Technology now allows learners to study languages interactively at home, in the car or on the plane. But how effective are these methods?

Today’s language learner is faced with a dizzying array of methods. Traditional classes are of course offered all over the USA; online platforms such as LiveMocha and Babbel are flourishing; and phone applications mean you can take language learning with you.

A recent article from the Financial Times (available through free registration) provides a nice summary of some of the top language tools, focusing on how they can be used by businesspeople.

A lot of these managers seem to want to do their language learning on business trips: the article includes at least five references to air travel.

But if you’re already on the plane, isn’t it a tad bit too late? In any case, I have definitely noticed the increasing number of language learning methods for sale in airports – proof that language learning hope springs eternal, even just a few minutes before the final boarding call.

One thing is certain: there is no magic solution to learning languages. In the FT article, author David Turner cites Martin Peacock of the British Council: ”’I think ‘more convenient’ is probably a better term than ‘easier’ to describe the current situation [of technology-based language learning]. A lot of companies see themselves as having the magic bullet, but learning a language is as hard as it’s ever been.’”

Indeed, new technology opens exciting doors in the language learning process, but diligence, hard work and motivation remain as necessary as ever.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.