language you want to learn. In return, you help them learn your language. It lets you talk to native speakers and learn the proper intricacies of the language. Everyone’s there for the same reason, and you can be both a student and a teacher without much hassle. The app is available for free download on Android and iOS.
7. Babbel
Babbel is a subscription-based app where you can try out the first lesson free. Select from 14 languages, listen and repeat words, and then test what you learn. You can also disable the microphone and just hear the words spoken to you with a brief quiz at the end. It is free on Android and iOS.