3 Popular Apps for Learning a New Language
- adeadistrict2
- Dec 31, 2020
- 2 min read
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new language to or to help you better communicate your patients or to connect with friends and family, learning a new language can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start. Below are three popular apps that can help kickstart your learning:
1. Anki
The very same Anki that got you through Gross Anatomy can help you pick up a new language! Anki can be a great way to learn vocabulary, grammar, and phrases; one flashcard may include a word, its pronunciation, and a sample sentence. Anki can be used as a supplement to reinforce learning with another app or as a standalone resource. With starter decks ranging from Farsi to Korean, learning a new language is a download away.
Photo by Speakada.
Speakada is one of many sites that sell Anki decks for language learning.
2. Babbel
This subscription based app offers 14 languages to choose from on an engaging, user friendly interface. Babbel’s 10 – 15 minute lessons teaches users language through dialogue, while covering reading, writing and speaking in the language you’re learning. Users can sign up for a free demo lesson, after which a full access subscription costs $13.95 per month or $6.95/month for a 12 month subscription.
3. Duolingo
With its famous owl mascot, Duolingo is perhaps the most popular way to learn a language online, offering short “bite-size” lessons designed to feel like a game. The app’s implicit learning approach to language acquisition allows users to develop a foundational knowledge of the language they are learning, much like when learning a language as a child. With a variety of languages to choose from and lessons ranging from 5 – 20 minutes a day, Duolingo is a free and quick way to learn a new language.
Photo by Duolingo
With these apps, learning a language can be as easy as 10 minute session. And just like dentistry, practice makes perfect!
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This post was contributed by Sandy Ding, Task Force Diversity Chair at ADEA COSRF District 2 and student at University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine ('23).
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