Useful sites for learning foreign languages

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Lifehacker has selected eight useful resources that will allow you to learn a foreign language faster. They will help you more effectively assimilate new knowledge, consolidate pronunciation and spelling and apply language rules in practice.

1. DuoLingo

A wonderful resource that allows you to learn English, French, German and Spanish almost from scratch. The learning process is a fun progression tree. As you study and pass the tests, the following courses will open in front of you. The service is completely free.

DuoLingo →

2. English Central

Quite an unusual site that offers to improve your knowledge with the help of special videos. You are watching short video clips with interactive subtitles in a foreign language. When you click on any word, a hint appears with its transcription and correct pronunciation. In the next step, when watching a video, insert the missing words, and then dub the video yourself.

English Central →

3. PolyglotClub

This resource brings together the efforts of those who want to learn a foreign language. With its help, you can find real people for whom the language you are studying is native, and they will help in mastering it. And you, in turn, will teach them your language. Live communication with native speakers will lead to great results.

PolyglotClub →

4. Lingualeo

Learning a language on Lingualeo turns into an entertaining game. You will be able to set your own goals, track progress, complete tests and unlock new achievements.

In addition, the service adapts to your level of language proficiency and your interests. For example, if you like programming or fashion, then texts on these topics will be offered for listening or translation. Agree, it is much more interesting to study when the training is related to your hobbies.

Lingualeo →

5. Busuu

Busuu offers English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Turkish, Arabic, Polish and Chinese to learn.

The presentation format is different from the traditional one, but it is incredibly effective nonetheless. It is a combination of short lessons related to everyday life and conversations with native speakers. According to the creators, 22 hours of classes at Busuu are equivalent to a semester of university studies.

Busuu →

6. Lang-8

A popular social network for those who study foreign languages. As in PolyglotClub, you have to communicate with native speakers: send them texts for verification, find friends to talk to and help others to learn your native language yourself. For free training, you can choose two out of a possible 90 languages.

Lang-8 →

7. Learn English Today

This site contains free materials that will be useful for learning English: idiom meanings, lists of irregular verbs and neologisms, grammar rules, links to textbooks, podcasts and video lectures.

Learn English Today →

8. Memrise

Memrise is a great vocabulary building tool. It supports a huge number of languages: in addition to English, French and German, you can improve your Japanese, Swedish or Portuguese here. First, you memorize a group of words on a specific topic, and then you memorize them in a test format. With the spaced repetition method, you will greatly increase your active vocabulary.

Memrise →