uTalk

Summary

uTalk is a software program and mobile app offering learning material in over 140 languages. Its approach is based on learning keywords and phrases through gameplay. It covers a wide range of phrases, each spoken by a female and male native speaker, consequently offering listening and pronunciation practice. uTalk is most useful for beginners who want to get started in a language by learning key phrases. It could also be useful for intermediates looking to fill gaps in their vocabulary and pronunciation, but it does not offer any in-depth language instruction or grammar explanations. It’s also worth mentioning that for some languages, such as Basque, the occasional overly literal translation leads to small errors and unnatural phrasing creeping in. However, we haven’t seen instances in which this would result in you being misunderstood, and there’s no denying uTalk’s value for languages with fewer learning resources.

I Like

• The number of languages on offer is staggering.
• Each phrase is recorded by a male and female native speaker. This was especially helpful in learning pronunciation.
• You frequently get to hear recordings of yourself producing the language. I found this motivating and informative.

I Don’t Like

• The Memory Game exercise felt like a waste of time. It’s difficult to get a perfect score even if you know the language well.
• I kept wishing there was a way to choose which phrases I could practice in games instead of them being randomly selected.

Price

$11.99 a month that can be cancelled anytime. 6 months costs $59.99 and for one year it is $99.99.