LingQ

LingQ is an online community where you can learn languages and practice them online. The site was completely rebuilt in 2007 and teaches a number of different languages. Recently they have concentrated on adding social features to the site. The techniques used to teach languages at LingQ are completely different to many other sites or conventional methods of learning languages. It doesn’t use any games or pictures either. The techniques used are based on reading and listening to the language. The way that this works is choosing areas that you are interested in, this makes it possible to learn and stay interested at the same time. LingQ is an interesting system which makes it possible for any authentic content to be used as material to learn from. There are four different membership packages available, the free package is the most popular however there are also basic plus and premium plans. These paid subscriptions feature more tutoring including conversations and corrections. LingQ was initially launched as TheLinguist.com in 2002 which was a system designed to teach English. The site was then rebuilt and launched as the LingQ you know today in 2007. The site was founded by Steve and Mark Kaufmann. The company is based in Vancouver, Canada. Competitors of the site include LiveMocha, Babbel, and Mango Languages. LingQ offers a number of different packages, they offer paid and free subscription plans. This means that you can try the service out and decide whether or not there is any point for you to use it. The application offers a nice way of learning a language, rather than playing games or learning grammar in a traditional way you learn by listening to material that is of particular interest to you. This means that you stand a much better chance of remembering useful information which you will be able to use again in the future. You get to learn about something you are interested in and also learn a new language at the same time; it really is a great way to learn. Once you are logged into your account the design is slightly childish, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. It’s well laid out and also gives you access to videos showing you how to use the system properly. Registering for an account with LingQ is easy and the signup form is fairly basic if slight more in depth than the normal forms. As soon as you have completed the registration process you will automatically be logged into your account. You’re not sent any email so you don’t have to confirm anything. LingQ offers a number of different packages including a limited free version. The free version allows an unlimited number of lessons but only has 300 LingQ’s, it also doesn’t offer personal tutoring. The basic package costs $10 per month and includes a $10 course discount. The premium package costs $79 per month and includes personal tutoring. LingQ is for anyone that wants to learn a language but finds it difficult to concentrate on anything that they are not interested in.