If you’ve ever tried out a language-learning app, but ended up abandoning it before you became fluent, the problem was not you. The real issue is that language apps have some real shortfalls when it comes to building the kind of fluency you need to live and work using your second language.
Now, you might think that because we’re a company that provides online language classes that we’re going to try to talk you out of using language apps. But that’s not what we want to do! Language apps are a great resource — if you use them the right way. Today we want to tell you how to make the most of language apps in your journey toward fluency.
First, Choose the Right Class
So why can’t language apps be your sole tool for building fluency in a second language? They’re missing one very important thing: the ability to give you conversational practice with a real person. And when it comes to language learning, there’s just no substitute for conversation. TruFluency is actually built around this principle. If you’re just drilling on vocabulary in your new language, all the practice in the world won’t make you fluent.
For that reason, we recommend investing in conversation classes with a native speaker before you start exploring language apps. Thanks to technology, you don’t have to drive across town to a language school or rearrange your schedule to study with a native speaker. Through TruFluency, for example, you can take language classes online with an instructor you select and at a time you choose.
Supplement Your Classwork with Language Learning Apps
Once you start your live language classes, then you can choose an app to enhance and accelerate your learning. Apps are a great way to use your spare moments to get valuable practice in your target language. Over time, using an app even a few minutes per day can help you get fluent faster.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. After doing 100-plus hours of Japanese conversation classes with a native instructor, I started using a language app to get some extra practice with vocabulary, phrases, syntax and more. This is where language apps excel. After a conversation with my Japanese teacher, I can easily use my language app in the car to reinforce what I learned. That gives me a boost of confidence when I’m in class with my teacher.
So now you know our formula for faster fluency: conversation classes + language apps. Together, they’ll help you learn your target language quickly and conveniently. Sound good? Take the first step to fluency with online tutoring from TruFluency. We have a team of experienced and dedicated instructors who can adapt to any learning style. Take a trial lesson today to find out for yourself.
Special thanks for this guest post contributed by Lewonlang, offering language learning apps for learning English.
