How I test and score
I sift through the plethora of language apps, delivering reviews based on deep expertise in language learning and teaching.
My review process starts with an initial walk-through, using the app for at least 15 minutes to capture first impressions and usability.
I then conduct a criteria-based evaluation focusing on key features like spaced repetition, user customization, and the balance between educational content and gamification.
My reviews are thorough, with a scoring system that emphasizes course quality (70%) over user experience (20%) and price (10%).
Importantly, I do not receive payment for these reviews.
Learn more on my review policy and process page.
Summary
Course quality
User experience
Pricing
Pros
- Completely free, no hidden costs.
- Focuses on deep understanding, not memorization.
- Clear and simple interface.
- Downloadable audio files.
Cons
- No interactive exercises or speaking practice.
- Limited to audio-only content.
Best suited for
Beginners or learners seeking a solid understanding of language rules without the pressure of memorization.
At a glance
App name
Language Transfer
Made by
Language Transfer
User base
Sentiment
- Unique Teaching Method: Many users appreciate the app\'s focus on understanding the logic behind languages and deep comprehension instead of rote memorization.
- Accessibility Issues: Users with hearing difficulties or in noisy environments report problems with audio volume inconsistency and lack of transcripts or subtitles.
- Technical Glitches: Several reviews mention issues with downloading lessons for offline use, lagging, and the app freezing or not loading properly.
- Great for Beginners: Positive feedback highlights the app as an excellent starting point for language learners, making complex concepts easier to grasp.
- Student Interaction Feedback: There are mixed feelings about the chosen sample students in the lessons, with some users feeling the students\' abilities do not match their own learning pace.
Concept
Language Transfer provides free audio-based courses that emphasize understanding and thinking in the target language.
Available on
Web, iOS, Android
Levels covered
(A0) Total beginner, (A1) Beginner, (A2) Elementary, (B1) Intermediate
9 languages taught
Arabic, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish
Pricing, free trial, refunds
Pricing
Free trial
Refunds
First-hand review
Walk-through
Language Transfer is a website and app that provides free courses for various languages. It\’s specifically designed to help learners understand and internalize new languages without relying on rote memorization or translation. The courses primarily consist of audio lessons, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer auditory learning.
First Impressions
As I navigated through the Language Transfer website, I found it to be straightforward and user-friendly. The platform\’s mission is clear: provide language education for free, supported by donations from generous users.
Delving into the Courses
Language Transfer’s courses are structured around audio files that guide you through various language concepts. The method emphasizes thinking processes over memorization. The courses are designed to be very natural, mimicking the way humans are inherently built to learn languages—through thinking and comprehension.
Introduction to Italian
To give you a concrete example, I tried out the \”Introduction to Italian\” course. The instructor starts off by explaining the core principles of learning Italian. He emphasizes that the goal is to carry Italian in your mind, not on a piece of paper. You won\’t be burdened with extensive note-taking or memorizing complex grammar structures. This approach helps you become more conscious of your thinking processes and better at language learning in general.
Emphasizing Active Thinking
One of the standout features of Language Transfer is the emphasis on active thinking. The instructor doesn\’t just feed you the answers; instead, he prompts you to think about the language rules and apply them. This method helps reinforce the structural similarities between languages and facilitates a deeper understanding.
Complementing with Practice
While Language Transfer offers a robust structure for understanding the fundamentals of a new language, achieving fluency will require practice—especially speaking practice. The platform serves as a fantastic starting point for language learners, but for comprehensive language development, you will need additional tools to enhance your conversational skills.
Conclusion
Language Transfer offers a unique and effective way to start learning a new language. Its method focuses on deep understanding and active thinking, making it a valuable tool for learners who want to build a strong foundation. The lessons are free and accessible, which is a significant advantage for self-learners. However, remember that true fluency comes with consistent practice, especially in speaking.
Features
Spaced repetition
Does the app offer plenty of repetition to acquire vocab and grammar naturally?
Customization
Can users customize settings, interface, content, etc.?
Focus on learning
Is the interface and content focused on the course content instead of fluff and gamification?
Personalization
Are the materials automatically tailored to the user’s profile?
Sentence accuracy
Are sentences free from typos, grammar errors? Do they sound natural?
Sentence relevance
Are sentences realistic and useful?
Variety and depth
Is there enough variety of materials in terms of topics, formats and levels?
Audio quality
Are audio materials easy to listen to in terms of recording quality and speech rate?
Speaker's quality
Do speakers speak correctly, clearly and naturally?
Speaking practice
Does the app offer plenty of speaking practice?
Ease of use
Is the app easy to set up, use and navigate?
Interface and design
Is the user interface neat and visually appealing?
Performance
Does the app load fast? Is it free from glitches and crashes?
Grammar notes
Do the courses come with grammar notes?
Learning path
Do the courses follow a well defined path?
Speech recognition
Does the app recognize user speech?
User-generated courses
Can users actively generate materials from their interests?
Offline access
Are the courses available offline?
Conclusions
Would I take these courses?
I would use Language Transfer for its effective foundational learning, but I’d supplement it with additional speaking practice to achieve fluency.
How to get the most out of the app
Use the app to grasp language fundamentals, then supplement with speaking practice through tutors, AI tools, or language exchanges.
Alternatives
Think In Italian is better than Language Transfer to master Italian
Think In Italian is the only app that gets your to speak Italian all the time. It comes with hundreds of grammar lessons and readings to listen and repeat, plus an AI tutor to review the courses and practice conversation. See the full review.
FAQs
Is Language Transfer really free?
Yes, the app is completely free with optional donations.
Does Language Transfer cover multiple languages?
Yes, it offers courses in various languages including Italian, Turkish, and German.
Is Language Transfer enough to become fluent?
No, additional speaking practice is necessary for fluency.
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Rave Reviews
★★★★★
Rated 4.9/5 based on 170+ reviews
