Cell Phone Apps for language learning
I have been fairly impressed with two apps for language learning. These are by no means a magic solution that replace attending class and practicing with real people (nothing is, despite the claims of Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone). But they do as good a job as much more expensive software for providing basic vocabulary, spelling, listening, and functional grammar practice.
Duolingo has options to study French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German for English speakers. I just now noticed (maybe it's a new addition) that they are offering English for Spanish speakers, French speakers, Italian speakers, and Portuguese speakers. Good for them!
Complaints: sometimes I have noticed that the stress on the syllables in the Spanish version are incorrect, leading to some strange pronunciations that a Spanish speaker would not understand. Also, I find the typing on the phone a little bit cumbersome, so I actually prefer the computer version. But there are options to repeat lessons and skip ahead, and overall it seems very useful!
Wlingua is one that was recommended to me by my Spanish-speaking students who are studying English. I have played with it a little bit, and it seems pretty useful. It has a longer flashcard section at the beginning of its units, moves into a translation exercise and a dictation (not unlike Duolingo). All in all, Duolingo seems to expect the user to DO more, and Wlingua is more passive, clicking on words hearing them, and occasionally matching them. But I haven't stuck with the program for more than the first unit, so it may get more complex with higher levels.
Do you know any other language-learning smart phone apps that I should check out?
Duolingo has options to study French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German for English speakers. I just now noticed (maybe it's a new addition) that they are offering English for Spanish speakers, French speakers, Italian speakers, and Portuguese speakers. Good for them!
Complaints: sometimes I have noticed that the stress on the syllables in the Spanish version are incorrect, leading to some strange pronunciations that a Spanish speaker would not understand. Also, I find the typing on the phone a little bit cumbersome, so I actually prefer the computer version. But there are options to repeat lessons and skip ahead, and overall it seems very useful!
Wlingua is one that was recommended to me by my Spanish-speaking students who are studying English. I have played with it a little bit, and it seems pretty useful. It has a longer flashcard section at the beginning of its units, moves into a translation exercise and a dictation (not unlike Duolingo). All in all, Duolingo seems to expect the user to DO more, and Wlingua is more passive, clicking on words hearing them, and occasionally matching them. But I haven't stuck with the program for more than the first unit, so it may get more complex with higher levels.
Do you know any other language-learning smart phone apps that I should check out?
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