10 digital tools to help you learn foreign languages

By Erin Carson June 4, 2014, 5:22 AM PDT

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10 digital tools to help you learn foreign languages

Duolingo (Free)

Each day, the business world becomes more of a global society. Whether online or on your phone, here are 10 tools that can help you learn a foreign language.

You can use either Duolingo‘s app or the website to practice vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and listening through translation. Duolingo also has a gamification element that lets the user earn gems (lingots) that can be used purchase things like extra hearts (think lives in a video game). Available for iOS and Android.

Anki ($24.99)

Anki is a flashcard system meant to compliment its computer version, that can be used to practice your language skills. It stores up to 100,000 cards which can feature audio or other media from your device. Available for iOS and Android.

Babbel (Free)

Babbel offers courses in vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, and writing. It also has speech recognition so users can practice pronunciation. Available for iOS and Android.

Busuu (Free)

If you’re looking to practice with native speakers, Busuu offers a video chat feature that lets you practice with native speakers in the Busuu community. It also has 150 units on different topics of vocabulary and grammar. The premium membership offers increased functionality. Available for iOS and Android.

Byki ($7.99)

Byki uses a flashcard interface. Initially, users can get the app for free with three vocabulary lists. For the full language, users can make an in-app purchase. It offers 80 languages. Available for iOS and Android.

Lang-8 (Free)

With Lang-8, there’s a give and take. The user posts something written in the language he or she is learning, and a native speaker will correct it. In return, the user corrects the writing of someone trying to learn their language. There’s not an app, but Lang-8 is accessible from a smartphone.

LingQ (Free)

LingQ’s founder based the software on how he had success learning languages, which means, in part, learning by reading actual articles and stories written in the language the user is learning. It also offers access to audio, as well as native speakers, plus training in speaking and writing. Available for iOS and Android.

Linqapp (Free)

For translation problems, there’s Linqapp. You can pose a question to native speakers, even submit a picture of something like a sign, or an audio clip for translation help. Available for Android.

Livemocha (Free)

Livemocha bills itself as an online learning community that offers access to native speakers, as well as more traditional approaches to learning a language. It currently has more than 16 million members. Users can earn points to move forward, or buy beans.

Memrise (Free)

Memrise offers vocabulary flashcard-based courses in different languages. The courses aren’t just run-of-the-mill basics, though. Users can find topics like German musicals or how to say “I love you” in 100 languages. Available for iOS and Android.

By Erin Carson

Erin Carson is a Staff Reporter for CNET and a former Multimedia Editor for TechRepublic.

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