2023 recap: Language trends and tools to look back at

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.

This approach ensures that learners follow a customized learning path that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness. This year, Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp announced an AI conversational partner that provides a realistic learning experience. Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp has made significant progress in this area and continues to improve and develop more technology/AI-based teaching tools.

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

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  • A man sat at a laptop with headphones on

    7 tips for learning English online

    By Gemma Considine

    Learning English online is very different from studying in a physical classroom, and there is not always a teacher looking over your shoulder. And more often than not, you have to motivate yourself and keep yourself on track.

    In this blog, we’ll share seven tips to help you learn English online – including how to set goals, create a study schedule, and stay focused. Let’s explore:

    1. Set SMART goals

    Lots of students wonder how to learn English online. And we know getting started is often the most challenging part. So before you begin studying English online, we recommend setting some SMART goals. These are goals that are:

    • Specific
    • Measurable
    • Achievable
    • Relevant
    • Time-bound

    Let's say you:

    • Have an ultimate goal to get a high score in an English language exam (like ), so you can study abroad.

    You’ll need to plan how to reach this. An excellent way to start is to begin planning your short and medium-term goals. For example:

    • Short-term goal: Learn ten words each day
    • Medium-term goal: Improve practice test scores by 5% over the next month

    2. Make a study schedule

    Creating a well-thought-out schedule will help you to study English online and stay organized. It’ll also mean you dedicate enough time to each language skill – speaking, reading, writing and listening:

    • Pick times that work best for you – You may prefer studying at certain times of the day when you have more energy, or after doing something energizing like working out.
    • Stick to it – Once you’ve set a regular fixed time, stay with it to ensure it becomes a routine habit.
    • Make time – Give yourself as much time as possible to finish each task (especially in case life gets in the way) and some time to relax.

    3. Create a comfortable learning space

    Where you study . For example, sunlight can lead to better learning outcomes. Temperature and noise can also affect the way you learn. If you can, make sure that your learning space is:

    • well-lit
    • temperate
    • quiet (and private if possible!)
    • relaxing
    • organized

    You might also want to decorate your study space, perhaps with an indoor plant – they can !

    Also, before you start, do you have everything at hand? Do you have water? Is your coursebook close by? And is your computer fully charged? Having all your supplies on hand will help you stay focused – and learn English online faster.

    4. Eliminate distractions

    To learn English online, you need to eliminate distractions. Logging off your social media accounts and anything else distracting you until you’re done studying is good practice. If you find yourself logging back in, you might want to use a focus app (like , which can block up to thirty websites).
    If you can, turn off your phone altogether and put it away and out of sight. If you’re tempted to pick it up again, ask yourself why. Sometimes, there’s no good reason, and it’s best to keep studying.

    5. Try the Pomodoro Technique

    The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to break your studying into manageable chunks, which will also help you stay focused.

    The technique:

    • Set a timer for 20 minutes
    • Each time the timer goes off, write a tick on a piece of paper
    • Take a five-minute break
    • Continue to set the timer for 20-minute intervals
    • When you've got four ticks, take a 20-minute break

    This time management system works well because it gives you frequent breaks to look forward to and helps you concentrate. You can use this time to stretch, have a snack, take a walk – or do anything that gives your mind a rest.

    6. Use self-study resources

    There are lots of English learning materials available online – including worksheets, mock tests, games and grammar exercises. There are also various games and quizzes available online.

    7. Find a study partner

    We all know studying online can get lonely! That’s why we recommend you find a study partner. With a partner to work with, you can practice speaking and listening. You’ll have someone to check over your work. But most importantly – you’ll have someone to hold you accountable and help you stay motivated. Perhaps you know a friend or family member who is also studying English, and you can work with them. You can sometimes find local study groups or clubs depending on your location.

    If you're unable to find a local study group or an in-person partner, there are many places to find a study partner online – for example, or dedicated social media groups. You might also want to try out silent Zoom meetings; students and professionals keep each other focused by simply working together on mute.