10 Apps To Help You Learn A New Language

Japanese, French, Afrikaans and Wiradjuri – here are ten of the best apps, games and courses for learning a language – and you can access them right on your phone or tablet.

Starting young

Primary School Language Collection

This collection of apps for primary-school students helps to build foundational skills like reading, writing and speaking. Explored through a range of colourful and engaging games, kids will love to play and learn about different cultures at the same time.

Memrise
In this app you can explore over 100 languages and hop on board a learning journey using the latest in memory science, ensuring you are learning and retaining your new language skills in the most effective way possible.

Wiradjuri Dictionary
Developed by the Wiradjuri Study centre and RegenR8, a NGO focused on protecting language and culture through technology. This app explores the language and culture of the Indigenous Australian Wiradjuri people, containing common phrases and words and a dictionary for easy reference. Search in Wiradjuri and English or use the traditional search of images.

For older kids

High School Language Collection
With curated lists of language apps, students can advance in languages using effective hands-on approaches on iPad, iPhone or iPod. From Asia to Europe, this collection of apps explores languages across the globe, helping students understand key concepts of grammar, speaking and writing, while giving plenty of opportunity to practice.

Courses & Collections by Language
Been learning another language and want to take it to the next level? Try studying in your secondary language to develop a more comprehensive vocabulary, and test your reading and writing skills.

Japanese Step 1
This course aims to provide learners new to Japanese with a comprehensive, structured and engaging learning resource. It is designed for use in class or for personal learning, both in on and off line environments. It is also envisaged to offer a sense of achievement and enjoyment through well-balanced tasks.

French — Media et communication
Part of the senior french work program for Queensland high school students, this course advances students communication skills, while also studying the modern media landscape in Australia covering, traditional media, online media, mobile phones and social networking.

For adults

Duolingo
Voted “App of The Year” in 2013, Duolingo was designed for big and small kids in mind, teaching languages with a simple to use interface and structured curriculum combining speaking, reading and hearing activities.

Innovative Language 101
There are plenty of apps that teach you Chinese, French or Spanish. But have you considered Afrikaans or Swahili? Innovative Language teachers 34 languages with personalised learning programs and guidance for its users so you can track your progress.

Welcome to Country
This app educates you on the Traditional Owner’ culture and heritage protocols right across the Australia. It gives the user a solid appreciation of the many cultures and languages groups that exist in Indigenous Australia. The app also teaches users some simple, relevant information about Indigenous culture and the customs of the tribe within that tribal geo boundary.