10 AI Language Apps to Boost Your Speaking Practice (And Our Pick!)

Hello language learners,

Many find that progressing from understanding a language to speaking it confidently is a significant hurdle. While traditional methods build foundational knowledge, finding consistent, low-pressure opportunities to practice actual conversation can be challenging.

AI-powered language learning applications offer a potential solution. These tools can provide environments for practice, utilize speech recognition, and sometimes offer conversational interactions without the scheduling constraints or potential pressure of speaking with a person initially.

With various options available, how do you choose? Here's a look at 10 applications incorporating AI for language learning, including our own platform, TalkParty. We developed TalkParty to address the specific need for accessible and engaging speaking practice.

Here’s a factual rundown:

1. Duolingo

A widely known app using gamification for language learning. Its "Duolingo Max" subscription incorporates AI for explaining answers and providing role-play exercises.

• Pros:
  • Offers a substantial free version.
  • Uses game mechanics to encourage regular use.
  • Provides lessons in a large number of languages.
  • Incorporating more AI features for subscribers.
• Cons:
  • Lesson structure can become repetitive for some users.
  • Historically less focused on conversational output, though this is evolving.
  • Some example sentences may prioritize grammar points over natural phrasing.

2. Babbel

This app structures lessons around dialogues intended for practical, real-world situations. It utilizes speech recognition technology to evaluate pronunciation.

• Pros:
  • Content focuses on conversational language for common scenarios.
  • Lessons follow a structured path.
  • Includes speech recognition for pronunciation practice.
• Cons:
  • Requires a paid subscription for full access.
  • AI features are primarily for pronunciation checks rather than dynamic conversation.
  • Less emphasis on unscripted speaking practice.

3. TalkParty

TalkParty is designed specifically to provide practice in spoken conversation using AI partners. It aims to make practice engaging through a progression system where users interact with different AI characters, each with unique backstories, simulating real-life interactions. A key feature is its system for identifying mistakes during practice; these are stored, and the platform then generates targeted exercises designed to help users address those specific errors, reinforcing correct usage. This engaging approach has a tangible benefit reported by users:

• Increased Practice Time: Users frequently find themselves practicing significantly longer than planned. It's a common piece of feedback that intended 10-minute sessions organically turn into 15-18 minutes of valuable speaking time, simply because learners get immersed in the conversation because of the engaging storyline.

• Pros:

  • Primary focus is on developing conversational speaking skills through interaction.
  • Utilizes AI designed for back-and-forth dialogue simulation.
  • Incorporates engaging elements like character storylines to encourage practice.
  • Includes a system to detect mistakes, store them, and create specific follow-up exercises targeting those errors.
  • High user engagement often leads to significantly increased practice time (as noted above).
  • Provides a space to practice speaking without direct human judgment.

• Cons:

  • Best suited for users specifically seeking conversational practice, less for initial grammar/vocabulary acquisition from scratch.
  • As a developing platform, new features and languages are added over time.

4. ELSA Speak

ELSA focuses heavily on pronunciation and accent modification, primarily for English learners. It uses AI to analyze speech and provide detailed feedback on specific sounds.

• Pros:
  • Offers detailed, AI-driven feedback on pronunciation elements.
  • Designed to help users identify and correct specific accent-related difficulties.
• Cons:
  • Has a narrow focus on pronunciation (mainly English).
  • Not intended for developing broader conversational skills or grammar.

5. Memrise

Memrise primarily uses spaced repetition and video clips of native speakers to help users learn vocabulary and phrases. AI is used for personalizing learning paths.

• Pros:
  • Effective for vocabulary memorization using spaced repetition.
  • Incorporates videos of native speakers for listening context.
  • Learning path adapts based on user performance.
• Cons:
  • AI features are less central to the core user experience compared to some others.
  • Mainly focused on vocabulary and phrase recognition, less on sentence construction or conversation.

6. Busuu

Busuu offers structured language courses and integrates a social feature where users can exchange feedback with native speakers. AI is used for aspects like lesson personalization and review scheduling.

• Pros:
  • Combines self-study lessons with optional human feedback.
  • Opportunity to interact with native speakers for corrections.
  • Courses are generally well-structured.
• Cons:
  • Full functionality requires a subscription.
  • AI components support the learning structure rather than being the main interaction method.
  • The utility of the community feedback depends on user participation.

7. Mondly

Mondly offers lessons across many languages and includes features like a chatbot for basic dialogue practice and optional VR/AR experiences.

• Pros:
  • Includes VR/AR features for a different learning modality.
  • Provides a chatbot for practicing simple conversational exchanges.
  • Wide selection of languages available.
• Cons:
  • Chatbot interactions may feel limited or follow predictable scripts.
  • VR/AR components may not appeal to all users or require specific hardware.

8. LingoDeer

LingoDeer provides structured courses with an emphasis on grammar explanation and clear audio, particularly noted for East Asian languages. AI helps adapt review schedules.

• Pros:
  • Provides detailed explanations of grammar concepts.
  • Features high-quality audio recordings.
  • Considered strong for building a grammatical foundation, especially in certain languages.
• Cons:
  • Less direct focus on spontaneous conversational practice compared to dialogue-centered apps.
  • The learning pace might feel methodical for users wanting immediate speaking practice.

9. HelloTalk

HelloTalk functions primarily as a language exchange platform connecting users with native speakers via text and voice chat. It integrates AI-powered tools for translation and corrections within these chats.

• Pros:
  • Facilitates practice with native speakers for natural language exposure.
  • Includes AI tools (translation, correction suggestions) to aid communication during exchanges.
• Cons:
  • Relies on finding suitable and active language partners.
  • Practice is not on-demand like dedicated AI tutors; requires coordination with others.
  • Involves navigating social interactions typical of language exchange.

10. Lingvist

Lingvist uses AI to optimize vocabulary acquisition by focusing on high-frequency words and adapting to the learner's speed and retention.

• Pros:
  • Designed for efficient learning of relevant vocabulary.
  • AI adapts card presentation based on individual learning patterns.
  • Provides statistical tracking of learned vocabulary.
• Cons:
  • Primarily targets vocabulary building, not comprehensive grammar or speaking practice.

Choosing the Right Tool

AI offers diverse approaches to language learning. The suitability of an app depends on individual learning goals:

• For gamified learning and broad language choice, Duolingo is a common starting point.
• For detailed pronunciation feedback, ELSA Speak is specialized.
• For structured lessons with practical dialogue examples, Babbel or LingoDeer can be effective.
• For vocabulary acquisition efficiency, Memrise or Lingvist focus on this area.
• For interaction with native speakers aided by tools, HelloTalk or Busuu offer community features.
• For dedicated practice engaging in simulated conversations using AI, especially with features designed to make practice enjoyable through character interaction, identify errors, and provide targeted correction exercises, TalkParty is designed for this purpose.

Ultimately, consistent practice is key. Finding a tool, or combination of tools, that aligns with your objectives and keeps you engaged is crucial for making progress in speaking a new language. Tools that make practice enjoyable, like those with engaging storylines or effective feedback loops, can often lead to more time spent learning.

If your main goal is to get more comfortable and fluent through enjoyable conversation practice, and you value a system that helps you pinpoint and fix your errors, consider exploring TalkParty.

Keep practicing,

The TalkParty Team

TalkParty

Practice Speaking Languages with AI