Foreign Language Learning Portals 

• Free Foreign Language Learning Portal - Duolingo 

Perhaps the most well-known free language learning app available, DuoLingo currently has over 100 million users. The success of DuoLingo is due to its seamless gamification of language learning in a simple, mobile platform. Most of the courses offered by DuoLingo are created by native speakers, which helps to ensure accuracy regarding how the language is spoken today. Additionally, unlike many language apps, DuoLingo does not assume the user is a native English speaker. For each of DuoLingo’s nearly 100 language courses, there is the option to select a course designed for those with a first language other than English. As a result, DuoLingo has a global reach unmatched by the other free language apps.

• Free Foreign Language Learning Portal - Memrise

With over 200 languages available, there’s a good chance MemRise has the next language you want to learn. The free version of the app gives you access to the same number of languages as the Pro version, just with fewer functionalities. Where MemRise truly excels is in its ability to make vocabulary practice fun and engaging.

Rather than flash cards, that rely on recognition of vocabulary without context, MemRise uses memes. This playful approach to increasing vocabulary proficiency serves two purposes. First, it keeps learners engaged and entertained despite the repetition needed for language acquisition. Second, it helps users learn better. The memes often use unique and entertaining associations with the vocabulary being learned. This helps to increase recall accuracy and speed.