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How to learn a language
How to learn a language

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3.1 Apps designed for language learning

The most popular apps for language learning are DuoLingo and Busuu. Others include LingQ, Mango, Speakeasy and Babbel to name but some. These apps provide activities to develop several skills as well as vocabulary and grammar. They offer opportunities to spend a few minutes every day reinforcing what you may have learnt elsewhere or indeed teach you new vocabulary and grammar, with plenty of opportunities to practise and memorise what you’ve learned.  

Other language-learning apps focus on separate skills. If you search within your app store, you will find apps that provide grammar exercises, reading comprehension activities, help with writing (particularly useful for languages that have a different type of script to your first language) or pronunciation, for example.

Flashcard apps such as Anki, Duolingo Tinycards and Quizzlet provide an excellent way to help you memorise vocabulary. If you search the card sets that other users have uploaded you will probably find sets for the language you’re learning, often organised by level or topic. Remember that, as Tita explained in Week 6, you can also make your own cards, and that this will help you not only focus on the vocabulary that you find useful, but also making the cards will help you encode the vocabulary into your long-term memory.