*This article may contain affiliate links. For full information, please see the disclaimer here.
Did you know that Yoruba, spoken by over 50 million people mainly in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, is a tonal language where the same word can have different meanings depending on the pitch? For instance, “oko” can mean husband, stone, or vehicle, all based on how you say it!
Beyond its fascinating linguistic quirks, learning Yoruba opens a door to a vibrant culture rich in proverbs, music like Afrobeat, and influential spiritual traditions found even in places like Brazil and Cuba.
Whether you’re eager to connect with this heritage, or simply want to explore a unique language, you’re in luck. There are now various apps to learn Yoruba that can make the journey engaging and accessible, right from your phone.
Top picks
Using language learning apps is way more convenient than, say, attending a face-to-face class. Still, regardless of the platform, learning languages is a time-consuming commitment. Who has the time to try all the available apps out there?
Lucky for you, you don’t have to. Depending on your goals and needs, you can prioritize these apps:
- For well-rounded gamified lessons, try Ling
- For bite-sized vocabulary boosts, go for uTalk
- For tailor-fit lessons and conversational practice, hire certified Yoruba tutors on italki or Preply
Now, let’s take a closer look at these awesome apps!
Top apps to learn Yoruba
1. Ling
Ling focuses on languages you don’t often see on the big-name apps, and fortunately for you and me, Yoruba is one of them!
This app is designed to get you going quickly with lessons that try to immerse you in the language. Ling’s Yoruba course covers all the important stuff too—speaking, reading, listening, and writing—so you’re not just focusing on one thing.
What’s also neat is that you get to hear real Yoruba being spoken in sample conversations, which is way better than just robotic voices. And if you’re curious about how the language works, the app has grammar bits and even little notes about the culture, giving you a deeper understanding beyond just the words themselves.
Why learn Yoruba on Ling:
- Quick lessons targeting all core language skills
- Game-like review features
- Relevant dialogues for listening practice
Pricing: $14.99/month. Try it free for 7 days or enjoy a big discount with the annual subscription!
Devices: iOS and Android
2. uTalk
With over 150 languages on its roster, uTalk is an aspiring polyglot’s dream, especially if your goal is to pick up as many vocabulary items as possible.
Apart from learning new words and phrases, uTalk lets you listen to native speakers, so you learn how these words should sound. You can even try to copy them and see how your pronunciation stacks up, and even slow down the audio if they’re going a bit too fast for you.
uTalk is packed with everyday words and useful phrases, broken down into topics like food and drink, and reinforced by games. You could spend a good chunk of time on each one, but it’s also cool that you can just jump in for a few minutes here and there if that’s all the time you’ve got.
Why learn Yoruba on uTalk:
- Gamified structure and progress tracking to keep you motivated
- Massive library of practical, everyday words across 60+ topics
- Clear pronunciations by native Yoruba speakers
Pricing: Starts from $12/month but LLFH readers can enjoy a 20% discount here.
Devices: iOS and Android
3. Memrise
Memrise’s Yoruba course is put together by language experts—always a good sign. This app tailors what you learn to things you’re interested in, so it feels a bit more relevant. To help the lessons sink in, you can watch real-life video clips showing people using the exact Yoruba words you’re learning.
One of the more modern features Memrise offers is its GPT-3-powered conversation practice. Despite being powered by smart tech though, it still feels pretty natural, almost like you’re talking to a real person.
To top it off, Memrise creates review plans just for you, using effective memory techniques.
Why learn Yoruba on Memrise:
- Teaches vocabulary through lessons tailored to your interests
- Learn from thousands of authentic video clips featuring native Yoruba speakers
- Unlimited, human-like conversation practice using advanced AI
Pricing: Free with limited content. Memrise Pro starts from $14.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
4. Drops
If you’re looking for a way to dip your toes into Yoruba without feeling overwhelmed, Drops could be a good shout.
Drops promises that you can learn in just five minutes a day with their visual, game-like lessons. It focuses on helping you build your Yoruba vocabulary through these nicely designed, immersive experiences.
One of the cool things about Drops is how it links new Yoruba words with memorable pictures in your mind. Plus, you get to hear the correct pronunciation in clear native-speaker audio. With its game-based elements and tailored lesson suggestions, it’s a fun way to boost your memory and get those new Yoruba words to stick.
Why learn Yoruba on Drops:
- Short, five-minute lessons that are visually appealing and immersive
- Ample vocabulary practice
- Clear audio by native Yoruba speakers
Pricing: Free for five minutes daily. For longer play time, Drops Premium starts from $13.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
5. Preply
If you prefer being coached through lessons but don’t want to leave your house, Preply is your jam. Instead of relying solely on self-guided lessons, it connects you directly with Yoruba teachers.
Preply has a good number of tutors to pick from—52 Yoruba tutors as of writing—and they’re all well-regarded with an average rating of 4.77 stars from a bunch of students. This means you can get personalized, one-on-one lessons with someone who knows the language.
You can sort through the teachers based on their fees, when they’re available, and their ratings. So, you can find someone who fits your budget and schedule. And if for some reason you don’t click with your first tutor, Preply even offers free replacements until you’re completely happy.
Why learn Yoruba on Preply:
- Well-rated certified Yoruba tutors
- Private, tailored lessons
- Lessons that fit your budget and schedule
Pricing: Starts from $5/lesson. Find Preply discounts here.
Devices: iOS and Android
6. italki
italki is another platform that hooks you up with Yoruba teachers for one-on-one, personalized lessons. This means you’ll be learning directly from native speakers who can tailor the experience just for you.
Just like with other similar services, italki lets you sort through the teachers based on how much they charge and when they’re free to teach, so you can find someone who works with your budget and your schedule. You can go with professional tutors who have certifications, or community tutors who might have a more informal approach but still know the language inside and out.
Why learn Yoruba on italki:
- Certified native Yoruba teachers for personalized lessons
- Lessons designed to be tailored to your specific language learning goals
- Filter teachers by price and their available lesson times
Pricing: Starts from $6/session but you book discounted trial lessons.
Devices: iOS and Android
7. Tandem
Although Tandem, like the previous apps, connects you with real Yoruba speakers, it takes a different approach. As a language exchange app, it gets you to practice by actually chatting with people who use the language every day. The cool part is that it’s a two-way street—you help them learn your language while they help you with Yoruba.
Tandem has all sorts of easy-to-use messaging features, whether you prefer to text, have a voice call, or even video chat. It also comes with helpful tools like in-app correction and translation to make things smoother.
You can look for a language partner based on what languages they speak, where they’re from, what their interests are, and more. If you’re looking for apps to learn Yoruba that have a social vibe to it, Tandem is the way to go.
Why learn Yoruba on Tandem:
- Practice Yoruba with native speakers through real conversations
- Intuitive messaging features and in-app correction and translation tools
- Adds a social element to learning
Pricing: Limited features for free. Premium access starts from $13.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
8. Learn Yoruba. Speak Yoruba by Bluebird Languages
Find Yoruba tutors on Bluebird Languages
This app by Bluebird Languages offers a pretty comprehensive approach for all core language skills. It has a massive library of pre-made lessons—over 2,000 of them, which they say is more than five years’ worth!
That said, if you’ve got specific interests, you can create your own personalized course. The app also uses the spaced repetition technique to help you learn faster and remember things for longer just by listening and repeating.
This app focuses on giving you the most useful words first, highlighting 2,000 high-frequency ones that pop up in most everyday conversations. Plus, it covers the top verbs and conjugations, as well as sentence formation. To make sure all of these stick to your memory, there are quizzes—another 2,000 of them—to test what you know and help you practice your listening, reading, and writing.
Why learn Yoruba on Bluebird Languages:
- Choose from 2,000 pre-recorded lessons or create your own personalized course
- Learn 2,000 high-frequency words and the top 100 verbs with conjugations
- Scientifically backed spaced repetition technique for long-term learning
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases
Devices: iOS and Android
FAQ about learning Yoruba
Where is Yoruba spoken?
Yoruba is primarily spoken in West Africa, with the largest concentration of speakers in southwestern and central Nigeria. It’s also widely spoken in Benin and some parts of Togo. Additionally, due to historical migration, smaller communities of Yoruba speakers can be found in countries like CĂ´te d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and even in the diaspora, particularly in Brazil and Cuba.
What is the easiest way to learn Yoruba?
There isn’t one single “easiest” way, as it depends on your learning style. However, starting with interactive apps like Ling or uTalk can make the initial vocabulary and basic phrases fun and engaging. Immersing yourself by listening to Yoruba music or watching movies can also help your ear get used to the sounds and tones naturally. Combining these with consistent, short study sessions can be an effective approach for beginners.
Is Yoruba worth learning?
You bet! Learning Yoruba offers a fascinating glimpse into a major West African culture and its global influence. Spoken by millions, it’s the language behind captivating music, rich oral traditions, and significant spiritual practices found worldwide. Embracing Yoruba connects you to a rich culture and a diverse community. If you’re seeking a rewarding linguistic and cultural journey, Yoruba is definitely worth exploring.
How fast can you learn Yoruba?
How quickly you pick up Yoruba hinges on what you want to achieve and how much time you can dedicate. If your aim is basic conversation, consistent use of well-rounded apps like Ling could get you there reasonably fast. However, for more personalized guidance and quicker progress, connecting with a tutor on italki or Preply can be highly effective. You can also check out books and online courses to learn Yoruba.
Read more: How Long Does It Take to Learn a New Language?
Does Duolingo offer Yoruba?
As of writing, Yoruba isn’t on Duolingo. However, if you enjoy the gamified approach to language learning, there are several gamified alternatives available. Apps like Ling provide well-rounded lessons with interactive exercises, while uTalk focuses on building vocabulary through fun games. Drops also offers beautifully illustrated, bite-sized lessons to introduce you to Yoruba words and phrases in a playful way.
What apps can you use to learn Yoruba?
You’ve got a solid range of apps to learn Yoruba to choose from, from well-rounded ones like Ling and gamified vocab apps like uTalk to tutor platforms like Preply or italki. For an online language exchange experience that connects you with native Yoruba speakers, Tandem is also worth exploring.
Is Yoruba hard to learn for English speakers?
While the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) doesn’t have a specific difficulty ranking for Yoruba, its tonal nature can present a unique challenge for English speakers, as tone significantly alters word meaning. The vocabulary will largely be new, requiring dedicated memorization. However, pronunciation is generally phonetic.
Ultimately, the perceived difficulty varies from learner to learner based on aptitude, learning style, and the resources they use.
How do you say “hello” and “bye” in Yoruba?
To say “hello” in Yoruba, you can use “Ẹ n láşą” (pronounced ehn leh), which is a common and polite greeting. For “bye,” a frequent way to say it is “Ă“ dĂ bọ̀” (pronounced oh dah-boh). You might also hear “áşą káà bọ̀” (eh kah-ah-boh) as a more general greeting, which means “welcome.”