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Where you can learn new languages online for free
For those who are interested in learning a new language, here is a list of recommended websites and mobile applications to do so.
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This physical distancing period can be used to enhance your language skills by taking online lessons. (Shutterstock/alexkich)
T
hose who have time on their hands during this self-quarantine period are probably the most fortunate people as many (free) opportunities are open to expand your knowledge and learn new skills.
For those who are interested in spending their free time by learning a new language, below is a list of recommended websites and mobile applications to do so:
Named Google Play's Best App of 2018, Drops allows you to learn vocabulary relevant to different topics in just five minutes. It’s easy and engaging to follow with its attractive illustrations and interactions. The app also has a feature named Travel Talk, which covers words and phrases that are useful during your trip.
Drops is available in more than 35 languages, including Korean, Ainu, Samoan, Tagalog, Thai, Cantonese, Norwegian and Esperanto.
Though available for free, the app also offers a paid premium package that includes unlimited session length, offline access and add-free sessions.
Get it at: Play Store and App Store
Read also: Travelers alert: Google just named a language app as best app of 2018
This app allows its users to learn basic phrases, expressions and pronunciations with straightforward illustrations, which is also helpful for travelers who wish to communicate with the natives.
Loecsen provides lessons in different languages, among them are Armenian, Burmese, Hebrew, Breton and Latvian; it also allows you to switch languages without having to download a different app.
After downloading the app, users will still need to download its audio packages to maximize their learning session.
Get it at: Play Store and App Store
Those who want to sharpen their English may want to visit this website.
English Page provides you with lessons about grammars, verbs, prepositions, articles and gerunds complete with exercises. The website also has Listening Lounge where it will display web addresses of online radio stations, and Reading Room, which will connect you to online newspapers, magazines, books and other resources.
The British Council has a special page for those who want to improve their English skills.
Its business English scope allows people to learn vocabulary, expressions and phrases that could be useful at work, from interview sessions and negotiations to email etiquette. Several sections also feature videos and exercises to enhance your knowledge.
Aside from the business English scope, users can also sharpen their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills at the same website.
Installed by more than 300 million users, Duolingo is no doubt among the most popular language learning apps.
It offers personalized and fun learning system that make you feel as if you’re playing a game. The app is also recommended for those who have a tendency to procrastinate as they’ll receive a reminder when they miss one session.
Duolingo is available in a wide array of languages, including French, Japanese, Latin, Gaelic, and even High Valyrian (the language spoken in George R.R. Martin’s celebrated novel series A Song of Ice and Fire) and Klingon (the language spoken in Star Trek franchise, especially its 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture).
Available for free, Duolingo also offers a paid service dubbed Duolingo Plus, which allows users to download their sessions and remove the ads.
Get it at: Apple Store and Play Store
On Vocabulary.com, you’ll be able to enrich your English lexicon by challenging yourself with quizzes or learning from news, historical documents, speeches and books.
Various books from different genres can be found on the website, including Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows, George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars.
Once you click a word, you’ll be given a detailed explanation about it, including the definitions, word family and usage examples. By signing up on the website, you can also track your learning progress.
The website is free to use and also has subscription plans for teachers. (wir/kes)
