App Review: Memrise takes your language learning to the next level

I have been learning the German language for a couple of years now. In addition to the study material that is shared in my classroom, I make it a point to devour everything that will help me in improving my language skills. YouTube and German language news websites are my go to areas to keep myself in touch with the language. With any foreign language, you need to constantly practise till you get comfortable with it. I still struggle with grammar and speaking. But I will never shy away from improving on that front. I have tried a lot of apps to help me in this quest. Duolingo is the app that everyone recommends, but personally, I prefer Memrise. Just like Duolingo, Memrise is an app that should only be looked at to enhance the knowledge gained from your actual language course material. These apps should not be used as a primary source to learn a language. If you are headed to a foreign country and would like to learn some handy phrases, then Memrise will definitely work. But if you are looking at appearing for international-level language exams, then it is better to do it the old-fashioned way. This is an app review of Memrise. [caption id=“attachment_353740” align=“aligncenter” width=“619”]  The Profile page and what is on offer along with various languages to learn[/caption] Memrise uses repetition to help you master words and phrases. Add in a gamification element like a leaderboard and it will have you hooked. I can vouch for this, as I had once spend 2.5 hours on this app just to stay on top of the leaderboard. You may get annoyed to see the same word or phrase being asked to you in different formats. But in the long run, it helps for these phrases to stay stuck. It would certainly help if you also write down and practise these words and phrases in a physical book as well. Learning a new language is a fascinating process and with apps such as Memrise, it becomes all the more fun. It is best if you make a profile as your progress will then be saved in case you happen to change your devices. You can use your Facebook or Google credentials as well to login. The Profile page is like a report card, informing you of how many words you have learned, what are the badges you have acquired, which learning level you are on, as well as leadership boards. [caption id=“attachment_353741” align=“aligncenter” width=“415”]  The home page of the app seen on Android (left) and iOS (right)[/caption] The main page of Memrise looks like you are entering outer space, with multiple levels expressed as planets. Each level has a particular theme. One you enter a level, there are certain number of words and phrases which you need to master, before you head on to the next level. You go from one screen to the next as you answer the questions correctly. If you give the wrong answer, then it will just take more steps to clear a level as that word or phrase will be re-taught to you. [caption id=“attachment_353744” align=“aligncenter” width=“619”]  The different ways of learning - selecting the right box, completing a sentence and the progress report which shows your progress in that particular level as well (screenshots from an iPhone)[/caption] Initially, the app explains the new words to you, by having an English translation along with a sentence using that word or phrase and a robotic voice saying that word out loud. This is followed by multiple choice questions, audio quizzes, spellings, sentence building and hearing exercises. Each word or phrase will be presented in a question and answer format, till you master it. On the top right hand corner you will notice a symbol of a hand about to drop a seed - that is the start of the game for that particular word or phrase. Every time you answer any question about that word or phrase correctly, you will see a plant emerging, then a leaf added, then finally, a flower blooming — which signifies the end for that word. Seeing a purple coloured flower beside a word or phrase means that you have mastered it for that session. [caption id=“attachment_353742” align=“aligncenter” width=“619”]  When you open any level you first learn the word, followed by the quiz questions on it. The third screenshot shows listening lesson (screeshots from an Android phone)[/caption] There are close to 10-12 tests in each Level and your progress is indicated by a circle whose circumference keeps getting filled up as you progress. Now mastering a word or phrase is one aspect. And as has been observed in regular learning, if you don’t revise things, chances are that you may not retain much. The revision aspect is showcased in the form of Speed Review, Classic Review. There are more options such as Difficult words, Listening skills and Meet The Natives — which are features behind a paywall at the moment. The Pro fees vary on Android and iOS apps, with the Android app available at Rs 780.19 a year whereas iOS pro version available for Rs 3,700 per year. [caption id=“attachment_353739” align=“aligncenter” width=“619”]  Meet The Natives is a paid feature, but after clearing some levels on the iPhone, you get access to some of these video lessons for free[/caption] In the listening skills part of the tests, there is one section where you see video recordings of locals, part of ‘Meet The Natives’ section which is also behind a paywall, but lets you access some free trials as you progress. You select the correct answer, after hearing the phrase or word said by the natives in the video, from the multiple choice options. This really adds a lot of value to the learning, as you get to understand the local nuances of speaking a language - something that a robotic voice will never get right. This is helpful especially in languages such as French and Chinese, where pronunciations matter a lot. Actually pronunciations matter in all languages, but with say English or German, the way these languages are written, it is easy to understand the pronunciations. With Chinese a same word when said with rising or falling intonations can mean two completely different things. [caption id=“attachment_353743” align=“aligncenter” width=“415”]  The app has a Pro version as well. Android: Rs 780.10 / year and Apple (iOS): Rs 3,700 / year[/caption] So if you are currently learning a language, or have an inclination to learn one, Memrise is an interesting app to try out. You can download Memrise on the  Android and Apple Store.