What’s more is that in the diverse, multicultural, and relatively global marketplace these days, knowing more than one language always puts you at an advantage in businesses that are not defined by geographic boundaries—which is a characteristic of most businesses. Hey, even the United States (within its boundaries) is one of the most multicultural places you can work in today! With more and more research proving bilinguals are more likely to get a job, earn more, and score better on standardized tests,[1] we’re only wondering what we need to do learn another lingo! Luckily, unlike the past, we don’t have to read piles of books or take expensive courses to learn a language. Thanks to the internet and the vast array of resources available on various platforms, there are plenty of ways we can learn languages for free whenever and wherever we like. Here’re 9 platforms where you can learn languages for free:
1. DuoLingo
Duolingo is a fairly new platform that has won several awards including iPhone App of the Year 2013 and Google’s Best of the Best 2014. Currently, it offers lessons on 19 different languages. The platform will take users through a unique experience with a game-like interface where you can earn points, track your days, and get tips on how to improve. The app is available on iPhone, Android and Windows phone, so if you own a Blackberry or Linux-based device, you’ll have to resort to the computer. Check out the DuoLingo!
2. Busuu
Busuu is also a lot like DuoLingo, except it offer only 12 languages, but some very unique ones. Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese can be hard to learn and few platforms offer these languages, but Busuu does. Busuu also has a very large community of over 50 million speakers. The great part is that you can easily sign in through your Facebook and Google account. However, the app is only available for Android and Apple devices. Check out Busuu!
3. Live Mocha
Live Mocha was one of the first online platforms to offer language learning for free since its launch in 2007. One of the coolest things about Live Mocha is that it gives you access to natives speakers, teachers, language enthusiasts, and language experts around the world from over 190 countries. The community encourages language learning through interaction, which is excellent! So, you get to practice your conversation with people around the globe through comments on practice exercises, lessons with feedback, text or video chats, and more. Check out Live Mocha!
4. LingQ.com
This platform has also come a long way since its days of basic language learning and reading lessons. Although it has cartoonish, children’s-type interface, it can be used by any language learner of any age — and at any stage of language learner (beginner to advanced). This is a great resource for teachers and classrooms. The only downside is that you won’t get access to unlimited vocabulary or extra features unless you sign up for the premium accounts. Check out LingQ!
5. Lang 8
What this platform offers is pretty simple: a community of native speakers who connect with you and correct what you write. So, clearly, this is a platform for those speakers who are already proficient in writing and reading a foreign language. For example, masters dissertation will help you write in your native language and you can translate it to a foreign language and get it checked on Lang 8. You can return the favor by correcting those who are learning your native language. This one’s best if you’re working on improving how you write in a certain language. Check out Lang-8!
6. Papora
Papora will allow you to register for free and learn English, Spanish, French, or German. Rather than focusing purely on vocabulary, Papora will also incorporate grammar so that you can form proper sentences. The “bite-sized” lessons are very easy with excellent audio. The mobile app takes users through 60 real life situations has over 2,000 keywords and phrases with audio content. This app is great for busy learners! Check out Papora!
7. Memrise
Memrise uses three simple ingredients to make it one an effective language learning tool: science, fun, and community. When it comes to science, the team addresses the fact that the brain learns faster with the help of mnemonic flashcards. These flashcards are called “mems” and they help aid retention. With the help of games and videos, learning is also made fun. Memrise has over 300,000 courses which is pretty extensive and has a large range of languages to choose from. The coolest part is that language is not the only thing you can learn on this website. If you’re also interested in learning more about a specific country’s history, culture, or geography, Memrise will give you a free course on that too! You can get this as an app on Android and Apple devices. Check out Memrise!
8. Lingualia
Lingualia is a pretty cool platform that is largely focused on “social networking” for learning a language. One of the best features of Lingualia is the artificially intelligent bot called “Lingu” who will treat you like a student. Lingu will make sure that you improve on areas that are challenging for you and stay motivated to learning your language. For those of you who need consistent motivation, this is a great feature. Even though this platform sadly serves only two languages: English and Spanish, you should just give it a try! Check out Lingualia!
9. Digital Dialects
This is fantastic platform where language leaning is made fun and easy. Digital Dialect focuses on providing users with games to learn a new language with the help of phrases, vocabulary, numbers, spelling, verb conjugations, and alphabets. You’ll need Macromedia Flash to run the website, but I really love how responsive the website is, overall. The downside to using this platform is that it’s not available as an app and most languages cover only basic beginner-level language skills. Check out Digital Dialects! Alright, that pretty much sums up my favorite list of language learning platforms that are available for free! It’s amazing how the increasing demand of bilingualism has also made learning a new language easy. Well, not easy, but convenient nonetheless!
More About Language Learning
How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language? Science Will Tell You 9 Free Language Learning Apps That Are Fun to Use 8 Proven Ways to Learn a New Language Fast
Featured photo credit: Dai KE via unsplash.com
