All Language Resources is an independent review site. If you click a product link, we may earn money from a seller at no cost to you. Writing and analyses are author opinions. Learn More

Japanese

50 Languages Mini-Review: Basically an online phrasebook

50Languages

Rating 2.8
Price:

Free

Summary

It is clear that 50Languages aims to make language learning accessible to anyone with an internet connection There is no signup required to use the site, so its resources are both free, and anonymous. You can find 100 free downloadable audio files of native speakers and ‘lessons’ in over 50 languages, in addition to vocabulary, alphabets, quizzes, and games. Unfortunately, none of these resources follow a cohesive learning path, nor does the platform help you memorize any of the information provided. Only one section, the Translation Trainer, aims to help you retain phrases. However, if you have saved phrases in multiple languages, all of them will be bunched together into one review without an indication of which language you should be translating into. The audio files and phrasebook lessons contain a series of phrases that do not seem to build on what you have previously learned; learning from this website is essentially like referencing a phrasebook you might buy for a trip to another country. 50Languages has a lot of information available, but it doesn’t seem like it can be used as a standalone language resource. Perhaps you can take phrases and vocabulary that interest you and compiled them into an Anki deck to help with retention.

50 Languages Mini-Review: Basically an online phrasebook Read More »

Wakarukana Mini-Review: Japanese Media You Can Understand

Wakarukana

Rating 4.0
Price:

Free

Summary

Wakarukana does an excellent job of determining which Japanese anime, books, movies, and manga, are suitable to your current level. Once you have clicked on an item, the site will provide you with 5 sentences or audio clips and ask you to select which ones you understand. Depending on your comprehension, it will determine how difficult the item you selected would be relative to your level. As it’s a new site, they don’t yet have a ton of options, but they do provide a solid start to finding level-appropriate media. Note that each search only displays 10 results — search again and you will receive another 10 random results. The site seems to be affiliated with Japanese Level Up.

Wakarukana Mini-Review: Japanese Media You Can Understand Read More »

Japanese Level Up Mini-Review: A Step Up From Basic SRS

Japanese Level Up

Rating 3.5
Price:

$119.99/level, $299.99/all levels

Summary

For beginners and intermediate Japanese learners who are frustrated with their learning process and just can’t seem to find the right resource, Jalup might just be the answer to your struggles. The app has improved the basic Spaced Repetition System flashcard method by ensuring that each new card combines with previously learned content. This means that, if you have been following their program, you will fully understand every sentence that is presented to you. There are six levels, from total beginner to ‘Jalup expert’; as a beginner, you will learn to read and write the basic Japanese alphabets, and gradually increase your understanding of vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures, and kanji. By level 4, all definitions and explanations are in Japanese. The app claims to “Make you fluent so you can enjoy anime, manga, and video games,” teaching you practical Japanese and enriching practice with stories that parallel what you have already learned. The downside to this app is how expensive it is. Although each level has 100 cards that you can sample for free, to buy a full level within the app costs over $100 (or slightly cheaper if you want the Anki-version.)

Japanese Level Up Mini-Review: A Step Up From Basic SRS Read More »

An Honest Review of Assimil With Image of Woman Reading Book

Assimil Review — A Fresh Look at a Longstanding Resource

Assimil

Rating 4.0

Summary

Assimil is a French company that has been selling language-learning resources since 1929. Assimil materials are available as books, CDs, and downloadable e-courses; there are a variety of available course types, and instruction is based on interacting with phrases in the target language. The popular Sans Peine or, With Ease, courses are for absolute or false beginners that would like to reach the B2 level, but we think you’ll need to incorporate some other study materials to make this happen.


Quality 4.0

The language materials are reliable, the audio is high quality, and the program is fairly easy to use after a bit of practice.

Thoroughness 4.0

Assimil is chock-full of explanations and thorough translations for all material, but you might need more to reach the advertised B2 level.

Value 4.0

There are cheaper resources out there, but Assimil provides super solid instruction for the price.

I Like
  • The audio quality is great.
  • The culture notes add a lot of value.
  • There are plenty of grammar explanations, but they aren’t a focus.
I Don’t Like
  • The mobile app isn’t super intuitive.
  • The pronunciation feedback method could be better.
  • The exercises aren’t especially engaging.
Price

Prices vary by course. The Spanish e-course is €49.90, the Spanish With Ease book (no audio) is €26.90, and the Spanish With Ease Superpack is €74.90

Assimil Review — A Fresh Look at a Longstanding Resource Read More »

LyricsTraining Mini-Review: Listening Practice Through Songs

LyricsTraining

Rating 3.3
Price:

Free

Summary

Lyrics training is a free app that claims to improve your ability to recognize the different sounds in your target language. Through listening to different songs, you can reinforce vocabulary, expressions, and grammar concepts. Although it does not provide any translations or explanations for these skills, it does seem to train listening comprehension and memorization. While listening to your chosen song, you will be provided with a choice of 4 words to help fill in an increasing percentage of lyrics; by the advanced level, you will be responsible for filling in 100% of the lyrics. Each of the 14 languages available seem to have a wide variety of song choices, and even if you don’t understand what the lyrics mean, you will probably be able to sing along. If you would prefer an app that focuses more on comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar, check out Lirica.

LyricsTraining Mini-Review: Listening Practice Through Songs Read More »

LangCorrect: Unlimited, Free Writing Practice With Feedback

LangCorrect

Rating 5.0
Price:

Free

Summary

LangCorrect is a free community-driven writing site where users can both contribute to editing others’ work and receive feedback on their own writing. After writing your piece, you may submit it to receive feedback from other site users. In order to ensure accurate feedback, multiple users can cross-check the corrections that were made and add comments. Volunteers and Patrons have access to writing in up to 10 languages, but typical users can write in a maximum of two languages at a time. Everyone is encouraged to both write and correct others’ work on the site. If you are looking to improve your writing skills in one of the over 100 languages available, trying out this resource is a must! However, if you’re studying a less common language and not finding many users to give you corrections, consider trying the exercise section in italki’s community features.

The rating is our best guess, but we haven’t yet had the opportunity to fully test and review this resource.

LangCorrect: Unlimited, Free Writing Practice With Feedback Read More »

Beelinguapp Mini-Review: Reading & Listening Practice

Beelinguapp

Rating 4.3
Price:

Freemium, $29.99/year

Summary

Beelinguapp makes it easier to read and listen to interesting content in a number of languages. You’ll find short stories, news, fairy tales, music, and more. Their side-by-side reading functionality highlights the sentence in the language you’re learning, as well as in a language you’re familiar with. The karaoke feature makes it easy to follow the audio with the written text. Some of the content and features are available for free, but there are also premium plans to unlock more.

Beelinguapp Mini-Review: Reading & Listening Practice Read More »

An Honest Review of Skritter With Image of Woman Looking at Phone and Writing

Skritter Review: Solid Chinese and Japanese Writing Practice

Skritter

Rating 4.2

Summary

Skritter is a language app that teaches learners to write characters in Chinese and Japanese. It uses handwriting recognition technology in conjunction with a spaced repetition system to teach stroke order, meaning, and vocabulary. Users can choose from many pre-made study decks, including some from popular textbooks or programs. It’s also possible to create your own decks.


Quality 4.3

The app has a great design and quality content; the handwriting recognition isn’t perfect, but it’s rarely inaccurate.

Thoroughness 4.0

It sets out to teach reading and writing and does a great job, but some additional explanations would be nice.

Value 4.0

The SRS makes practice efficient and worthwhile, but some people may only want to pay for a month at a time.

I Like
  • Native-speaker audio is high quality.
  • The handwriting recognition works very well.
  • The design and interface are great.
I Don’t Like
  • It’s somewhat costly for a resource with a narrow focus.
  • The review mechanics can be confusing at first.
Price

One Month $14.99
Six Months $59.99
One Year $99.99
Two Years $179.99
 
You can save 10% on any subscription by signing up with the link below.

Skritter Review: Solid Chinese and Japanese Writing Practice Read More »

An Honest Review of Cudoo With Image of Man Working on Computer

Cudoo Review — I Wouldn’t Even Use it if it Were Free

Cudoo

Rating 0.6

Summary

Cudoo is an online learning platform that offers courses in over 160 languages. The platform also offers courses teaching soft skills and other professional development courses. Certificates are available upon course completion, and courses are provided to libraries and non-profits for free. We feel that the quality of the language courses is quite low, and that the prices are relatively high.


Quality 1.0

It’s nice to have native speaker audio, but I personally found the course to offer very little learning potential.

Thoroughness 1.0

The course didn’t cover everything listed under “Course Content” and offers no explanations.

Value 0.0

This course is way overpriced in my opinion. I wouldn’t even use it if it were free.

I Like
  • Audio by a variety of native speakers.
I Don’t Like
  • I wanted more explanations
  • Practice opportunities felt severely limited
  • I found the material unengaging
  • Content doesn’t build on itself logically.
Price

Price varies by course, from $4.99 to $24.99, with language bundles costing up to $199.

This seems like a reasonable list of goals, depending on the meaning of “…and more!” even if it is a little bit light for the $25 price tag.

Cudoo Review — I Wouldn’t Even Use it if it Were Free Read More »

FluentU Review

FluentU Review — More Expensive than the Competition

FluentU

Rating 3.1

Summary

FluentU is a language-learning platform that uses real-world videos and interactive subtitles to create an immersive learning experience. The videos take on a variety of forms, including commercials, music videos, interviews, and more. Accompanying quizzes give users the chance to practice language used in videos.  FluentU offers videos in nine different languages and is available for iOS, Android, and on the web. Most of its content is beyond the beginner level, but it has videos for learners at all levels.


Quality 3.5

It’s very straightforward and easy to use, though not especially visually pleasing.

Thoroughness 3.0

There is a wide variety of videos, but they’re short and disconnected. They also aren’t suitable for absolute beginners.

Value 2.5

It is not the most complete way to study a language.

I Like
  • The site is easy to navigate.
  • Interacting with subtitles is easy.
  • The videos are authentic and tied to practice activities.
  • Exercises recognize Chinese and Japanese characters.
I Don’t Like
  • Flashcards use robotic text-to-speech audio.
  • Writing practice is limited, speaking practice is nonexistent.
  • Practice activities aren’t very interesting.
  • There’s no easy way to filter content by region.
Price

After a 14-day free trial, users can purchase one of two subscription options. Subscriptions grant access to all FluentU languages.

Monthly Subscription: $30/month

Annual Subscription: $360/year

FluentU Review — More Expensive than the Competition Read More »