Scientists, researchers and linguists all pooled their expertise to help make uTalk language self-study courses. You might find these “informal”, game-based approach unusual, but here’s why it works:

Linking a word to an image creates a stronger memory than using words alone – so each word or phrase you hear on the course is represented by a picture. It’s called dual-coding because it uses both sides of the brain: the left which controls language and the right which handles visual information.

Voice recognition technology is good, but it’s still not as good as the human ear. That’s why users are asked to judge for themselves how their pronunciation compares with a native speaker’s as part of two course games.

Repeating new information boosts your memory so words you want to learn pop up in different games and words you struggle with are identified by intelligent software and crop up more often.

The course “Practice” section introduces new words into your short-term memory while the other games, which get progressively more challenging, are aimed at getting them into your long-term memory. The games are designed to be short but hard enough that you are unlikely to get full marks first time – giving you time to stop, refresh and come back to a topic later on. That’s because spaced repetition does more for your memory than cramming.

uTalk courses has made learning fun and that releases a feel-good chemical called dopamine into our bloodstream which boosts motivation and aids recall.

LearnOnline offer a range of these language courses at three different levels. Click on a level and choose from the drop down selection of languages to start learning today.