About this time last year we first introduced our readers to the Duolingo language learning app, a totally free and easy to use app for learning any of a number of languages more easily. It’s also a great practice companion for students who are already taking a foreign language in school.
Duolingo includes the option to take lessons in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Portugese, and it also includes options for native speakers of those languages to learn English as well.
From Slate:
In mid-December, Apple named Duolingo—–a piece of language-learning software—–its 2013 iPhone app of the year. Since then, I swear every native English speaker of my acquaintance has suddenly begun guten tag-ing, buongiorno-ing, and comment ça va-ing. I myself have been habla-ing Español for the past three weeks, with Duolingo as my guide. Verdict so far? ¡Excelente, mis amigos!
This is the most productive means of procrastination I’ve ever discovered. The short lesson blocks are painless and peppy, and reaching the next level (and then the level after that) becomes addictive. I’ve lost track of time as I’ve buzzed through tutorials on Spanish conjunctions and prepositions.
From Amazon:
Duolingo (4.5/5 stars, all ages, currently FREE)
Learn Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and English. Totally fun and 100% free.
“Among apps for learning or practicing a language, you can’t beat Duolingo.” —PC Magazine. Awarded Editors’ Choice for Language Learning.
“Far and away the best free language-learning app.” —The Wall Street Journal
“We’ve also tried a few other methods such as book learning and Rosetta Stone, both of which bombed. That’s why I jumped at the chance to try Duolingo. And believe me, it’s addictive.” —FluentIn3Months.com
• It’s free, for real. No fees, no ads, no gimmicks. A college-quality education without the price tag.
• It’s fun. Lose hearts for answering incorrectly, advance by completing bite-sized lessons, and track your progress with shiny achievements.
• It’s constantly improving. We bust out the lab coats regularly and measure how well you learn on Duolingo. Your learning experience only gets better over time.
Note that the app requires the user to create a login account to save your progress, but it’s free.
Duolingo: learn a new language the fun and easy way!
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