This week I decided to try another new app. Trying to keep my options open and experience all the resources that are available, yeno?
I recently downloaded Lingvano which is very similar to Duolingo but without the intense owl haunting you in your sleep! The app is very similar to the other apps I have tried and talked about in my previous blogs, but so far this one is my favourite. When you first download and open the app it asks you to sign up. Just your name, email, and a password for your account. Unfortunately the app is only free for the first few lessons. However you can use a free trial and power through your learning within 7 days.
Following you are asked to choose your sign language. This app offers ASL (American Sign Language), BSL (British Sign Language) and OGS (Austrian Sign Language), which I thought was super interesting!
Since we primarily use ASL in North America, and this is what I have been learning over the last few months, I stuck with these routes. However I would be interested in learning some signs from these other languages to see if there are commonalities or if they are significantly different.
Once you sign up and choose your sign language you want to learn you can get right into the learning activities. Now what made this app my favourite, is that it uses different tools and methods of teaching the language. They use images, quizzes, videos, and you watch interactions between two people to determine what is happening in the conversation. I enjoy the watching interaction aspect because it feels like a practical form of practice watching a conversation and trying to comprehend what is happening, versus learning only a single sign. Additionally, you can allow the app to access your camera so you can mirror the person teaching the signs.
While the resources I have used over these couple of months to help me learn ASL have been helpful, there are a few cons. For example, the apps that I have tried do not give you an option to “test out” where you are in your learning. While having a refresher the basics is important, and I find the apps teach different things first, it would be a nice addition to have a knowledge quiz when you first start to see where you are on your ASL learning. This isn’t a complete deal breaker but would be my recommendation for the app :). The other con is that it’s only free for a short period of time and the subscription costs 12.99-25.99/month depending on the payment term you choose.
Overall a great app, I am curious if there is another similar option that is more affordable!
