Have you ever seen or met people who speak several languages and wondered how they do that?
The question, “can I ever learn more languages?” keeps ringing in your head.
Guess what? The answer is here. This post will show you exactly how to become a polyglot alongside the seven digital tools to make your language learning swift
Who is a polyglot?
Many people find it hard to fathom who a polyglot is. Others confuse being a polyglot for being bilingual or trilingual. It’s important you understand what it means before you begin your language learning journey.
A polyglot is simply someone who can speak, write or interpret four or more languages. The person should be able to understand, converse, read, or write in each one.
This is highly achievable. There are many people in history and modern-day that are fluent in over 6 languages. Queen Elizabeth I was fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, German and Greek, and was conversant in Welsh and Portuguese. In fact, Ziad Youssef Fazah, a Liberian born Lebanese language teacher, can speak and read 58 languages.
Benefits of Being a Polyglot
Learning multiple languages has always been and will always be an asset.
- More Job Opportunities: Learning a new language gives you access to several job opportunities. You’re no longer limited to working in countries that speak your first-language. You can even work as a language teacher, translator or interpreter.
- Improved Brain Capability: Beyond getting a job, the process of learning a new language is a mental exercise that can make you more sensible and improve your ability to process information fast.
- Business Expansion: The internet has made business expansion easy. However, good proficiency in many languages is an added advantage. It makes it easier for you to communicate with more customers, clients , suppliers and contractors. Thereby establishing better relationships for more transactions.
What’s more?
- You become a global citizen: What I mean is you socialize and meet people from various cultures and countries effortlessly. Your traveling experience also becomes better as you begin with locals easily and gain a deep understanding of their culture.
Top 7 digital tools for learning languages
There was a time people needed to cross the ocean to learn new languages before formal in-person classes like the one in the comic TV show “Mind Your Language” were organized.
But today, technology has made it easier. You don’t need to step out of your room to learn a new language. Depending on your preferred learning style and level of proficiency, here are the top digital tools you can take advantage of.
1. Rosetta Stone
Remember Rosetta Stone at the airport? It has now moved from the shop to the clouds. Rosetta Stone is now one of the best paid online language learning platforms.
With over 28 languages available, Rosetta Stone has a rigorous and in-depth language learning structure. Following the 30 minutes daily lesson, you slowly develop a good knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of your new language. It works better for Auditory and Long-term learners.
Rosetta Stone has the TruAccent speech recognition feature, which sets it apart from other platforms. This tool compares your accent with that of native speakers.
Starting price for Rosetta Stone is $7.99. You can subscribe for a monthly plan or lifetime access.
2. Fluenz
If you learn better with a virtual tutor teaching you the new language in the language you understand, Fluenz is your best bet.
With a rigorous method of immersion similar to Rosetta Stone, the tutor guides you through grammar and pronunciation as well as the culture of the new language.
The only downside of Fluenz is the fact that it offers just a few languages.
Instead of a monthly subscription, Fluenz offers one-time payments. Pricing starts from $197, depending on the language.
3. Pimsleur
Named after the great language researcher Dr. Paul Pimsleur, this platform offers a conversational learning method.
With a heavy focus on listening, repeating, and retention, their teaching method helps you learn the target language in context. You don’t just learn many words; you learn how to use them in real-life situations.
Another great advantage of this digital language learning tool is its flexibility. Pimsleur has bit size podcast-like audio you can listen to anywhere using the app. It is also compatible with Alexa.
With over 50 languages, Pimsleur is best for learning on the go. Pricing starts from $15 for audio lessons only and $20 for full lessons
4. Duolingo
Duolingo is perhaps the best free digital language learning tool out there. With its easy-to-navigate interface, you get to learn your target language by playing games and earning points. This makes your language learning fun and challenging.
Additionally, you can track your progress and test your comprehension ability with Duolingo Stories. You listen to stories in the new language.
Duolingo offers over 35 languages, including less popular languages like Navajo and High Valyrian. All the lessons are free but paying $7 for the premium version adds an offline option and removes ads.
5.Busuu
Busuu is a perfect fit for goal-oriented learners. At the start of the course, it tests your proficiency in your target language and lets you set a goal to measure your learning.
It teaches you vocabulary and grammar using dialogue arranged according to topics. You can also connect with other learners on the platform and learn together. The best feature of Busuu is the ability to practice with native speakers.
Although it offers only 12 languages, the lessons are comprehensive. You can learn a lot using the free services but paying $9.99 gives you more.
6. Memrise
If you need a place to learn an everyday language quickly, Memrise is the ideal one. Memrise is built somewhat like Duolingo. You can play games as you learn.
Aside from watching videos of native speakers interacting with each other, it has flashcards called memes designed to help you memorise vocabulary easily through regular spaced repetition.
Although this platform is not for the in-depth learner, it gives you conversational flow. With as low as $6.6 monthly, you can have premium access to any of its 16 languages.
7. Babbel
With a minimalist user interface, Babbel gives you an experience similar to school. It teaches you words and phrases using pictures.
The unique feature of Babbel is its virtual class. It allows you to interact with instructors in real-time.
Just like Pimsleur, Babbel’s 15 minutes lessons are flexible. You can follow through anywhere and anytime.
There are over 35 courses available in the free version, which allows you to start your language learning journey without investing much. You can upgrade to the premium version starting at $7.
Final Word
A word is not enough. But you can start there. With great determination and commitment you gradually learn the grammar of your target language. From there, you can weave the words into sentences and twist your tongue to say them correctly. Depending on your learning style and budget, any of the seven digital tools listed in this post can serve as your language instructor, learning community and progress tracker.
