Virtual reality has opened new ways to learn a new language. It’s engaging, interactive, and fun — and that’s called VR language learning.
With these softwares, people can now learn a new language without the fear of embarrassment in a traditional class. In fact, they can engage in conversations with virtual characters, making the learning process more natural than ever.
In this article, we will share about the best VR language learning techniques and platforms. So, if you’re interested, you can try them out and maybe, learn a new language like a master!
Contents
3 Ways Virtual Reality Can Help You Learn a Language
You can learn new languages using virtual reality in 3 different ways — whatever you have fun with! Here are all of them:
1. Immersive Language Learning
Immersive language learning allows users to fully immerse themselves in a simulated environment, such as a city street. In such simulated real-life scenarios, learners can practice their language skills with virtual characters and objects.
This is the most common way of VR language learning.
2. Virtual Language Exchange
Virtual language exchange is another way that you can use VR language learning. This way, learners connect with other native speakers or learners in a virtual environment to practice their speaking and listening skills.
This is a great way to build confidence in a low-pressure environment.
3. VR Language Games
VR language games are a fun and engaging way to learn new languages. These games can be exciting as they range from simple quizzes to more complex VR language learning games that require critical thinking.
The Benefits of Learning New Languages Through Virtual Reality
Virtual reality offers numerous benefits to learners, from interactive lessons to real-life scenarios. Here’s how you can benefit by learning new languages through virtual reality software:
1. Immersive and Interactive
Learning new languages through virtual reality is not only immersive, but also exciting. Imagine this: You are walking down the street in a foreign country, interacting with virtual characters in their native language — all from the comfort of your home.
Thus, the best VR language learning experiences are immersive and interactive. What makes them even better is that you’re learning languages the practical way!
As this way of learning is more engaging than traditional language classes, the progress of mastering your new skill is also quite fast. The learner also feels confident as they practice with virtual characters.
2. Greater Interaction
Learning new languages through VR grants you greater room for interaction with others than in traditional classes. You can interact with virtual characters in a way that allows you to imitate real-life scenarios.
Such a dynamic experience provides a fresh approach to practicing a conversation. As you interact in a virtual environment, your mind picks up new words and non-verbal communication cues. Thus, retaining every cue in the virtual conversation.
Additionally, you can virtually connect with native speakers of your target language — striking a conversation from your home.
3. Less Pressure Than Traditional Classes
The fear of making mistakes and judgment in traditional classes is universal. But, VR brings a significant change to it. Here’s how: In a virtual environment, you’re learning in solitude. It creates a less intimidating space for you to practice and learn new languages.
To further enhance a stress-free learning experience, the built-in AI speech analysis technology plays its role. Learners can expect constructive feedback on vocabulary and speaking abilities without any judgment. And thus, they can keep learning at their own pace.
Furthermore, the exposure to real-life virtual scenarios helps establish confidence and comfort with the new language.
4. Simulates Real-Life Scenarios
Imagine ordering your favorite dish at a lavish Italian restaurant in Rome, or having a sweet chit-chat with a friend from Germany — all without leaving your room.
All of this is possible with simulated virtual scenes that replicate the real world. The best VR language learning softwares can transform the world around learners with realistic situations.
One can interact with the characters in these situations using their target language and prompts. Such a replication of reality allows you to improve your conversation skills and become fluent by understanding the day-to-day expressions used by locals.
Best VR Softwares To Learn New Languages
There are many VR language learning softwares out there, each with its own approach for learners. Here, we are sharing about the top 3 platforms that are leading the industry.
1. Mondly VR
Mondly VR stands out as the best VR language learning platform. It has an interactive approach towards learning. Therefore, users can engage with virtual characters, practice pronunciation, and learn new vocabulary — all in a simulated environment.
The platform has an in-built speech recognition technology, gamified lessons, and visually appealing virtual scenes. Hence, language learning becomes a fun experience.
As of now, Mondly VR offers learners about 30 languages that they’d like to learn. These include Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Thai, Hindi, and more. The best part about the platform is that it transports you into real-life situations, such as talking to a receptionist at a foreign hotel.
2. Noun Town
Noun Town adds its own unique approach to language learning — by focusing specifically on vocabulary acquisition. The platform transports learners into an immersive grayscale island that gets its vibrant colors only when various language learning tasks are completed.
This visual sense of progress adds to the fun and motivation that its users get to experience. Thus, keeping the learners motivated as they reach the advanced lessons.
3. ImmerseMe
ImmerseMe is another VR-based that offers an exceptional VR language learning experience to users. Learners can choose from up to nine languages here! These include German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, English, Indonesian, and Greek.
The unique part about ImmerseMe is that when you’re transported into virtual scenarios, it assists you with innovative instructional techniques. So, users get started in a safe space for their first-time practice.
With ImmerseMe, you can focus on improving your conversation skills using simulated real-world situations. You can practice by yourself, creating a confident foundation with new vocabulary and phrases with fine pronunciation to sound like native speakers.
The Bottom Line
Although VR has countless advantages of its own, the technology isn’t going to replace standard language learning platforms anytime soon. It’s because virtual reality is still new, and not many people have access to it. However, this surely gives us a glimpse of what the future of language learning could look like — which seems to be awesome!
Also read: