Language Learning Technologies
Advice
AI Voice Generators
- Amazon Polly: cloud text-to-speech service that converts written text into natural-sounding speech
- ElevenLabs: AI voice generator offering realistic text-to-speech and voice cloning in many languages
- Murf.ai: AI voiceover tool for turning scripts into natural-sounding narration
- Play.ht: AI text-to-speech platform for generating realistic voiceovers
- Speechify: text-to-speech app that reads text aloud, useful for listening practice
- Synthesia: AI video generation with narrated, virtual presenters
AI for Live Conversations
- Claude: Anthropic's AI assistant, usable for spoken or written conversation practice in a target language
- ChatGPT: AI chatbot that can hold spoken or written conversations in a target language
- Gemini Live: Google's AI assistant, with support for real-time spoken conversation
- Sesame Demo: demonstration of a realistic AI voice assistant for natural spoken conversation
Commercial Language Learning Sites
- Assimil: self-study language courses built around an "intuitive assimilation" method
- Babbel: app for structured grammar and vocabulary lessons
- Busuu: app combining structured lessons with feedback and exchange with native speakers
- ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode: real-time spoken conversation feature built into ChatGPT
- ConversationExchange: site for finding language exchange partners for text, audio, or in-person practice
- DuoLingo: gamified app for building vocabulary and grammar through short daily lessons
- FSI Courses: free, public-domain language courses originally developed for U.S. diplomats
- Glossika: sentence-based training using spaced repetition of native-speaker audio
- HelloTalk: app for messaging and voice chats with native speakers for language exchange
- iTalki: marketplace for booking lessons with human language tutors
- Journaly: platform for writing journal entries in your target language and getting feedback from native speakers
- Jumpspeak: AI-based app focused on speaking practice
- Language-Exchanges.org: directory for finding language exchange partners worldwide
- LanguagePod101: podcast-style audio and video lessons across many languages
- LanguaTalk (YouTube intro): introduction to an AI-powered conversation practice app
- Lingoda: online classes with live human teachers in small groups
- Mango Languages: courses focused on practical conversation and cultural context
- Memrise: spaced-repetition app for vocabulary and grammar, using videos of native speakers
- Mondly: app for vocabulary, grammar, and conversation practice with AI chatbots
- MyLanguageExchange: online community for finding language exchange partners
- Pimsleur: audio-based courses using spaced repetition for listening and speaking
- Praktika: AI-tutor app for spoken conversation practice
- Preply: marketplace for booking lessons with human tutors
- Rocket Languages: structured, audio-based courses with interactive lessons
- Rosetta Stone: immersive method that teaches through images and context rather than translation
- Speak: AI-powered app for structured spoken-language practice
- SpeakPal: AI-based tutor for real-time conversation practice
- Speaky: social platform for text and voice language exchange
- TalkPal: AI-based conversation partner for practicing speaking
- Tandem: app for language exchange via chat, voice, and video calls with native speakers
- Teacher AI (Xiaoma): AI-based language tutor
Corpora
- Sketch Engine: corpus tool for analyzing word usage, collocations, and frequency in large text collections
Flashcards
- Anki (Download): spaced-repetition flashcard software for memorizing vocabulary
- Pauker: open-source flashcard program for vocabulary practice
Listening Resources
Pronunciation
- Forvo: large database of native-speaker word pronunciations recorded by volunteers
- RhinoSpike: service where native speakers record example sentences on request
Research Tools
- Avidnote: AI tool for organizing research notes and drafting academic writing
- Jenni: AI writing assistant for academic essays; generates outlines
- PaperPal: AI academic writing assistant for outlining, proofreading, and paraphrasing
- Research Rabbit: tool for visualizing citation networks and discovering related research papers
- Scispace: all-in-one AI tool for reading, summarizing, and chatting with research papers
Scholars and Research
Search Tools for Sentences
- Linguee: dictionary and search engine showing translated example sentences in context
- Reverso Context: tool for finding real-world translated example sentences
- Tatoeba: open database of example sentences with translations in many languages
Transcription Services
- TurboScribe: AI transcription service that converts audio and video into text
TV- and Movie-Based Language Sites
- FluentU: teaches language through authentic videos with interactive subtitles
- Language Reactor: browser extension for dual subtitles and vocabulary lookup while watching streaming video
- Lingopie: streaming platform with dual subtitles and click-to-translate for language learning
- LingQ: platform for learning through reading and listening to imported content, tracking known words
- Mubi: curated streaming service for art-house films
University Courses
VR Chat Platforms
- Resonite: social VR platform for meeting and interacting with others in virtual worlds
- VR Chat: social VR platform for meeting and chatting with people from around the world