Language Learning Tools
One of the questions I get the most is "how do you learn languages?"
The answer is right there on my channel. I literally show people how I do it...
But in this section, I thought it would be relevant to list the tools I personally use.
LingoPie
Needless to say that watching movies, TV shows and anime is my favorite way of learning. And that's exactly what LingoPie is all about! Before that, I was simply using the most popular streaming platform with subtitles in the original language. But Lingopie took the efficiency to a whole new level, with double subtitles, flashcards and statistics.
I am now an affiliate which means I can offer a 50% discount to my subscribers. If you want to get this awesome deal, make sure to sign up using this link: https://learn.lingopie.com/bongs
Even if it might take a bit more than a regular language learning app to truly become fluent, they still hold an enormous potential. In fact, I believe that actively studying on them for at least 15 minutes a day can be more efficient that passively attending classes for years!
Busuu by Chegg
Busuu is one of my favorite apps. It's very well-rounded with concise lessons full of pictures to help you memorize new words. You may take tests and even get certificates, on top of being part of a supportive community.
Download Busuu now:
On a web browser or on a smartphone
Ling by Simya Solutions
I've got to be honest, Ling is far from perfect. I found a lot of mistakes and bugs. But it offers more than 60 different languages! I've never seen an app offering that many options. It's my go-to when I start a new language that is not on other apps. It's also more affordable.
Download Ling by clicking here.
Speakly
Despite the fact that Speakly is very different from Busuu, mostly because of the absence of images, it's still in my top 3. The concept developed by the co-creators (who are polyglot themselves) is to become fluent as quickly as possible, by learning the 4000 most statistically-relevant words.
I really enjoy the minimalistic design. But most of all, I find it very well rounded with flashcards, dialogues from live-situations, listening exercises and music recommendations.
In addition to my passion for language learning, I'm also very fond of new technologies. I'm amazed by the amount of innovations that marked the past century. In this respect, I'm always on the lookout for the latest trends, whether it's about robotics, virtual reality or artificial intelligence.
Timkettle's WT2 Edge
These bi-directional simultaneous translation earbuds contain a concentration of technology that will allow you to have a bilingual meeting with up to 6 people in 40 languages and 93 accents!
Nao from Softbank
I actually have a lot in common with this cute little robot. He was born in France, and later became Japanese. Nao was not designed for language learning per se, but he is available in 19 different languages which is pretty cool!
Alix from LingoChamp
The designers of LingoChamp understood the potential of artificial intelligence in language learning. On their app, you get to study English with the help of your AI coach Alix.
Buy Bitcoins on Shakepay
I'll admit that this has nothing to do with language learning. But speaking of new technologies, I believe in the potential of the blockchain and cryptocurrencies. It might not seem very practical or useful in Western countries but it's revolutionary in developing ones that have been struggling with their economy, like Salvador or Kenya.
Having family all around the world, my main personal benefit is the speed of transfer and the low transaction fees compared to traditional banks. More recently, it was the easiest way to financially support Ukraine during the war.
It's a market that fluctuates a lot, so I would NOT recommend investing money that you need for basic necessities or your entire savings! Diversifying your investments is always best.
But if you are Canadian and you want to buy a few Bitcoin or Ethereum (the two biggest), I recommend ShakePay. Sign up by clicking here and we'll each get $10. Once you downloaded the app, you can literally shake your phone to earn a small amount of bitcoin, once a day. They now also offer a Visa card with cash-back rewards in bitcoin as well as a system that works like a saving account.
If you are not Canadian, I recommend Coinbase, sign up by clicking here and we'll each get $10 worth of bitcoin. It's a user friendly platform where you'll be able to trade more than 200 cryptocurrencies and earn some by taking lessons and quizzes!
