My Favorite Resources for Learning a New Language

beyond a popular app for you and your children

One of the highlights of our whole year has been learning languages as a family. Rather than choosing a single language to study together, we are each learning the language that interests us most. (We probably won’t be remembered one day for our practicality.) Indi and I are learning Italian. Iris and Hazel are studying French, inspired by Dan, who grew up in Côte d’Ivoire, and speaks it. Tarikua is learning Amharic. Even Jude joined in from college, picking up Spanish. He hopes it will help him as a surgeon someday, opening doors to better communicate with some of his patients.

After nine months of using various resources, here are our top recommendations:

1. Italki

Italki is a program that connects language learners with native speakers for affordable, personalized lessons. If there is one key breakdown in language learning programs, it seems to be in conversational speaking. I have heard so many stories from people who learned a language in high school, college, or through Duolingo. They can read it, they might even be able to understand it when it’s spoken, but they struggle to speak it. Speaking requires so much practice.

This program offers 30 or 60-minute individual lessons and group options, too. Instructors provide homework after each lesson and tailor sessions to your unique needs.

2. Language Transfer

Language Transfer is a free app that helps you learn through an audio-only approach. It builds off of words you already know, sharing memorable tips to cement the concepts and quickly build your vocabulary. Because this method works primarily by using your thinking skills, there are no books, videos, or worksheets. We listened in the car and found it so helpful and engaging. I finished the program last spring and still think about it and even revisit past lessons from time to time.

3. Free Online College Courses

I was surprised and excited to learn that many colleges and universities offer free open language courses, with options to purchase a certificate upon completion. Iris is enrolled in French 1 through Carnegie Mellon. I enrolled in Beginner and Intermediate Italian through Wellesley College and I have loved both courses.

You can look on EdX to find courses. Or a simple online search will lead you to programs in your target language. Do keep in mind that these courses are designed for college students, so occasionally, a sentence or concept might not be appropriate for younger children.

4. Podcasts

There are lots of podcast options for learning a language. I found them helpful in overcoming common pronunciation errors and one even helped me finally learn how to roll my Rs for the first time! We have liked the Coffee Break series, but there are so many options out there. They’re great to listen to in the car, whether you’re commuting or running errands.

5. TV and Films with Subtitles

We don’t typically watch much television, but if there is one tip I have heard from almost everyone who is fluent in another language, it’s that they learned, sometimes primarily, by watching TV or movies in their target language. Studies show that when students watch with their target language’s subtitles on (rather than with native language subtitles), they learn the most.

Most streaming services have a settings section that allows you to change the language for both the audio and the subtitles. On some devices, you can slow down the speed of the dialogue, which helps a lot!

6. YouTube Language Programs

There are so many great language programs available on YouTube. I use it to clarify grammar questions and to listen to native speakers in a conversational context. I have especially enjoyed Easy Languages. They connect with native speakers on the streets and discuss interesting questions and topics, so you learn more about the culture, too. They offer lots of language options, categorized under the umbrella of Asian, Latin, African, and European. Their videos provide subtitles in both the target language and in English.

7. Online Translator

An online translator is such a valuable tool for learning new vocabulary and checking grammar. I have found Google Translate to be the most accurate. But I also really love Reverso, which offers translation and verb conjugation in all modes and tenses. Another great feature is that it shows examples of how native speakers use words and phrases in context.

8. Writing in the Language and Translations

Writing helps reinforce learning and improves your ability to express thoughts clearly. I would write short, weekly summaries for my Italki tutor. In this way, I have learned everyday phrases that are meaningful in my life.

More recently, I have been working on translations. You can translate any passage that you find beautiful or useful, tackling longer passages as you grow in your skills. I always check my translation with Google Translate to be sure I am translating correctly.

9. Speaking in the Language at Home

Practice speaking at home, even if it's just to your dog or yourself! Speaking gets you thinking in the target language, helps build confidence, and improves pronunciation. I like to teach my six-year-old Maeve Italian words as we go about our daily lives together.

10. Local Language Groups

Many communities offer language clubs, cooking classes, special events, and book clubs that can make learning your new language social and fun! In July, Dan took the girls to a French festival celebrating Bastille Day. They served traditional French food and played French music. There were characters in costume (one dressed like Marie Antoinette) to greet the kids. They sold French souvenirs and books. I was surprised to discover the options available in our community. Maybe yours has some hidden gems, too!