Pricing: Free version or $19.99 per month

Positives

Perfect for speaking practice
Good speech recording features
Tutoring service available
Free version available

Negatives

May not be suitable for absolute beginners

Summary

Speechling's a useful and very unique app for web and mobile that helps students perfect their foreign language pronunciation with a selection of features.

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The Speechling Education Corporation launched Speechling in 2018.

The premise of the platform is to emphasise the importance of speaking a target language. The app aims to make speaking simple, which I think is a great concept.

There are some small faults, though, which are outlined below.

Features of Speechling

Pronunciation tools is the first feature that the Speechling app boasts, but there are also quizzes and flashcards to look forward to when you choose the Speechling app.

You’ve also got the audio recordings at your disposal if you’d like to hone your listening skills, and the audio journal is a nice little addition that helps you monitor every audio you record to keep track.

Get your speaking efforts evaluated by professionals

As an advanced student, what I found ideal when using Speechling was the ability to get feedback on my pronunciation.

Given that pronunciation can be a challenge to master, I was surprised at how the nuances of pronunciation and how it is taught were expertly handled the professionals.

You can get this feedback when you sign up to the unlimited plan, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Flashcards that help you boost your vocabulary

Now, vocabulary isn’t the main premise of this app, but you can access a selection of flashcards on the free version should you need some practice.

It’s done in a style that involves recording simple sentences and getting feedback on your pronunciation. But you’ll notice that these simple sentences can be translated, which will help with vocabulary.

If you’re a complete beginner, you might find these flashcards a little difficult to understand, though.

Quizzes in your target language

The need to review your skills from time to time is important — that’s what the Speechling app features.

I found it handy, though some of the translated phrases in the quiz were not accurate — such as the Spanish word emocionante, which was wrongly translated as ‘emotional’.

Not an ideal app for those starting out

This app is probably best for intermediate and lower advanced level students.

Pronunciation is important, but without a grounding at A1 level first, which typically teaches the alphabet and pronunciation of each individual letter, you’re going to struggle.

That said, this app is a unique, well-developed and well executed pronunciation tool that has other perks too.

Have you used Speechling before?

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