Friday, March 6, 2020
No Internet No Problem! 7 Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options
No Internet No Problem! 7 Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options No Internet? No Problem! Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options Hey, you.Thatâs rightâ"you, the one whoâs staring at that phone like its the last chance youll have to use it this decade.Do you have that frightened gleam in your eyes because youâll soon be traveling to one of the few places without internet access?Or is it something else? Maybe youre just trying to unplug, get back to basics, smell the rosesWhatever your reason for disconnecting, you should know that language learning doesnât have to stop just because youâre offline.You dont even have to say goodbye to that bit of technology youre holding!I sense it: youâre skeptical. But I wouldnât kid youâ"there really are lots of super ways to keep your language program rolling without Wi-Fi.Letâs check out the apps (plus some old school bonus ideas) thatll help you get fluent anytime, anywhere, no internet necessary!How Serious Learning Can Happen OfflineIt wouldnât be a bad idea for us all to try going offline once in a while. Studies actually show that some offline time is a healthy thing for everyone.The good news continues because offline time is perfect to power up language learning. With no distractionsâ"Facebook, Twitter or any of the other internet time-sucking spotsâ"itâs easy to stick to your language learning program.First, you should prepare by scheduling offline language study time into your day. Many of us already follow a language learning schedule so this might be a simple tweak for youâ"stick to your schedule, even if your learning resources will change without Wi-Fi.Then, get excited for this new adventure and the opportunity to explore some different language materials.No Internet? No Problem! Great Apps with Offline Language Learning OptionsSo now the big question: exactly what options are out there?FluentUFluentU is one of the most innovative options on this list, bringing you authentic language practice wherever you go. FluentU provides real-world videos and audio clips in your target language, like movie trailers, music videos, dialogues, inspiring talks and more, thatve been transformed into language learning experiences.Each video and audio clip comes with interactive subtitles. Click any word you dont recognize for an instant definition and native pronunciation. FluentU also creates flashcards and exercises based on what youve watched so you dont forget all those new words! Its a fun way to actively build your vocabulary while naturally absorbing the language as native speakers really use it.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive Transcr iptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word youâre learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that youâre learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.The videos and audio are organized by genre and learning level, so its easy to find something that works for you. Plus, FluentU personalizes the experience by suggesting new content based on what youve already learned. Its flexible but customized learningâ"everyone has a different experience!For offline learning, you can download the audio clips, quizzes and PDF transcripts to keep your practice going anywhere!FluentU is available for the following languages:ChineseJapaneseKoreanRussianFrenchSpanishGermanItalianEnglish50LANGUAGES50LANGUAGES is a free app for iOS and Android that offers both online and offline resources. Itâs geared to ward beginnersâ"even those with absolutely no experienceâ"as well as anyone who wants to polish up their language skills. As the name suggests, they cover more than 50 languages.If basic communication skills are what youâre going for, this is certainly a good choice. Youll follow audio lessons, which are available to download for offline listening. Other learning materials include language tests and flashcards.If you want to take your studies pre-internet, print books are available to purchase to supplement the programs.There are 100 lessons to exploreâ"try listening to a lesson a day!Google TranslateGoogle Translate is a workhorse for language learners. Its available for iOS and Android users.Personally, I use it all the time. It provides a quick text translation, customizable phrasebook and even translates conversations in an instant.One of its best features is the ability to get the meaning of a sign, menu or even billboard with the camera translation. Never get lost againâ "just point at a street sign and wait for the translation. This app is great for travelers!What you may not realize is Google Translate delivers for offline learning, too. Itâs possible to download languages onto your device so theyâre available for use even when the device is not connected to the internet. Google Translates language packs are available in more than 50 languages.Some even offer offline camera translation!Plus, when youâre not actively looking for a translation, this app is perfect for offline vocabulary building.Naver Papago TranslateNaver Papago Translate is a text, voice, conversation and image translation app for iOS and Android users. Its available for 11 languages, including French, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese and more.For offline learning, theres a phrasebook containing basic expressions. Its a fun, fast way to boost your communication abilities whenever youve got some down time.When you get back on the grid, Naver Papago offers a full dictionary as well as real-time translations. You can even enable location services and Naver Papago will suggest languages for translation depending on where you are!In case youâre wondering, papago means parrot in Esperanto. Its a bird with language abilities, so it does seem to be a fitting name for such a useful app!MemriseMemrise is designed to make language education catchy and fun, while comprehensive. Both iOS and Android users will benefit from this download. It provides an offline mode so you can easily continue your practice anywhere.With Memrise, you follow themed courses (e.g. foundational vocabulary, common expressions, conjugation rules etc.) to learn your language in a logical way. Itâs a unique approach to language study but it still packs all of the components we expect from a language program.As you study youll get games, videos featuring native speakers, chatbots and more. You can even record your own pronunciation for comparison with native speech.DuolingoDuolingo is a f amiliar language-learning program. You may already recognize their fun, green owl mascot Duo, who accompanies learners on their journey from beginner to advanced levels. Available for about 30 languages, this app teaches in small, manageable lessons on both iOS and Android devices.Thereâs the voice recognition segment that pulls no punchesâ"when youâve mispronounced a word or phrase, youâll be prompted to try again. Have practice conversations with chatbots or join a club with other learners.When lessons are completed Duo will commend you and tell you how many days in a row youâve been working on a particular language. This is a fun way to learn a language!Duolingos offline mode includes an abridged number of its lessons. When youre offline, the progress tracking features will be turned off.BusuuThe Busuu app is an excellent choice, since all its lessons are available offline!It teaches 12 languages at all levels on iOS and Android platforms. If youâre not sure where y ou fall on the learning scale, donât worry! Busuu will give you a placement test to determine the perfect starting point for your language-learning journey.Busuus program is designed to teach you a language through brief but consistent studyâ"just 10 minutes a day. It covers key vocabulary, conversational phrases, grammar skills and even allows for real practice with native speakers.Looking for a Bonus Offline Option? Go Old School with Flashcards!Flashcards? Theyâre not just for kids! In fact, theyâre a key component in nearly every language program. Theyâre a customizable method for building a strong vocabulary.Most die-hard language students wouldnât leave home without our language flashcards. Mine are always with me!Instead of making them yourself, try these fun options.TravelflipsTravelflips are flashcards that provide basic phrases suitable for everyday use. They come in Spanish, Italian, German and French and are packed in a neat little box thatâs perfect for traveling.I have both the Italian and French cards and love them. Iâm hoping they follow up with more languages!BerlitzBerlitz also offers a ready-made flashcard option. Their flashcard sets include German, Spanish, French and Chinese.These are designed with children in mind, but beginning learners of any age would get a vocabulary boost from using them.Going offline doesnât have to mean a language program is also turned off.Put todayâs technology to good use to continue your language journeyâ"and keep up the habit of daily language practice! Add an old school option and youâre all set to learn anytime, anywhere!Good luck! And enjoy your disconnect!
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