LingQ - Learning 25 Languages
Solid immersion language-learning experience needs tutorial.
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LingQ - Learning 25 Languages
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that LingQ - Learning 25 Languages is a language-learning experience where users upload articles, news, and other media in the language they wish to learn. As such, it is difficult to predict the quality and type of content available, although there are also standard sets of lessons. The app is lacking some of the features the website has, including the forum, so there is no interaction between users, but kids may seek out the web version on their own. The tutorial offers only a minimal overview, making the app an overwhelming experience for new users, especially those who don't already have a foundation in language learning. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the information collected and shared.
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What’s It About?
LINGQ - LEARNING 25 LANGUAGES is a language-learning experience that is based on the idea that immersion is the best approach to language acquisition. Users are encouraged to listen to and "read" engaging content with the idea that they may not understand it at first but will pick it up over time. There are 25 languages to choose from (including English), and you can pick as many as you'd like to work on. From there, you can add lessons and native content in your chosen language(s). LingQ encourages you to listen to the lesson and read along, and then go through and read the lesson for yourself, tapping on any words that are unfamiliar. Tapping on a word turns it into a "LingQ," giving you a definition and then adding it to a list of words to practice in the future. As you complete each page, you complete a quiz on your vocabulary, as well as your reading and listening comprehension. You can also browse your list of known vocabulary words or set up a playlist to listen to, and the app keeps track of your level of familiarity with each word as you progress.
Is It Any Good?
The immersion approach to language acquisition adds interest to the study process, but this app is a bit confusing to use and navigate. LingQ - Learning 25 Languages gets a lot of things right. Studying a new language by reading your favorite novel or browsing news that interests you is more likely to hold your attention than a formal textbook. Unfortunately, the experience is overwhelming enough to start with that many people will be turned off before they get to the fun part. There are icons without descriptions, questions that you aren't sure how to answer (English? other language?) and some vocabulary that's never explained (What is a LingQ?). The website is a bit clearer and has more features, so some people may want to start there and then augment that experience with the app. This seems like a better tool for users with at least a small foundation in their new language, especially in courses with different alphabets, like Japanese. Otherwise, it's a lot to take in all at once.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about learning new languages using apps like LingQ - Learning 25 Languages and other methods. What are some of the benefits? What languages do you want to learn and why?
Do you think this is a good app for learning? Why, or why not? What can you learn?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Language & Reading: letter or word recognition, naming, reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary
- Skills: Self-Direction: academic development, Communication: multiple forms of expression
- Pricing structure: Free to try ($9.99/month to $109.99/year)
- Release date: January 17, 2018
- Category: Education
- Publisher: The Linguist Institute
- Version: 12/21/2017
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.1 or later; Android 4.2 and up
- Last updated: February 27, 2019
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