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COVID-19 and the resulting "stay at home" mandates in place around the country have left many adults with extra time on their hands. If you're looking for something to do to fill this time, consider exploring a new language. In a diverse world, bilingual individuals are in high demand, and this time at home gives you the time to learn a new language. Here are some options that will help you learn your chosen language quickly, so you can make the most out of your quarantine.
1. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone remains the top choice for language learning. This software and online program is highly intuitive and user-friendly. You can use the interface on your phone or computer. Rosetta Stone focuses strongly on building vocabulary and teaching the grammar of the language. In just a few months of dedicated use, Rosetta Stone will teach you to read, write, and speak in the language of your choice. It currently has programs for 28 non-English languages.
2. Babbel
Babbel is an app that teaches the user useful phrases in the desired language. It is well-structured and affordable. The exercises can become repetitive, but repetition aids learning in some ways. Because it's an app for your phone, you can use it both at home and when you're on the go. Babbel is currently available for 13 languages and has a course for non-English speakers who are trying to learn English.
3. Yabla
Yabla teaches language listening skills. This subscription-based website is filled with videos of native language speakers, and this is helpful because it shows people with varying accents. You can watch the videos with or without English subtitles, and after watching you can participate in question-and-answer sessions to reinforce what you've learned. This app won't teach you a new language directly, but it can help you become more conversational and fluent in a language, while reinforcing your listening skills with native speakers.
4. Fluenz
Fluenz is designed for beginners and is a thorough introduction to a language. This program has video-based instruction and uses exercise to reinforce what the instructor teaches. It's app-based, so you can learn on the go. The one drawback to Fluenz is that it only offers seven languages, including both English and European Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese and German. All, except the Chinese program, teach writing along with speaking.
5. Duolingo
Maybe you're wanting to dabble in language learning without an investment. Duolingo is a free app that lest you do that. It offers structured lessons, 30 languages and the option to listen to podcasts in the language you're learning, Duolingo has a large number of features for a free option.
Sheltering at home has its challenges, but it can be a time for excellent hope and renewal. It also frees time to learn something new. Try one of these programs or apps, and give yourself the gift of a new language after this time is done.
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