I am a foreign language guy by training, so anytime I see something about language training online I have to check it out.  Well, yesterday I came across a new site called babbel.com. (via Lifehacker).

I set up my free account, and was practicing my German in about 30 seconds.  It looks to teach you basic phrases that would be useful in a variety of different situations.  I haven’t spent a lot of time on the site yet, but it does look promising. 

Pro’s:

  • LARGE selection of situations and vocabulary
  • It is NOT just the normal vocab, but stuff you will actually use… today. :)  I did a section on going out at night and it taught me (or review) the words for flirting, getting a date, inviting someone out.  Actual useful phrases… not for a married dude with 4 kids, but useful to some people.

Con’s:

  • The pronunciation appears to be computer generated.  Mostly it was good, but there were some things that were not pronounced right.  It won’t make you native, but it will work. 
  • There are only about 5 languages available…

Church Application

The church application is for missionaries.  We spend a large amount of time/resources teaching missionaries a mission language.  I wonder if the church is doing/or has thought about using technology to help missionaries. 

I also know that I had about 2 months after I got my call before I entered the MTC when I could have logged in online and learned some missionary phrases… at least understanding what was being said.  That would have been a big help. :)

Other thoughts?