4 iPhone Apps for Learning a Foreign Language

One way to learn a foreign language is through repetition -- to continually practice your reading, writing, and speaking. If you're learning a language then, you might look for a good mobile app, as it will allow you to practice your language learning on the go. Ideally a good educational app is more than just a set of digital flash cards. A good language learning app should take advantage of the phone's features -- its graphics capabilities, for example, or its ability to play and record audio, or translate text with a combination of the camera and OCR. And no matter the app's sophistication -- in terms of technology or in the learner's level, the app should be engaging. After all, that's what willl help you practice and learn. Here are four of iPhone apps that can make your language practice fun, mobile, and worthwhile.

MindSnacks
MindSnacks is a language learning app with games and lessons to help you build your Spanish vocabulary and conversational skills. There are 50 levels of content and six mini-games, with a vocabulary of over 1400 words and phrases. The app includes a personalized learning algorithm that helps you both memorize and retain the language. The app is $4.99 and while it's currently only available in Spanish, MindSnacks plans to launch other language apps soon, including French, Italian, and Portugese.

Babbel
Babbel's free iPhone apps come in seven languages: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portugese, Swedish, and English. These apps are aimed to boost your vocabulary, giving you access to 3000 words all used in sample sentences and pronounced by a native speaker. Babbel's apps compliment its web-based course offerings, and although you can synchronize your progress with the website, you needn't be a course subscriber to use the apps.

iStart
The iStart apps, developed by Mirai Language Systems, are available in four languages -- German, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. There are free, ad-supported versions of each language, as well as paid versions ($4.99). The apps each provide between 20 to 50 language lessons, with instructions in both English and in the respective foreign language. The apps provide a clear explanation of grammar and vocabulary, and the lessons culminate with quizzes so you can test your skills.



Skype
Although clearly not a language learning app per se, the telephony app Skype might just provide one of the best ways for you to learn a foreign language. Of course, it requires you know someone you can call and talk to in another language. But with both video and VOIP available around the world, there's hardly a better way to learn another language than to practice your conversational skills regularly with another person. The Skype app is free, as are Skype-to-Skype calls. Skype calls to land-lines and mobile phones costs extra.


Have you used a mobile app to learn a foreign language? Which one was your favorite?

==========================================================================
 ReadWriteWeb is a popular weblog that provides web technology news, reviews and analysis. One of the world's top 20 blogs, ReadWriteWeb speaks to an intelligent audience of web enthusiasts, early adopters and innovators. ReadWriteWeb is currently syndicated by the New York Times. Audrey Watters is a Writer for ReadWriteWeb, joining the team in April 2010. She has a Master's Degree in Folklore and was working on a PhD in Comparative Literature, but chose to become a technology journalist rather than write her dissertation. You can reach her at audrey@readwriteweb.com.