How modern technologies make learning foreign languages easier

Hello IT explorers! Today we will talk about ways to make learning a foreign language easier thanks to technological innovations. Probably each of us has heard the words “Leave that phone/computer and go back to learning English tomorrow!”

And probably many of us thought that learning vocabulary and grammar structures is the last thing we would leave our favorite game or series for. We have good news! – there are currently many technological improvements that will help us learn any foreign language! Working as an English teacher for several years, I had the opportunity to try out many different tools and I have collected my favorites below. However, please remember that there are many, many more.

1. Words

Currently, there are many vocabulary learning applications that are built on different mechanisms.

#Duolingo – Gamification

Duolingo is a free app that turns language learning into an adventure filled with challenges and rewards. You can choose the language you want to learn, as well as adjust the difficulty level and the amount of time you spend learning each day. Doesn't that sound great?

Why Should You Try Duolingo?

Game and Learning in One: With Duolingo, learning a language is like a game. You earn points for each lesson you complete correctly, advance to the next level, and earn badges that show your progress.

– Flexibility: You can learn whenever and wherever you want. The app adapts to your level and pace of learning.
– Variety of Languages: Duolingo offers courses in multiple languages, so you can choose the one that interests you most. 

#Quizlet – flashcards without getting out of breath

My favorite learning app is Quizlet, which has changed my approach to learning vocabulary. Quizlet was a great tool when I was learning French because most of the materials were already created by other teachers. 

If you use a textbook in your lessons, just type its title into the Quizlet search engine. Very often, lecturers and teachers create databases of words that are available to everyone! This means that you can find ready-made sets of flashcards perfectly suited to your needs.

Quizlet also lets you easily create your own flashcards. You can add words, definitions, and even images, which makes learning more creative and enjoyable. But that's not all! After you've made a set of flashcards, the app automatically generates games and tests that help you review and consolidate new vocabulary.

Additionally, the Quizlet app has many additional gamification features, such as: 

• Quizlet Live: A team game that lets you compete with classmates in real time. Perfect for lessons and study sessions.
• Writing Mode: writing and memorizing words through interactive exercises. 
• Matching Mode: Test your skills by matching words to their definitions.
• Audio: listen to the correct pronunciation of new vocabulary. 
• Quizzes: Quizlet generates quizzes that you can use to test your knowledge before tests and exams.

2. Grammar

#BritishCouncil

British Council provides clearly explained grammar, adapting the topic to the level you are at. Additionally, supplementary exercises will show you whether the material is well covered and whether you fully understand the grammar point. 

#Grammarly

This AI-based app will help you check if your essay has grammatical errors and suggest how to fix them. Grammarly will be a great tool to understand why a given error occurs and what its nature is.

3. Listening and understanding

#Netflix

One of the best language learning techniques is “language immersion”, which helps us become familiar with the language and learn many phrases from everyday life.

When watching your favorite series and movies on streaming platforms (e.g. Netflix), it is worth changing the language in the settings to the one you want to learn. If you want to jump into the deep end, I recommend turning off the subtitles and trying to listen to the words and melody of the language. Don't be discouraged if you don't understand a lot - at first, treat it as good fun ???? It is worth starting with your favorite cartoons - usually the language is simpler and the structures are less complex (although this is not always the case). Be careful with the "sound and subtitles" settings in a foreign language - they do not always match 1:1. 

While watching, write down new phrases and unfamiliar expressions, and then translate them using a good dictionary – this will make your vocabulary even richer! 

#Language Reactor

Language Reactor is a great browser extension that lets you watch videos and generate double subtitles that you can check in real time. With this tool, you can compare vocabulary, grammar, and effortlessly check synonyms for a given expression. 

#Spotify

We learn best by listening to topics that interest us. Spotify offers many podcasts, reports, and audiobooks in different languages that will help you become familiar with the accent and melody of the language.

In addition, many language enthusiasts create their own channels, explaining grammatical nuances and explaining complex structures. Just type in the topic you are interested in in the search engine, and Spotify will suggest Podcasts and Shows.

Thanks to technology, we have endless language learning opportunities that are tailored to different learning styles and skill levels. Tools like Quizlet, Duolingo, Grammarly, Language Reactor, and platforms like Netflix and Spotify make learning interactive, engaging, and fun. With a creative approach that combines science and technology, everyone can find a way to learn a language in a fun way. I hope that the next time someone asks, “What are you doing on the computer again?” you can answer, “I’m learning a new language.” ????

Have fun with science and technology, sail out into the wide waters of language learning opportunities, and enjoy every moment of this fascinating journey.