Language-learning while on the road as a digital nomad.
Lingopie Review
Definitely try Lingopie, a unique app which makes language learning fun and easy.
Review:
Lingopie Review: Definitely try this unique and fun language-learning app.
As a traveler and digital nomad, it’s fair to say I’m obsessed with different cultures, and especially in love with the diverse languages of the world. One of the things I always wish is that I was fluent in more languages, or even just conversational. Exploring unique cultures is one of my absolute favorite parts about traveling, and that includes enjoying the beauty of different languages.
As a slow traveler, I love to immerse myself in the culture of the place where I’m staying, and I try my best to pick up some of the native tongue. At the very least, I try to learn some basic words or phrases, but I also like to spend time actually studying the languages on my own.
I have a few language learning apps in my arsenal, which have definitely helped elevate my foreign language skills, and I’m always on the lookout for any app or program that can help me learn languages faster, easier, and in a way that’s fun and enjoyable. A lot of the language-learning apps out there today are dry, slow, and not user-friendly. The more fun I’m having, the more I’m likely to use an app, and feel encouraged to learn with it.
Enter: Lingopie. Lingopie is a fun new bingeable language-learning app, which uses authentic foreign language television shows to help you learn. Lingopie uses a streaming-style interface, with plenty of advanced features which make it a definite winner for learning a language.
When I’m traveling, I try to use language-learning programs every day, like when I’m waiting for the bus, sitting in a cafe, or before I head to bed. Lingopie is a super-fun option, and I’m able to use the mobile version on my smartphone if I’m on the go or out of my hostel or guest house, and I can also use it on my computer when I’m tucked into bed.
Lingopie is also a great option for binge-watching, guilt-free. I know when I go on deep dives of binge-watching, I feel like too much of a couch potato. With Lingopie, I’m actually learning a second language while watching TV, which is basically a dream come true.
Do you also want to learn a new language, while watching TV from your couch, with a cup of tea or favorite snack in hand? Here’s my full review of Lingopie, and everything you need to know.
Interactive binge-watching
Lingopie has plenty of interactive features which make language-learning a breeze while binge-watching. Each video is organized by level, dialect, and comes with interactive captions, flashcards, and exercises, so you’re actively building your vocabulary while you watch.
You can adjust the playback speed of the video, so you can hear the language more clearly, which I love to do to focus on my listening and comprehension. You also have the option to click on each word, and hear the pronunciation of the word, phrase, or sentence, so you know exactly how to say it.
The video player also has an auto-repeat feature, which continuously repeats a section of the video. I learn best when I hear and say something over and over again, so I love this feature.
Lingopie also has an “auto pause” feature, where the video player pauses after each sentence. Plus, all of the words you click through are then added to a “dictionary,” which you can review by show.
Shows by region:
Most language learning apps or programs gloss over the fact that regional dialects can vary greatly, but not Lingopie.
It’s Spanish-speaking programs tell you which country the show’s dialect is from (I’ve been watching shows from Spain, Argentina, and Mexico). This is great because accents, slang and phrases are very different from region to region.
For example, I just learned that while many Spanish-speaking countries say “dinero” for money, Argentina says “plata,” which means “silver.”
Advanced caption options
Captions are pretty standard when watching a foreign language program, but the advanced options on Lingopie make it much easier to learn.
There are several options, including having only the foriegn language up, or having both the foreign language and English displayed. Right now, I prefer to have both languages displayed, to maximize my comprehension, but when I’m looking for an extra challenge, I switch off the English captions. I’ve noticed that I’m actually retaining a lot more vocabulary than I thought.
How much is Lingopie?
How much is Lingopie?
Plans and pricing:
Lingopie has two different plans, both of which are very affordable. First of all, if you’re like me and prefer to try things out before you commit to buying them, you can try Lingopie free for 7 days with their trial. That’s what I did at first, and I was hooked.
After the free trial, Lingopie is a reasonable $9 per month if you pay by the month, or $4.50 per month if you pay annually, which ends up being half off. Lingopie is much cheaper than some other language learning apps out there, especially if you do the annual payment. Even just enjoying the shows at that price is basically a steal, even if you’re not interested in the studying component.
Bonus pricing options
If you’re a student or a teacher, Lingopie has some special offers, which is awesome. If you’re a student or educator, reach out to Lingopie to find out how you can access their bonus pricing options.
Why learn a language on Lingopie?
Why learn a language on Lingopie?
I really appreciate the fact that Lingopie offers diverse learning techniques, such as listening, reading, and absorbing natural conversation. Learning languages with Lingopie is simplified and fun, due to the fact that they have their extensive library of videos that are from authentic sources. Plus, the shows are totally binge-able, and fun to watch.
It appears Lingopie will be adding a ton of languages to its library, and I expect to see Lingopie Russian, Lingopie German, Lingopie Italian, and Lingopie French in the near future, which I’m looking forward to. You can also use Lingopie TV from your smartphone, which is great for when I’m on the go (or admittedly watching right before bed with my phone in my face).
Right now, I’ve been watching La Cacica, which is a Colombian show based on the life of a revolutionary politician and journalist. As a journalist myself, I find the story of Consuelo Araújo Noguera inspirational, as she worked to change the tides in her hometown. I’m also watching Oswaldo, a really popular Brazillian cartoon for both adults and kids, that first aired on Cartoon Network in Brazil. It’s produced by Birdo Studio, one of the biggest animation houses in Brazil.
Final thoughts on Lingopie
Final thoughts on Lingopie
Overall, I definitely think Lingopie is an awesome tool for learning languages. I love the interface, with its extensive features, including the playback speed options, flashcards, and autopause.
The review mode is super helpful for retention, and I love the detail put into the features, such as playing back specific clips, in order to retain the words in context of how they’re used naturally.
If you want to learn Spanish, but in a fun and engaging way, then I definitely say Lingopie is the way to go. It doesn’t focus on complicated grammar lessons which are hard to implement in the real world, but instead gives you a really natural way to learn, with the high-quality local Spanish TV shows and movies It’s basically the closest thing you can get to local immersion from wherever you are.
Now that I’m brushing up on my Spanish, I’m definitely looking forward to my next trip to a Spanish-speaking country. Last time I was in Costa Rica, my Spanish was terribly rusty. But I think next time I go, using my Spanish will be a breeze.