50Languages.com - App Review

"All people should be able to learn any world language for free. Free learning is a human right!"

This is an extract from the developers' home page; they do themselves proud with not only the concept but also the delivery.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App starts with "I want to learn" where you pick from one of the fifty languages on offer, and then displays "I speak" and you again chose from the list of fifty languages, this time your native tongue.

You now immediately have access to a number of options:

Phrase book
The lessons are divided into groups of ten. You will 'only' have access to thirty of the listed hundred (unless you have upgraded). Each of these groups of ten is then subdivided into a further ten topics or situations. In due turn, picking just one of these items leads you to be able to see a word list which includes audio for correct pronunciation. There are also flash cards, tests (multiple choice, word order, bubble game, fill in the blank, as well as a reminder that February 21st is International Mother Language Day).

Vocabulary
This again has a gamut of topics, ranging from feelings to large animals, via abstract terms. Choosing any from the list (again with the restriction depending on upgrade), brings up a further subdivision. These include images (so that your mind makes the link between the picture and the word), word list (similar to images but as a list), reading comprehension (where the word is available and you test yourself if you remembered the correct image), and listening comprehension (here the word is spoken in your native language and you choose from four words in your target language).

Vocabulary game
Here you are shown images for five seconds and one 'disappears'. You are then given three words that describe the missing picture. You choose the (hopefully) correct one. Your score is shown at the top right of the screen. You can select the difficulty level in the settings, so as to set the number of images, neuter of options, and time.

Language and Geo Quiz
Masses is information about flags, countries (including national anthems), languages. This is in your native language but great fun.

Download bilingual audios
This does exactly what it says on the box. You then choose one section at a time and hear a word/expression in your native language, followed by twice in the target language, once by a male voice and once female.
It is a bit of the shame that you cannot simply cycle through the 30/100 lessons so that you can fall asleep to the sounds of a foreign language, although there is a workaround for this (let me know if you need it).

Translate
Just enter a word expression and either allow the App to detect the source language, or choose it yourself. The target language, by default, will be your native language but, again, you can choose whatever is appropriate for your needs.

In addition you can create a study plan by adding words to your flash cards.

This might all sound a little complicated. In fact it is extremely straightforward but very comprehensive.

Cost
There are three levels of purchase. The first one is free and covers a very adequate 30 lessons in 50 languages. The next level, for a very modest one-off fee are a full 100 lessons in any one language. The whole hog is 100 lessons in all 50 languages for only a fraction over three times more than the previous version; I would suggest you go for this one.

Indispensability
If you travel, you will know that people always appreciate that an effort is made to speak their language. This is a very effective and inexpensive way of enabling you to get some basics.

Dependability
I found no problems with the App. I would however suggest that you complete all the downloads you might need before travelling. This has two advantages... you can start practising, and you won't get frustrated with slow (not to say useless) download speeds in some hotels and the like.

Security
The usual caveats apply if you post your scores via Facebook or Twitter.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Great value - in any language!

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get 50Languages.com here and support for the App here.