Anyone at any age can learn a new language. It helps with brain stimulation and improves attention spans. It can benefit mental health and self-esteem. Oh, and you can communicate with an entire other group of people in this world. There are so many different websites and apps trying to get you to learn a new language through their system. But which are actually worth it? We created a list of ten different websites and apps that will teach you and your family a new language effectively.
- Dinolingo: DinoLingo is a subscription based program that fully immerses you into the language you want to learn. With over 50 languages to choose from, it is designed for school ages 2-12 and the whole family can join in on the fun. DinoLingo will capture your attention, use repetition, and quizzes, songs, and stories so you and your kids will be encouraged and excited to speak the new language almost immediately. (Subscription: $14.95 per month)
- DuoLingo: DuoLingo is a free app and is built for ages 13+. It feels like a competitive game, but it’s more than that. Each challenge is actually a new skill. It keeps you in a competitive mindset because you can lose lives and earn points. The site also created an app for kids to use on the go, so there’s something for any age. (DuoLingo Plus: $6.99 per month for ad-free lessons and offline Access)
- Babbel: Babbel is another popular app for your phone or tablet. It’s created for adults and uses realistic dialogue situations to help you learn a new language. It also learns the user’s specific interests overtime to make the experience more enjoyable for each individual. (Subscription: $83.40 a year or $12.95 per month)
- Rosetta Stone: Rosetta Stone has been around for awhile, and there is a reason for that. They use natural immersion methods to make sure you are learning a new language effectively. They have something for every age group including Time4Learning, which was created for students from preschool to high school. (Subscription: $14.92 a month for a year or $199 for lifetime membership)
- Memrise: This British language program uses repetition flashcards and three steps. They start by teaching words and phrases, then move on to audio and video clips that immerse you into the language. Their third step is to get you speaking to the app in the language yourself. (Free in the Apple Store or Google Play. Subscription: $8:99 a month or $139.99 lifetime fee for the full version)
- Pimsleur: Pimsleur only wants 30 minutes of your time a day. Their core lessons can be listened to while you’re on the go. Then, the program uses reading lessons, role play challenges, flashcards, games, and culture lessons to teach you that new language. (Subscription: $19.95 a month)
- Muzzy BBC: Muzzy is designed for young children by the BBC. Their videos follow an animated character called Muzzy and her friends. Like DinoLingo, they also use the repetition method. This is another great option for the whole family to learn together. (Subscription: $99 annual fee – $8.25 per month)
- Busuu: This online program only wants ten minutes of your day. Busuu uses the Common European Framework of Reference standard for each lesson they make. Their lessons have vocabulary, grammar, and practice exercises. They promise to teach everything you need to know about a language before they ask you to use it in a conversation or write in it. (Subscription: Free for a basic plan or € 5,83 a month for premium)
- Little Pim: Little Pim is for young kids ages 0-6. It was created by moms, teachers, and scientists to ensure your children will learn effectively. They have five minute animated and live-action videos that you can watch with them. (Subscription: $9.99 a month or $109.99 annual fee – $9.99 per month)
- Lingo Kids: Here’s another one for the little ones. Lingo Kids is an app designed for ages 2-8. They have more than 600 games, video lessons, and audio books. They also use educational songs and have games you can play with your child. (Free for limited use in the Apple Store or Google Play. Subscription prices vary)
BONUS: Youtube and Youtube Kids: Hundreds of teachers, tutors, and vloggers post videos about different language around the world. Just type in the language, followed by key words about the specific thing you want to learn, and you’ll be sure to find what you are looking for. YouTube recently created an app just for kids too. It sensors adult content out of their algorithm, so you can be sure your child is not exposed to mature material. We recommend these videos as supplementary resources. (Free in the Apple Store or Google Play)
Online lessons for kids: dinolingo.com