Top 6 Trends In Language Learning
We’ve seen some enormous changes in language learning over the last few years. Access to smartphones and high-speed internet connections have opened up a world of intuitive language learning course options that have made learning a language accessible to everyone, whether you’re on your morning commute or your 15-minute coffee break at work. Apps like Google Translate have been game-changers when it comes to travel or trying to make sense of menus and information signs, and with your laptop or mobile phone you can now have personalised online lessons with a native teacher from the comfort of your home.
We want to give you the language advantage, so we’ve done our research on the top 6 trends in language learning:
1. Language Apps
Learning a new language has never been more fun, intuitive or convenient. Download a free language learning app to your smartphone and you can pick up and put down language learning at your leisure. Some of the top ranking language learning apps are:
We at Language Advantage are long-standing users of Duolingo with its fun, game-like interface. With millions of active users, it has become one of the most popular ways to learn languages online.
Another fantastic app is Google Translate which has been reported to be used by over 500 million people daily. As well as translating written words and websites, it can also translate documents, images, handwriting and even speech!
2. Virtual Language Lessons
Want to have lessons with a language tutor, but don’t have the time, money or commitment to meet up with one in your area? Virtual language lessons are booming. They offer an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional language lessons from the comfort of your own home. Virtual lessons are 1:1 and are personalised to suit your individual pace and ability. There are sites out there that connect you with a native speaker, so you could be learning Spanish with a tutor in Argentina, so can learn about the country and culture too! Most sites offer a trial lesson so you can get a feel for whether a particular tutor is right for you, and you’re free to book another lesson at a time that suits your schedule. You can get specialist tutors too for kids or for business. Our favourite virtual language lesson sites are:
3. Language Learning Podcasts
Perfect for listening to on the go, language learning podcasts have become a popular way to improve your language vocabulary and learn new phrases. There’s some great ones we’ve listened to here at Language Advantage HQ - we love Learn French with Alexa, who offers 20-30 minute light-hearted podcasts in her native language from beginners to advanced. We also love the Coffee Break series for its simplicity, fun facts and student/teacher exchange.
4. Language Audio Courses
If you’re looking for something more intensive than a podcast with a learning pathway, check out Michel Thomas’s bestselling language audio courses, available in French, Spanish, German, Italian and Chinese in audiobook format. With no textbooks, note-taking, lecturing or memorising required, you can sit back, relax and immerse yourself in Michel Thomas’s friendly, informal style of language teaching.
5. Language Exchanges
Language exchanges are a great way to practise your conversational skills and learn to speak like a native, as well as make new friends and learn about culture. There are a number of sites dedicated to helping people find language exchange partners, such as My Language Exchange, which boasts an impressive 3 million members from over 175 countries, practising 164 languages! Exchanges can take place online or face to face.
6. Language Learning Courses Abroad
Once you’ve got as far as you can with virtual language learning, then it’s time to go for an immersive language course in the country. For those who have the time and the budget, booking a course abroad is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in learning a language. These courses offer a combination of classroom tuition and leisure activities with a wide range of destinations to choose from. Cactus Language offers language course holidays all over the world, including general courses, business courses and courses for over 50s. You can even book courses that include activities such as wine tasting, cooking and diving!
Whatever your learning style, learning a language has never been more accessible and we can’t wait to see what the future of language learning brings!
Get the language advantage! Get your competitive advantage!