2023 recap: Language trends and tools to look back at

Charlotte Guest
Group of coworkers highfiving eachother sat at a table

As we prepare to bid adieu to the year 2023, it provides us with an excellent opportunity to reflect on the current state of language learning and the various trends and features that have become more popular in this field.

Whether you're a seasoned polyglot with years of experience or a beginner just starting on your linguistic journey, it's essential to take some time to ponder and evaluate the latest developments and advancements in language learning at ÃÛÌÒapp and beyond. Let’s have a look.

1. Digital language learning platforms

Digital learning platforms have transformed the way people learn new languages. The flexibility of being able to learn from anywhere, along with interactive lessons and personalized experiences powered by AI, has made these platforms a popular choice for language enthusiasts.

has witnessed significant increases in the number of users thanks to it being the closest thing to actual language immersion, with state-of-the-art speech recognition technology and over 400 hours of content specifically created to improve fluency and learn with real-life speakers rather than robots.

2. Gamification

Gamification has been around for a while but is an increasingly popular trend in language education. Nowadays, language learning platforms and apps have integrated game elements into their programs to make the process of acquiring a new language more enjoyable and rewarding.

Interactive challenges, points and badges serve as motivation for learners to stay committed to the learning process and keep track of their progress. It seems that gamification is here to stay and is being adopted more and more into learning.

3. Implementation of the Global Scale of Languages (GSL)

This year, the evolution of ÃÛÌÒapp's flagship Global Scale of English, the GSL, was introduced, providing unparalleled insights into learners' skills in multiple languages. It has finished the year with an offering of four languages: French, Italian, Spanish and German, helping to personalize even more learners' language journeys.

4. Personalized learning with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In 2023, AI-driven personalization in language learning has reached new heights. Language apps are now using machine learning algorithms to provide tailored lessons based on individual learning styles, strengths and weaknesses. Responsible AI tools have been used to help language teaching (and learning) in so many ways, including lesson planning, idea generation and problem-solving.ÌýThis approach ensures that learners follow a customized learning path that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness.

Looking back, it's evident that the future of language acquisition is technology-driven and constantly evolving. Whether you prefer immersive virtual reality experiences, gamified language learning apps or personalized learning with the help of AI, there's a tool that caters to every learning style.

Stay ahead of the curve and consider embracing some of these innovative approaches to language learning in 2024. Try a new language app, game, tool or even just following and interacting with more people on socials: you might end up surprising yourself. We'll be keeping you up to date on our language learning blogs and socials all through 2024. Wishing you a happy and successful new year, and may you meet all your language goals in 2024.Ìý

ÌýÌýÌý

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • teenage boy studying with headphones on and with a laptop

    Why should I learn English?

    By Steffanie Zazulak

    English is the second most widely spoken language – it is estimated that nearly two billion people worldwide can speak English at a useful level. That means they can hold a conversation with other English-speaking people.

    A report by the attests the importance of the English language to the world, and says thatÌýsecond-language English speakers far outnumber fluent English speakers. It also recognizes how being able to speak English can give individuals a competitive edge over others. If you're asking the question, "Why should I learn English?", read on to find out more...

  • Woman wearing headphones outside, smiling and looking hopeful

    6 easy ways to learn English

    By Steffanie Zazulak

    When you’re learning English, it’s important to keep your motivation up. As with any task, there may be times when it feels a bit more difficult, so switch up your methods and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – you’ll reach the level you want to be at.

    We’ve already provided some unique ways to teach English that you may now have experienced with your teacher. Here, we suggest some easy ways to learn English that you can try any time – at home, at work or on the move. Why not try them today? Surround yourself with English and you’ll see improvements in your language confidence and skills, while having fun at the same time…

    1. English words with friends

    Scrabble is a classic board game in which players use random lettered tiles to create words in a crossword fashion. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen your English vocabulary, and there’s also a Scrabble Junior version for beginners. Playing Scrabble challenges you to really think in English as you try to come up with different words using your set of letters.

    If you’re taking an English class, buy the board game and invite your classmates to play with you. You can also play Scrabble online through websites like Facebook, where it is called Words With Friends.

    2. Add some music

    Not only will your favorite song wake up your mind and put you in a positive mood to learn English, but the lyrics can help you expand your skills. acquire grammar and vocabulary and improve spelling.

    Songs almost always contain a lot of useful vocabulary, phrases and expressions. And since the intended audience is fluent English speakers, the latest tunes include up-to-date language and colloquialisms. The language used in songs is casual and usable, if you pick the right music. Music also has an uncanny ability to stick in our heads, which can help you remember your new English words.

  • a hand holding a remote control

    8 easy tricks for improving your English skills

    By Steffanie Zazulak

    As you work to improve your English skills, it’s always helpful to have some tricks and tips to help you stay motivated. With that in mind, we’ve collated these eight simple tips from fellow English language learners, to help you on your quest…

    1. Set yourself small goals

    Learning English is a long process, and it may take years to progress from one level to the next. That’s why it’s important to set yourself achievable goals. At ÃÛÌÒapp, we work with thousands of English teachers worldwide to define what it means to ‘be at a level’ in English.Ìý

    2. Create a study schedule

    Ensure this schedule works around your daily responsibilities and make sure to keep it simple! Try breaking up your English language learning over the course of an entire day, which may make it feel more manageable.

    3. Practice a little bit every day

    Even if it’s listening to an English podcast during your commute or practicing your favorite words while having breakfast, every little bit of practice helps!

    4. Discover what type of learner you are

    Auditory, visual, or tactile. Use this as a basis for how you spend time studying. For instance, a visual learner may benefit from flashcards (see point 7), while an auditory learner may benefit from watching a television program in English.

    5. Turn on music in English

    Rhythms and rhymes have been found to stimulate the brain and improve learning. Our research found that music can be an invaluable tool when learning English, as it helps with pronunciation, word boundaries and vocabulary.

    6. Watch movies with English dialogue

    Movies are a great source of native conversation and vocabulary. Plus, the visual nature of film allows you to experience nonverbal context too — such as facial expressions and hand gestures — accompanying and contextualizing the film’s dialogue. Above all, watching a movie is a fun and motivational way to develop English language skills.

    7. Learn new vocabulary with flashcards

    While this may be the oldest studying trick in the book, students around the world use flashcards because they work!

    8. Track your progress

    To gain a sense of accomplishment, it’s important to know where you’ve started. We’ve just introduced a new way to measure progress in English. Have a look at it to quickly discover what your areas of strength and weakness are.

    Finally, it’s important to remember that not every learning trick will work for you. So, if you find that chatting with fluent English speakers helps you progress faster but you’re not always able to converse with them face-to-face, spend more of your time communicating online with your English-speaking friends and contacts.