Top 10 free online resources for language learners

Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but it's also one of the most rewarding endeavors you can undertake. Whether you're learning a language for work, travel, or personal enrichment, there are plenty of free online resources available to help you along the way. In this article, we'll be discussing the top 10 free online resources for language learners, covering everything from language exchange platforms to grammar guides and vocabulary builders.

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps on the market today, and for good reason. With over 40 languages available to learn, Duolingo offers a fun, gamified approach to language learning that appeals to learners of all ages and skill levels. The app is completely free to use and features a wide range of interactive exercises, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, to help you improve your language skills. Additionally, Duolingo also includes a feature that allows you to connect with other learners and native speakers for language exchange and practice.

Memrise

Memrise is another popular language learning app that uses gamification to help you learn new words and phrases. The app is free to use and features a wide range of courses in dozens of languages, including popular languages like Spanish, French, and German, as well as less commonly studied languages like Hindi and Swahili. Memrise's courses are built around spaced repetition, which helps you retain new vocabulary more effectively, and the app also includes a variety of multimedia resources like videos and audio recordings to help you improve your listening and speaking skills.

Language Learning with Netflix

Language Reactor is a free browser extension that helps you learn a new language by watching TV shows and movies in your target language. The extension allows you to add subtitles in both your native language and your target language, and you can also use the extension to look up words and phrases you don't understand. Language Reactor currently supports over 20 languages, and the extension is completely free to use.

Anki

Anki is a flashcard app that can be used to help you memorize vocabulary and other language-related content. The app is free to use and allows you to create your own flashcards or download pre-made decks created by other users. Anki uses spaced repetition to help you memorize new content more effectively, and the app also includes a variety of multimedia resources like images and audio recordings to help you learn new words and phrases in context.

Lingoda Language Sprint

Lingoda Language Sprint is a language learning challenge that takes place over the course of 2 moths. During the challenge, you'll take a series of live, online language classes with native-speaking teachers, and you'll have the opportunity to practice your speaking and listening skills in real-time. The challenge is free to participate in, and if you complete the full 2 months challenge, you'll receive a refund of your course fees. Lingoda currently offers courses in English, Spanish, French, and German.

Tandem

Tandem is a language exchange platform that connects you with native speakers of your target language. The platform is free to use and allows you to connect with language partners from all over the world. Once you've found a language partner, you can chat with them using the Tandem app or schedule video or audio calls to practice your speaking and listening skills. Tandem also includes a feature that allows you to search for language partners based on your interests and hobbies, making it easy to find someone to practice with who shares your interests.

Italki

Italki is another language exchange platform that connects you with native speakers of your target language. Unlike Tandem, Italki also offers professional language tutoring services, which can be booked for a fee. However, there are also many community tutors on the platform who offer their services for free or at a lower rate. Italki allows you to search for tutors and language partners based on language, price, and availability, making it easy to find someone who fits your needs and schedule. The platform also includes a variety of resources like language learning articles and discussion forums to help you connect with other language learners and get additional language practice.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk is a language exchange app that allows you to connect with native speakers of your target language from all over the world. The app is free to use and includes a variety of features like text and voice messaging, translation tools, and language correction tools to help you improve your language skills. HelloTalk also includes a social feed where you can share photos and updates with your language partners, as well as a feature that allows you to join language-specific communities where you can connect with other learners and native speakers.

Open Culture

Open Culture is a website that offers free online courses and resources in a wide range of subjects, including languages. The site includes a variety of language learning resources, including courses in popular languages like Spanish, French, and German, as well as less commonly studied languages like Arabic and Mandarin. Open Culture also includes a variety of multimedia resources like videos and audio recordings to help you improve your listening and speaking skills.

Language Learning Podcasts

Language learning podcasts are a great way to improve your language skills on the go. There are a variety of language learning podcasts available, covering everything from beginner-level vocabulary and grammar to advanced conversation and cultural topics. Some popular language learning podcasts include "Coffee Break Spanish," "Learn French by Podcast," and "JapanesePod101." Many language learning podcasts are available for free on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and can be downloaded and listened to offline for convenient, on-the-go language learning.

In conclusion, there are plenty of free online resources available to language learners, from language exchange platforms to grammar guides and vocabulary builders. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an advanced learner looking to improve your skills, these resources can help you reach your language learning goals. By taking advantage of these free resources and practicing regularly, you can become a confident and proficient speaker of your target language.