Language101 Review: An Apalling Waste Of Time And Money
Written byLara Scott- Read time3 mins
- Comments1
- Slow audio to help you understand
- Review of new phrases/vocabulary
- Very expensive for what you're given
- Lack of useful features/language tools
- Abysmally poor design
A language and phrase builder program that lacks quality and isn't suitable for most learners.
The Languages101 program’s goal is to help students speak a target language (9 languages + 2 French varieties) incredibly quickly — almost instantly — with new words.
I was sceptical of this claim, so I looked into the program to find out its perks… of which there weren’t any.
Take a look at this review to find out more.
Features of Languages101
The main feature of Languages101 is that it lets you review phrases that you’re on the cusp of forgetting.
It also features audio recordings to help with this.
The audios are recorded very slowly so you can understand what is being said.
This is probably why this platform is not ideal for advanced students.
The platform provides the meaning of the phrase you’re expected to say, and then the exact translation of the phrase.
In Language101’s own review, they mention that the literal translation doesn’t mean much when in English, so its purpose is for understanding syntax.
Free lesson sample available
You’ll have the option to take a look at a free lesson and see how you go.
This is one of the few positives about Language101.
When you sample the lesson, you’ll be able to judge for yourself whether the quality is up to par and whether the lessons appeal to you.
The premise is learning a language quickly
Learning a language quickly probably appeals to many learners as a concept, which is what Languages101 promises.
After all, who wouldn’t want to be an advanced student instantly?
It works by asking you to say (and pronounce) new vocabulary as fast as you can.
And given that this is aimed at beginners, I was shocked that this approach was used to teach new students who have no grasp of the language (not even the alphabet).
Language learning is a constant journey, and the way Language101 is sold seems to imply that there is an end goal to meet straightaway.
I didn’t find this encouraging at all.
Plenty to improve in terms of quality
Though it claims to be better than Rosetta Stone (it isn’t), many things could be improved — significantly.
Expensive for what it offers
The price is unrealistically high. For the quality of Language101, I thought the price wasn’t justified.
Each course lacks unique material and it’s just not worth what they are asking for.
Insufficient features
The focus is entirely on speaking with Language101.
You will notice on the website that they don’t teach spelling, grammar or translation.
While translation might not be essential, some learners might prefer a grammatical emphasis when learning, while spelling as a skill is quite important — especially for developing writing skills.
In summary, explore other programs if you want to learn your target language.
It is appallingly low quality for a paid language course.
If you’re an advanced student, Language101 is definitely not for you.
It’s clearly stated on the website that the course is specifically for beginners and intermediate students, and there are better quality programs available for a better price.
Have you used Language101 before?
Share your thoughts below.
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