This month we have a Japanese word on our cover Yōkoso which means Welcome. For our last word, we thought you may be interested in some language apps for your phone.
Ever wanted to ask a question while in a foreign country and worry about your pronunciation? What if you are hungry and want to buy a plate of noodles but don’t know what to ask for? Communicating with locals can become challenging. But don’t worry, because, with the power of technology, we can overcome these obstacles! This is where translation apps come in handy, making it possible to overcome language barriers and enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey. So, get ready to pack your bags, take out your smartphone, and embark on a language barrier-free journey around the world.
We have chosen apps to learn a language and if that is too much work for you, a few where your phone can actually translate what you want to say into your chosen language. A few of them work offline which is really useful, and we have chosen some that are free as well.
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Google Translate is at the top of the list because it’s the most wellThere really is no better free language learning app than Duolingo. Duolingo would still be one of the best if you paid for it—which you can do with Duolingo Plus if you prefer to have a slightly improved experience with no ads, a special mode for practicing your mistakes, and other perks. What makes Duolingo so good? The content is strong and the design of the app makes it so that you can pick up and practice for a few minutes per day or sit down for longer study sessions. No matter what other tools you use to learn a language, you should incorporate Duolingo for daily practice. languages or $11.99 for all three. Download the basic version for free on iTunes and Google Play. How about if you have more time to learn a language? With your phone, you can learn anytime, anywhere. DUOLINGO This is one of the most popular languagelearning apps out there right now. And the app enjoys a strong reputation for a reason! You can access Duolingo’s most beloved features for free, so it’s a popular choice for language learners looking to test the waters or have a free way to strengthen their skills. There is also an option to pay for a subscription and upgrade to Super Duolingo to access extra features. Duolingo’s main focus is gamified learning that aims to develop multiple skills, including reading, writing, speaking and listening. Duolingo focuses on engaging activities that help you learn by testing your vocabulary. As such, you’ll be asked to speak words/ phrases, translate, match words to their meanings and more. Additionally, lessons are broken down into small chunks, making it easier to work a few minutes of learning into even the busiest schedule. All you need is a moment or two during your commute, sitting in the doctor’s office or even standing in line at the grocery store, and you can study your target language on the go! known and reliable translator app available for Android tablets. You can translate online for free with Google Translate. This supports translation for more than 100 languages, including text, speech, and images. It allows users to enter text or speech in one language and receive an instant translation in their desired language. Additionally, Google Translate can translate entire web pages and provide voice translation for select languages. This app allows you to translate 108 languages by typing in a word or a phrase and offers access to 59 languages offline. You can use handwriting (where you draw text or characters instead of typing) in 95 languages. For camera translation in 90 languages, you can point your camera for an instant translation of, say, a menu.
TRIPLINGO
TripLingo is a free translating app basically created for traveling users. TripLingo is geared toward travellers and the reviews are positively glowing. It is the most effective tool for international business travellers. TripLingo is like an interactive phrasebook with a real-time speech translator. It’s been designed to meet most of what a person needs when traveling to a place with a different language. There are suggested phrases you can use for a little humour and fun, nightlife and even flirting – all can be downloaded and accessed offline Apart from the ability to translate to 19 languages, this app offers the phrasebook, which has thousands of entries across 13 languages. The app includes professional-produced translation audio, along with writing pronunciation guidelines. Additionally, it comes with an offline dictionary. As well as the ability to learn a language via audio lessons, flashcards and quizzes.
WAYGO
Waygo only translates from English to and from Chinese, Japanese and Korean, but it can be a lifesaver if you’re stuck without Wi-Fi, as it’s available entirely offline. The app is best used with the instant camera — just point at signs and menus and then see your translation. Foodies will find Waygo particularly useful, as you can go into the food picture mode after translating a menu item to better understand what you’re about to order. The basic version includes 10 free translations per day, and the upgraded version, which includes unlimited translations, costs $6.99 for just one of the three languages or $11.99 for all three. Download the basic version for free on iTunes and Google Play.
How about if you have more time to learn a language? With your phone, you can learn anytime, anywhere.
DUOLINGO
This is one of the most popular languagelearning apps out there right now. And the app enjoys a strong reputation for a reason! You can access Duolingo’s most beloved features for free, so it’s a popular choice for language learners looking to test the waters or have a free way to strengthen their skills. There is also an option to pay for a subscription and upgrade to Super Duolingo to access extra features.
Duolingo’s main focus is gamified learning that aims to develop multiple skills, including reading, writing, speaking and listening. Duolingo focuses on engaging activities that help you learn by testing your vocabulary. As such, you’ll be asked to speak words/ phrases, translate, match words to their meanings and more. Additionally, lessons are broken down into small chunks, making it easier to work a few minutes of learning into even the busiest schedule. All you need is a moment or two during your commute, sitting in the doctor’s office or even standing in line at the grocery store, and you can study your target language on the go!
There really is no better free language learning app than Duolingo. Duolingo would still be one of the best if you paid for it—which you can do with Duolingo Plus if you prefer to have a slightly improved experience with no ads, a special mode for practicing your mistakes, and other perks. What makes Duolingo so good? The content is strong and the design of the app makes it so that you can pick up and practice for a few minutes per day or sit down for longer study sessions. No matter what other tools you use to learn a language, you should incorporate Duolingo for daily practice.
BABBEL
Babbel GmbH, operating as Babbel, is a German subscription-based language learning software and e-learning platform, available in various languages since January 2008. Babbel has a web app and mobile apps that help you learn and practice a new language at your own pace, even if that pace is quite fast. Interactive exercises can feel tedious at times, but they are also more challenging than what most other language apps offer. With Babbel, you learn concepts, words, and phrases unique to the language at hand—it’s not a cookie-cutter course for each language, the way many of its competitors are. Bring a pen to take notes, and get ready to learn a lot.
Babbel is best for people who find learning languages somewhat easy, possibly people who grew up speaking two or more languages and are now studying a language in a familiar language family. This app is tough, so if you find most languagelearning apps to be too easy or too slow, then Babbel is one you should try.
MEMRISE
Memrise isn’t as smooth as Duolingo or as easy to use for quick translations as Google Translate, but it is easy to work with, supports offline courses, and lets you learn a massive number of languages. You can start off simple or skip all the way through to more advanced lessons. Memrise is unique in how it teaches new words and phrases. They incorporate words into sentences alongside words that sound similar in your language, which makes it easier to remember. You might also come across multiple images with familiar objects overlaid with foreign words, helping you make stronger connections.
Another clever method Memrise uses is mixing up translations. Instead of learning words one by one, you learn a few new words together and then keep reviewing them in a different order. This helps ensure you really grasp the words before moving on to the next round of learning.
So go ahead! Armed with only your phone, travel the world and have no more worries about communication.
