Language learning software is precisely designed to enable users to learn, improve, and/or maintain their knowledge of foreign language skills.

Language learning software is mostly used by organizations and individuals across different industries to improve foreign language skills for job assistance, career development, or personal satisfaction. Whereas individuals can use this software to increase their marketability, employers can also offer it as a benefit to help improve workforce knowledge.

Top 10 Language Learning Software Companies

1. Rosetta Stone
2. Memrise
3. Open English
4. Duolingo
5. Busuu
6. Hello-Hello
7. italki
8. Language Lab
9. Learn a Language
10. Mango Languages

The overall language learning market is growing at a faster pace due to the adoption of online technologies which helped to emerge a new market as an “online language learning market”. The online language market is growing at more than 15% from the last 5 years. The major drivers of rapid growth are due to globalization and the adoption of new technologies that are cost-efficient and easy to use. The increasing globalization has led to the need of learning languages to break the communication barrier across borders. The E-learning market is one more factor responsible for continuous growth and more spending on education. Some other factors like rapid growth of the internet and mobile phone users, hiring by multinational companies from across the globe and more use of Artificial intelligence in e-learning are providing new opportunities for the companies in the online language learning market.

COVID Impact has led the companies to adopt new marketing strategies.

The companies are offering new innovative was to market their products like standard packages are free while the advanced packages are offered at discounted rates. Some development is listed below to understand the offerings by the companies to overcome the COVID impact.

Sanako Corporation has started offering a free subscription to Sanako Connect in March 2020. The Sanako connect helps the students and teachers the flexibility to access the class from anywhere using laptops, tablets, and also mobile.

Rosetta Stone Inc. will offer free unlimited language tutoring to the current customer base for a specific period. The company also offered the users to connect with native speakers for tutoring classes using its interactive environment.

The lockdown in various countries due to COVID led to companies to adopt the policy of work from home for most of the companies to protect their employees and reduce the spread. The various professional across the globe working from home are opting to enhance their skills by learning new languages online and also increase the competitiveness in the global markets. The companies like Busuu and Babbel have seen the revenue increased rapidly and pandemic turned to have a positive impact on these online-based companies.

The MicroQuadrant matrix provides information about Language Learning Software companies. It outlines the findings and analysis of how well each market vendor performs within the predefined MicroQuadrant criteria. The vendor evaluations are based on 2 broad categories: Product Maturity and Company Maturity. Each category carries several criteria, based on which the vendors have been evaluated. The evaluation criteria considered under the Product Maturity comprise breadth and depth of product offering (based on the industries that the vendors cater to and their service offerings), core product features, product innovation, product quality and reliability, and support services. The evaluation criteria considered under the Company Maturity comprise the geographic footprint, sectors catered, industry verticals covered, partner ecosystem, and mergers & acquisitions strategy.

Visionary Leaders offer a robust portfolio of solutions and services to their commercial clients. The products and solutions of these companies are highly accessible and can be personalized as per the requirements of the clients. These companies are often seen to be investing significantly in R&D to introduce innovations in the best language learning software. Additionally, these companies have also undertaken various organic and inorganic strategies to achieve constant and advanced growth in the best language learning software market.

Dynamic Differentiators have an important network of channel partners and resellers to enhance the deployment of their solutions across a multitude of industry verticals. These vendors have been consistently generating positive revenue growth in the language learning Software market and their market position has emerged by their organic and inorganic ventures.

Innovators in language learning software offer innovative solutions and they also have a strong breadth and depth of product offerings. The innovators have been at the forefront in deploying their solutions for niche and custom software requirements of the clients.

The emerging players are specialized in offering highly niche and customized language learning solutions and services to their clients. These companies devise new ways of working to drive business results in the market.

Important Things to Know About Language Learning Software

Best Language learning software has made it much easier to learn and maintain foreign language skills. Language learning app or software is really helpful, and it can also be used to complement other learning methods, such as official instruction.

Best Language learning software includes online courses, one-on-one language tutoring, and language exchanges.

There is no single language learning software that is unique and perfect that is suitable for everyone. One type of software is specialized in one area, such as conversational skills, while another may invest more in reading knowledge and writing. But there is surely software that stands above the rest when it comes to the quality of their content and excellence in their teaching methodology.

As discussed earlier, start by considering your motivations for learning a new language. Are you looking for a basic introduction to the language, or do you want something lengthier and more comprehensive? How much you want to learn will be vastly different liable on whether you want to learn the language just because you are going on vacation, are being transferred for work, or hoping to open business networks with a foreign entity.

Next, consider how you will learn it. Generally, most of them have busy schedules and need to fit the time for practice into small segments throughout the day. Others can plan and schedule several hours on a daily basis to focus completely on one aspect of the language. Some types of software will serve different learners best.

Once you identify your learning requirements, you can then start looking for the actual software. Ever since the major language learning app or software companies have popularized the new method, the language learning software market has grown considerably. One should keep this in mind.

What are the major benefits of Language Learning Software?

1.) Learn Anywhere and Anytime - Many people feel comfortable and love to revise their vocabulary quietly in their bed before sleep using various popular language learning apps. Some people love to read and learn while traveling, also listen to some podcasts and the time flies by! Obviously one can learn a language with a book but learning via a language learning app makes it more interesting and entertaining.

2.) Avoid wasting time – One of the major benefits of a language learning app is that it avoids wasting time. Many times, when we spend too much time such as waiting for an appointment or on the bus, you can get really irritated or even stressed but by using the learning language app it is possible to pass the time and it doesn’t bother your mood as well. One can take this opportunity to review and play a little and spend time learning or improving a foreign language skill.

 3.) Proceed at Your Own Pace, Without Restrictions – With language learning app users can take their course anytime anywhere without any restrictions or limitations. Users can learn and understand their own pace and rhythm comfortably.

4.) Multimedia and Interactivity Make it More Entertaining - Learning via software or an app that includes images, sound, and video can be much more effective and motivating. Additionally, one can also get corrections or feedback immediately. There’s no need to wait for a correction.

5.) Learning is Fun – It is possible to learn while having fun through software or an app. it’s called the serious game, and it may well be fun. Mobile, one can imagine a crossword puzzle or game speed to revise its vocabulary, or even role-playing to get into situations and dialogue.

6.) It is Much More Motivating – As mentioned already, the fact that language learning software is fun that will help keep you motivated, so visualize what the content that is updated regularly, virtual coaching, and statistical progressions will do to your motivation.

Why Use Language Learning Software?

There are numerous reasons to use language-learning solutions in a business dimension, extending from career development opportunities to personal growth. Most of the people use the software to improve their level of knowledge of a foreign language, brush up on current knowledge, or begin from scratch in their attempt to learn languages.

Learning a language provides individuals all sorts of opportunities. For instance, one can establish or conduct business in another country, develop deeper connections with foreigners, and travel more easily. In spite of the variety of translation apps available, face-to-face communication is always significant and going to be a useful tool and likely the best choice for communicating with non-English speakers until natural language processing (NLP) technology improves massively.

There is a major barrier to understand the conversation between people using a translation application. If you don’t actually speak the language, it becomes really tough to build genuine connections with people. Every language has quirks, and it’s tough to pick up on nuanced meanings specific to a language if you’re depending on a translator or a translation application.

Language learning is helpful for people not only because they’re able to speak a new language, but because it develops the mind and the capacity for learning. Professionally speaking, learning to read, write, and speak in another language can open up a great professional opportunity in foreign countries that would else be closed.

Best Language learning software makes it much easier for users to learn a new language by providing a learning structure that adopts continuous learning and development. Learning a language is a tough task; language learning solutions support users to achieve their ultimate goal more easily. There are a wide variety of benefits associated with language learning software.

Self-directed learning - One of the main benefits of the best language learning software is that they are self-directed. The student is completely in control of their own learning experience. This is a major difference from traditional language programs, which require a teacher helming the class and guiding all learning-related activities. Students are not restricted to a particular time slot that may be ill-suited to their learning preferences and can switch on the program to continue learning whenever they’d like. If they want to practice more on some days than others, they can get it.

Cost-effective services - A language learning program is economical than a traditional language learning class, which requires a teacher, classroom, and all the overhead expenses associated with a traditional learning environment. Fewer barriers to entry are mainly important for individual learners, who may not have a sufficient amount of disposable funds that companies do.

Variety of activities – Most of the solutions in the space provide only one type of learning, others focus equally on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All skills are vital to developing an overall understanding of a foreign language, and language learning applications are can meet all the requirements.

Who Uses Language Learning Software?

There is a wide variety of user base for learning software, as there are so many different reasons to learn another language. All discussed, there are three main groups of language learning software users: governments, businesses, and individuals.

1.) Governments – Government institutions use the best language learning software to educate and instruct diplomats and those serving in foreign posts so they can operate efficiently in the given country without the use of a translator. Additionally, military officials need to be given language training to improve their effectiveness on the ground.

2.) Businesses - Businesses operating globally make use of the best language learning software to educate and instruct their employees on the language they will be using in a given country. Businesses may do this on a larger scale to ease their expansion into a particular country or provide training to individual employees who will be traveling and actively conducting business deals on behalf of the company.

3.) Individuals - Individuals use the best language learning software for different reasons. For instance, if someone headed to South America, will likely want to learn at least basic Spanish to comfort their transition to the continent and open up opportunities to connect with native speakers. Individuals may also use the software for personal growth and the sense of personal achievement they get from learning a language.

Language Learning Software Key Features

1.) Cloud-based learning – Most of the language learning apps or software available nowadays is cloud-based and developed for mobile, which means you can learn anytime and anywhere.

2.) Mobile app – As mentioned above, most of the applications are cloud-based, mobile applications enable learners to focus on their studies wherever they happen to be.

3.) Gamification - Language learning can be a boring process, during which learners come across many problems. Gamifying the complete process can keep them busy and involved and thus give the learner incentive to learn constantly by providing badges and virtual rewards for completing modules.

4.) Spaced repetition - Spaced repetition is a teaching methodology and philosophy built into many language learning applications. The idea revolves around presenting vocabulary to students and then supporting that vocabulary at various intervals throughout the length of the course, to set comprehension and preservation in the student’s mind.

5.) Authentic material - Some applications offer to listen to comprehension-based lessons, which are centered around conversations between two native speakers.

6.) Virtual tutor – The latest feature of the language learning software is the virtual tutor. If students are unable to cope up with the material, they can ask a virtual tutor driven by artificial intelligence. The virtual tutor can answer their questions and give them the opportunity to hammer home their understanding of the material.

7.) Speaking exercises – With the beginning of (NLP) natural language processing, language learning applications can understand human speech and translate it to text. This lets the application to judge whether the student has said the required line of text properly. Apps can focus on phrases or full sentences depending on the content of the exact lessons.

8.) Listening exercises – Most of the language learning apps have built-in audio exercises within the program. The learner will listen to an audio extract of phrases spoken by a native speaker and reply to the questions based on the extract.

9.) Progress tracking - Language learning app generally provides progress tracking functionality so that learners can have a precise idea of how much they’ve learned and the units to come.

10.) Gated content - Few language learning software include gated content, which means in order to unlock advanced content, the student must initially complete certain lessons. This ensures that students do not directly jump into later units, which may cause them to get unsatisfied.

11.) Language learning philosophies - Some language learning application is based on specific teaching philosophies. Each philosophy outlines the features the software offers, as well as the structure of the included lessons.

12.) Declarative foundation - A declarative foundation approach includes building up the student’s knowledge of vocabulary and common phrases. There onwards, the lessons focus on using that vocabulary within the grammatical structures of the given language. A wide range of learning activities is then arranged to reinforce those structures, which include audio lessons and language learning games. This technique is utilized by the solution provider Transparent and is generally the method taken by government organizations teaching their officials or employees a foreign language.

13.) Audio-based Software – A completely audio-based structure is supported by the NSA and FBI and includes very precise audio sequences intended to impart the greatest impact in the shortest amount of time. Audio lessons also function as the jumping-off point for other activities intended to support the vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in those lessons.

14.) Dynamic immersion – This particular concept is patented on the name of Rosetta Stone, and is based on association. Learners start by being shown pictures or symbols and are pushed to associate those pictures and symbols with vocabulary words.

How to Select the Best Language Learning Software

Below factors can be considered while selecting the Best Language Learning Software

1.) Cost – The cost of the software was primarily a concern due to the depth of the content. In extensive research and survey, it is seen that some software charged higher as compared to the content offered. When looking at subscription-based software, both the base monthly rates and the rates for their biggest discount need to be considered.

Most language learning software is available as either subscription-based or purchased through a single payment. The former one may be available for monthly, multi-monthly, and yearly plans. The latter is generally offered as a “lifetime subscription.” Moreover, while free language learning software does exist, only a very small number don’t require a subscription down the line.

2.) Educational Model - Each language learning software teaches students and learners how to speak a new language in their own way. But, for the software to be considered truly standalone it is important to include certain essential elements- reading and writing material, grammar explanations, vocabulary exercises, and spoken language practice.

Many experts suggest considering the software that supports the current sociocultural approaches to language, which comprises content related to everyday situations, conversations with locals, and cultural immersion. Also, the importance of audio-visual content, stories, and progression need to be considered while selecting the best language learning software. Additionally, consider software that provides any add-on features such as a combination of reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises.

3.) Customer Experience - One can check for customer experience or reviews on any significant patterns or complaints and/or praise that can be found online.

How is language acquired?

Language learning and language acquisition are occasionally used interchangeably in casual conversation. These two concepts are basically different, however. Language Acquisition is specifically referred to as the subconscious process that each human being certainly experiences during childhood. On the other hand, language learning is done with intent. Adults can learn new languages by means of practice and the instruction of language structure.

As per the linguistic milestones table created by the University of Sheffield's School of English, during their first year of life, children become more sensitive to word order, start jabbering and then uttering their first words. By age five, children have the capacity for about 6,000 words and can produce more complex sentences. Unlike children, adults cannot learn the language as instinctively due to numerous reasons. Biological aspects, such as brain plasticity and physical limitations during childhood, may definitely have an impact on this. But, a recent study by MIT Scientists recommends that the root origin of this may not lie in the biological factors we face as we age, but in the social factors.

The MIT study postulates that adults have the tools and resources to learn as quickly as children do, but that we simply lack time and motivation. For those lacking the latter, a suitable goal is needed to ensure that they continue to be involved by what they are learning. If time is the issue, however, then it all comes down to the practice, that is, to how we learn the language.

Trends Related to Language Learning Software

1.) Increased mobile usage - As people are spending more time on their phones than ever before, language learning application vendors are concentrating more on optimizing their software for mobile use. These solutions are generally compatible with both Android and iOS.

2.) Natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) - As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology becomes more developed and efficient, language learning software is taking benefit and implementing it in more inventive ways. For instance, some solutions leverage machine learning and natural language processing to recognize which sentences to put in a given lesson, based on a user’s past performance and demonstrated weaknesses. This means that the app is constantly enhancing its ability to teach and provide learning material that will legally help you learn.

3.) Personalized learning - Language learning applications, like other areas of the education software space, are providing personalized learning features for users. The personalization depends on artificial intelligence capability, which gathers data from the learner’s activity and performance within the app and provides either recommendations on what to work on or material based on the data. This ensures that each individual learner is getting an enhanced learning experience with the best chance to secure comprehension.

Challenges in Language Learning Software

There are numerous possible issues innate to language learning software. The major potential issue is also a benefit: the fact that language learning solutions are self-directed and self-learning. This needs students to at least have a degree of self-discipline to develop in the course and actually remember the information. In a live learning environment, students must maintain the portico of paying attention to the material.

Lack of live speaking practice - While most language learning apps/software have speaking features, there is no replacement for the corrections issued by a live speaker. Live native speakers also speak differently, with unique inflection, when they speak in a natural rhythm. Syllables go missed, words cut off, and the complete feel of a sentence changes when a native speaker talks.

Lack of listening comprehension practice - Listening comprehension is quite a bit tougher to gain expertise than writing and reading a foreign language. True comprehension is difficult to gain without immersion or at least exposure to live native speakers talking among themselves. Most of the language learning software and applications are designed around learning grammar, reading, and writing. While nearly all applications integrate listening comprehension and speaking to some extent, the technology is not yet at a level that would let it to successfully replicate the speech patterns of a native speaker. Teachers can guide and correct pronunciation and grammar-related errors more efficiently and to a greater extent than an app, at least at the time of this writing.

Software and Services Related to Language Learning Software

There are different types of educational software that can be used in aggregation with the best language learning software to provide a more immersive experience for learners, though it is frequently used as a standalone solution. Students can also use a learning management system (LMS) to track their progress and ensure that they are improving constantly. Language learning software is frequently used as a standalone solution but can be used as a learning complement within a traditional language learning class.

The best way to learn a foreign language

Languages are continuously changing because they exist within cultures, where they serve as a group’s means of communication and expression. As a group of speakers develops, so does their language. Similarly, as our knowledge of language learning and acquisition has enhanced, so have our tools and methods.

The major example of this is Textbooks. Textbooks are still widely used—mostly in classroom settings—and are a major component of many language programs. But their validity is being largely questioned by the language learning community, with some naming them outdated or simply a waste of time. Classroom settings are themselves diminishing in popularity, with sharp declines in enrolment to foreign language programs in American schools and colleges. Rather, language learning today is increasingly becoming married to digital technology by means of online software and mobile applications.

Language learning applications have gained popularity in recent years. This is in part due to the improved accessibility, flexibility, and affordability it provides to users. Learners and users no longer require to go all the way to a classroom to take a one-hour course where they might hardly get a chance to speak out loud in the first place or spend potentially huge amounts of money on a course that may end up disappointing them halfway through. Rather, learners can simply log into their platform of choice and finish off as many lessons as they want on their own time. They can even use software for trial period and demand for their money back if the product’s structure is not to their liking.

This doesn’t mean that the classroom setting doesn’t have its advantages. In fact, there are many cautions to only using software to learn a foreign language—an absence of proper guidance being the major one. Hence, many of these programs are used by people already learning a language and by teachers hoping to strengthen what their students learn in class.

There are, however, other problems at play when it comes to classrooms. For instance, in the case of starters, class size plays an important role when it comes to language learning. A class of five, where each student has a greater amount of time to participate, will be extremely better than one of 25. The teacher’s knowledge, experience, and available teaching resources and tools will also vary widely between classrooms. These factors, along with an absence of flexibility in scheduling, might make classrooms appear obsolete to many modern language learners.

So, then, what is the best way to acquire language and become fluent? While the idea that everyone learns in a different way has been exposed, it’s still tough to state a single “best method” of learning a language. Your best method will eventually depend on how much time you can dedicate to it, and the resources and tools available to you. Irrespective, there are some approaches and techniques that are normally preferred by language learners and experts alike.

Study regularly. Continuous cramming may help you pass a test, but it won’t really help you learn a language. Language learning can be compared to losing weight as one can’t lose weight by working three times as hard a single day of the week rather than exercising on a regular basis. One needs to find a rhythm and a schedule that doesn’t drain you, but that also demands a reasonable amount of effort. Whether that schedule involves studying 30 minutes six days a week or 45 minutes four days a week is up to the learner and their interest.

Communicate live with native speakers. There are several platforms available that enable you to talk with native speakers of the language you are learning. They are called language exchange software applications, as they join people who are trying to learn each other’s language. Speaking with natives is important to becoming conversational in the language you are learning. Only studying will not help you form a natural conversation with another human being if you don’t have immediate access to a native speaker in your area.