You’re trying to learn a new language for work. How can you use technology to make it easier?

1 Use apps and websites

There are many apps and websites that can help you learn a language, from basic vocabulary and grammar to more advanced skills and topics. Some of the benefits of using apps and websites are that you can learn at your own pace, choose the content that suits your interests and goals, and track your progress and performance. Some examples of popular apps and websites are Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, and LingQ. You can also find apps and websites that cater to specific languages, such as ChineseSkill, Busuu, or Drops.

2 Listen to podcasts and audiobooks

Another way to use technology to learn a language is to listen to podcasts and audiobooks in your target language. This can help you improve your listening comprehension, pronunciation, and vocabulary, as well as expose you to different accents, dialects, and styles of speech. You can find podcasts and audiobooks on various topics and levels, from news and culture to stories and interviews. Some examples of platforms that offer podcasts and audiobooks are Spotify, Audible, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher.

3 Watch videos and shows

Watching videos and shows in your target language can also help you learn a language, as well as entertain you and keep you motivated. You can watch videos and shows on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, and choose the genres and formats that appeal to you. You can also use subtitles, captions, or transcripts to help you understand the dialogue and learn new words and phrases. Some examples of videos and shows that you can watch are TED Talks, documentaries, movies, and TV series.

4 Join online communities and groups

One of the challenges of learning a language is finding opportunities to practice and interact with other learners and speakers. Technology can help you overcome this challenge by connecting you with online communities and groups that share your interest in learning a language. You can join online communities and groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, Discord, or Meetup, and participate in discussions, chats, forums, and events. You can also find online communities and groups that focus on specific languages, such as r/languagelearning, r/French, or r/Spanish.

5 Use translation and dictionary tools

Sometimes, you may encounter words or sentences that you don't understand or can't express in your target language. Technology can help you solve this problem by providing you with translation and dictionary tools that can help you understand and communicate better. You can use translation and dictionary tools on platforms like Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, Linguee, or WordReference. You can also use translation and dictionary tools that are integrated with other apps and websites, such as Google Chrome, WhatsApp, or Kindle.

6 Try gamification and VR

Finally, technology can help you learn a language by making it more fun and immersive. You can try gamification and VR, which are methods that use elements of games and virtual reality to enhance your learning experience. Gamification and VR can help you learn a language by providing you with feedback, rewards, challenges, and scenarios that simulate real-life situations. Some examples of gamification and VR that you can try are Rosetta Stone, Mondly, or VRChat.