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There are many advantages to learning Catalan. Should you wish to visit the bustling city of Barcelona or gain a deeper appreciation for its history and culture, know that the Catalan language has a lot to share.
While Catalan is not a Spanish dialect, you may find some similarities that will make studying the language not too difficult. But, if you prefer taking full lessons, then getting an app might do the trick!
You can spot a number of these in the market nowadays. One of the most notable ones would be Rosetta Stone, which is known for its highly interactive, practical, and comprehensive approach to language learning. Whether it has Catalan lessons is a topic we’ll get to in a moment.
What is Rosetta Stone?
Rosetta Stone has been in the language education space for a long time and for plenty of good reasons.
Firstly, its Dynamic Immersion method teaches users how to process new languages like native speakers. Rather than having you memorize walls of text, the app instead incorporates real-life dialogues, context clues, and visual cues into each tutorial.
Next, its fully customizable plan allows learners to select lessons from four categories: Basics & Beyond, Travel, Work, and Family. This way, your courses can be suited to your proficiency level, schedule, and personal goals.
Finally, its TruAccent speech recognition feature helps provide instant feedback on your pronunciation. Starting from day one, its advanced technology will train your listening and speaking skills, building your confidence as you progress.
With that, it’s no wonder that Rosetta Stone rose in popularity, given its flexible, practical, and intensive approach to studying languages. But unfortunately for Catalan, a course is yet to be published on their platform.
Fortunately, other Catalan learning apps have been developed in place of this. Below are just a few of the many great alternatives out there.
The best Rosetta Stone alternatives
Catalan might not be on Rosetta Stone, but luckily, it is not short of alternative apps. Starting with these three, you can study the Catalan language at your own pace and enjoy just as many interactive features:
1. Mondly
If you want to study Catalan vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue straight away, then Mondly is the platform for you.
This app contains bite-sized and engaging courses for beginners and up, making this an excellent place to learn Catalan. In fact, it also integrates advanced speech recognition technology when testing your pronunciation skills.
Plus, its unique hands-free mode lets you download and catch up on your audio lessons anytime, anywhere! For more content, subscribe to its premium version.
Key features:
- Has courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students
- Includes a hands-free mode for convenient study
- Uses advanced speech recognition technology and authentic audio recordings
2. Ling
Unlike textbooks that bog you down with memorization, Ling makes learning fun with gamified exercises. Here, you can master vocabulary through matching games or put your grammar skills to the test with interactive puzzles.
Ling’s Catalan course offers a well-rounded approach, ensuring you develop all the essential skills. You’ll learn to read, write, speak, and understand Catalan through a variety of exercises. Bite-sized lessons (that take more or less ten minutes to finish) make it easy to fit learning into your day.
Ling even throws in a unique feature to boost your conversational skills: a chatbot. This interactive AI partner simulates real-life conversations, allowing you to practice speaking Catalan in a fun environment.
Key features:
- Fun, gamified exercises
- Helps boost vocabulary and develop an understanding of grammar
- Lots of listening and speaking practice
3. Glossika
For something more intensive but just as well-rounded, turn to Glossika.
This app focuses on building your vocabulary, improving your grammar, and developing your listening and speaking skills. What’s unique is its method — instead of teaching you individual words or phrases, you learn from thousands of full sentences with native audio.
This means you’re learning within a fuller context and gaining a natural understanding of grammar structures. Sounds neat, right?
Key Features:
- Thousands of full sentences for natural vocabulary and grammar acquisition
- Audio recordings featuring native speakers
- Uses spaced-repetition method for better recall
Other great resources to learn Catalan
As the adage goes, the more, the merrier! To get the full learning experience, try pairing your language app with the resources below. We’ve gathered some of the best Catalan books, websites, and tutoring platforms for you to check out:
italki: Want to practice conversing in Catalan? Need pointers on your pronunciation? Starting at $6 per session, italki helps you find language tutors and arrange one-on-one classes.
Parla.cat: Sponsored by the Catalan government, this neat, self-paced website contains free tutorials and audio recordings for multiple levels. This works best on desktop/PC setups.
Cudoo: With Cudoo’s three-level Catalan courses or its Business Catalan course, you’ll learn how to have conversations with locals as well as understand local customs, customary meals, and cultural practices. These courses are all engaging and self-paced.
Forvo: Practice speaking Catalan words and phrases using Forvo, a free, online pronunciation dictionary.
Clozemaster: Go from intermediate to advanced-level Catalan on Clozemaster, a playful app that’s packed with word games. Here, you can track your stats, take quizzes, and even play with friends!
Complete Catalan: Fun and interactive, the Complete Catalan book has extensive lesson units, exercises, and author insights that are perfect for absolute beginners to start with.
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Catalan: An Essential Grammar: For more tutorials and tips on Catalan grammar, have a look at this textbook. Brief yet comprehensive, this will help learners progress from the beginner level and gain a deeper insight into the language.
Preply: Find more Catalan teachers on Preply, a stellar platform for virtual learning sessions. Special bulk and student discounts are available.
Duolingo: This popular uses gamified courses, playful exercises, and striking visuals to keep you motivated and fast-track your progress. However, do know that as of now, Duolingo’s Catalan course is only being offered in Spanish.
Lyricstraining: Learn Catalan through music on Lyricstraining, an app that tests your vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills through auditory games and exercises. Available for both iOS and Android users.
Conclusion
While waiting for a Rosetta Stone Catalan course to be developed, consider using these alternative apps and resources. With similar features in store (and better features, in some cases), these tools will help you get ahead and achieve your learning goals. Best of luck and let the journey commence!