Language Learning through Apps

I have been learning languages with apps for a really long time.

Let me tell you what a really long time means: 

My current streaks from when this blog is posted: 

App 1: 2,418 days

App 2: 1,044 days (for one language), 1,035 days (for another language)

App 3: 1116 days

App 4: 479 days

These numbers used to mean a lot to me, but as the new year turned, I almost stopped playing the language learning apps. That did not happen, though.

It has become a habit that I cannot break. I make sure to play the apps within an hour of waking up. In total, it takes me about 20 minutes to complete all of them. Before I go to bed, I make sure to check that I have played them all, as not to lose a streak.

What stopped me from stopping? 

Well, it is just a built in habit now. It truly shows you that habits truly can be kept. 

I know that, if nothing else, I will have at least a solid 20 minutes of language learning each day. 

Do playing language learning apps teach me a language?

No. They do not.

I learned Spanish in school/college. Same with French. 

The only other language I play each day is Italian, which I have never learned before playing on apps. After 1,035 days of “learning” Italian, I know a few words, but I could not have a conversation, read, or understand listening. 

Apps should be paired with other learning/practicing, but sometimes that does not happen. For a few years that happened to me, and it is okay. 

A while after college, I didn’t study Spanish as intensively as when I was a Spanish major, but obviously I was still playing apps each day. A few years later, I picked up a Spanish book and started reading and was shocked at how much I could understand, even after I only played apps for a while, without extra study. 

I think languages need a while to meld into your brain, playing an app for a few minutes a day helps your brain to realize you are still learning and “using” the language skill. 

I do study languages more each day than just apps, but for a while, I just played the apps each day, some days not even really paying attention, just going through the motions. 

The why in language learning

My reason for language learning is definitely NOT to be able to keep up a streak. I have different reasons for each language. 

You will need a strong why so that if you decide to play apps you will keep the habit up. 

Positives of language apps

I also continue using apps because I am exposed to new words. I believe we are always learning any language, even our native language, which is why exposure to new words is important. 

I do prefer to learn the words in context, so I don’t appreciate apps that only show words, but I still play them and here is why: My brain works passively keeping track of words. 

Again, apps are good practice, but they should be paired with other language learning. 

If you want to know which apps I play, you can contact me here.

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