Can You Name the 10 Best French Films

Can You Name the 10 Best French Films Do You Know The Names of France's 10 Best Films? ChaptersThe French New WaveThe Post-New Wave EraFrench Movies in the 1990sFrench Movies of the New MillenniumWhat This Decade has to OfferWhat makes a film good? Is it the acting? The action? Maybe the lead character is portrayed by your favourite star, and no matter what s/he plays in, it's bound to be good!Perhaps a good movie is best defined as one that sucks its audience in, holds them in a thrall and releases them, with a great whoosh of emotion, some two hours later.The average movie critic tends to dissect each film s/he reviews by its technical as well as artistic elements.We, the audience, prefer turning our untrained eyes to the silver screen â€" not to rate and judge but absorb the story and, hopefully, identify with the protagonist or the idea s/he espouses, don't we?Having just established the idea that defining  anything as best is a matter of   personal preference, let us advance these ten titles, in the hopes that you agree with our assessment: that they are a perfect expression of French cinema at its best.No need to fret over the rumour that cinema goers in France are turning their backs on French film; the industry is as prolific as ever, turning out some 300 titles each year!We'll discuss some from each era.Anna Karina, of the New Wave generation of stars, bitterly regretted turning down a role in Breathless Source: Wikipedia Credit: Joost Eversevolution of society at that time.A few titles from that era include:BreathlessHiroshima mon AmourVivre sa vieJules et Jim400 BlowsLa Grande VadrouilleYou may discover an expanded list of titles and learn more about how the French Nouvelle Vague â€" New Wave impacted the art of filmmaking.The Post-New Wave EraFrom the late 1960s until the early 1980s, French film makers continued to experiment with cinema verité, incorporating elements of Noir and amour â€" in the sense of romance, to turn out cinematic marvels.The film Diva, released in 1981, was instrumental in the French film industry turning away from the realism that had gripped it for over a decade, and brought about a return to lightheartedness.Directors Luc Besson and Leo Carax came into their own at that time, offering up such treasures as The Big Blue and Lovers on the Bridge.Daniel Auteuil came into prominence at this time for his role in Jean de Florettes, which he reprised in the sequel Manon des Sources.His co stars Yves Montand and Emmanuelle Béart were already quite well-known at that time; it is a testament to Mr. Auteil's acting ability to share equal billing with such luminaries.Incidentally: Mr. Auteuil enjoyed a brief marriage to the eternally beautiful Emmanuelle!Elsewhere during this period, film making in France took slightly different directions.Animated stories were coming into vogue, thanks to The Angel.“The masks erase all human personality in the characters” - film critic Raphael BassanThis pivot, away from stark reality, exaggerated expressions and overt emotion, put the story ahead of the per formers' ability to inject themselves into their character.It also gave the director total, autonomous control to realise his vision, and ultimately became one of the most discussed submissions at Cannes in 1982.NOTE: The Palme D'or winner that year was jointly awarded to Missing and Yol â€" neither one a French language film, but exquisite pictures nonetheless.The Cannes judges have traditionally been very stingy in awarding French films the Golden Palm Source: Wikipedia Credit: Karel LeermansElsewhere in the decade, film makers hastened to not lose the momentum that animated film generated at Cannes with The Angel.Michel Ocelot kept that particular fire stoked with Kirikou and the Sorceress, a full length animated film.Other important movies of the decade include Nikita, and The Fifth Element which, besides launching the career of one Milla Jovovich, maintains the dubious distinction of having polarised film critics.Love it or hate it, it was considered a box office success at the time â€" it earned back nearly three times its production budget!, and is still a cult favourite today.Sadly, Claude Sautet would make his last film in this decade: A Heart in Winter is considered to be the defining film of his career; a genuine masterpiece.We wonder what he could have done with digital cinema technology...French Movies of the New MillenniumThe obvious kickoff for outstanding French films of this new era must be Amelie, starring the irrepressible, fresh-faced Audrey Tautou as its eponymous character.While Hollywood seems to have a formula for their Rom-Com â€" romantic comedy genre, Amelie goes much deeper than the attraction-rejection-inevitable conclusion matrix by exploring the lead character's isolation, fostered on her by her unusual upbringing.This gem of a story, and the darling Audrey who brings it to life is, by some accounts, France's best known film.Eight years later, another star captured the international film-going community by her performance in La V ie en Rose.Marion Cotillard's true to life portrayal of chanteuse Edith Piaf's tragic life and premature death surely must stand at the top of any music aficionado's â€" and film fan's collection of must see movies.Oddly enough, while Cannes is located in one of the most fabled regions of Mediterranean France, on the Riviera, The Film Festival academy had been very stingy in bestowing its highest honour on films originating in her own country.Perhaps that could be a testament to those judges being completely unbiased in seeking the epitome of quality film making.That changed in this era of French film, with eye-opening entries such as Entre les Murs â€" which won the coveted Palme D'or in 2008, and the unforgettable performance of Isabelle Huppert in The Piano Teacher, in 2001.The only French film to rival James Cameron's Titanic, as far as audience size and box office return goes, is the comedy Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis.This farce was unintentionally overlooked on the international stage due to several action thrillers, directed by French visionaries, with all-star casts from several different nations.Some of those titles include:RidersCatwomanAssault on Precinct 13Silent HillMirrorsthe Transporter trilogyDid you know that up to 40% of movies made in France today are headed by first-time directors?Which French movie would you have nominated as best for this decade? Source: Pixabay Credit: SteinchenWhat This Decade has to OfferLooking at French cinema today, we see a unique blending of so-called arthouse films; what Americans would consider Indie, and deliberately commercial products â€" illustrated by the emphasis on action and animation films.Would you consider Untouchable of the former or latter category?This 2011 tragi-comedy release, while not quite a record breaker, was a huge box office draw as well as a critical success, telling the story of a paraplegic and his carer.That doesn't sound very awe-inspiring, does it?When you throw a bit of action in, a b it of drama and a few laughs, you get a blended story that, remarkably, resembles real life.Quite possibly, that is the very aspect of this film that is the draw.What else from this millennium  would be worth watching?That question takes us back to our opening gambit: what constitutes a great film?Do you like to watch Jean Dujardin, or do you enjoy stories by Claire Denis more?Would something like Auberge Espagnole grip you? How about Blue is the Warmest Color?We can find out what the general consensus is, but out of all of these great titles over 60 years of French filmmaking, the table below reflects our selection of best French movies.EraTitleStarringNew WaveHiroshima my LoveEmmanuelle Riva Eiji OkadaNew WaveLa Grande VadrouilleBourvil Louis de FunesNew WaveLes 400 CoupsJean-Pierre Leaud Albert RemyPost New WaveJean de FlorettesYves Montand Gerard Depardieu1990sCyrano de BergeracGerard Depardieu Anne Brochet1990sLa Cite des Enfants PerdusRon Pearlman Judith Vittet2000sLe Fabuleu x Destin d'Amelie PoulainAudrey Tautou Matthieu Kassovitz2000sLa Vie en RoseMarion Cotillard Gerard Depardieu2010sIntouchablesFrançois Cluzet Omar Sy2010sLa Vie d'Adele - Chapitres 12Léa Seydoux Adèle ExarchopoulosIf you like this article, why not check out our post on France's love for cinema?If  you want to find a tutor, searching for French course London  produces the most face to face results on Superprof.

Pardon Me, Your Personal Brand Is Still Showing - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Pardon Me, Your Personal Brand Is Still Showing - Introvert Whisperer Pardon Me, Your Personal Brand Is Still Showing Except maybe your brand, what you offer to others, isn’t clear at all. Maybe you’ve felt like your tongue got stuck in your throat at networking meetings when people asked, “So, what is it that you do?” You never have to be caught in the headlights again. Even better, you can create the kind of image that helps you lock down jobs, makes promotions a snap, and gains the respect of your peers. You’ll do that by taking a short and easy journey, guided gently by the hands of a pro who’s worked with hundreds of people just like you. Inside this workbook, you’ll both learn and write the template for your own personal brand at the same time â€" crafting a brand that’s in alignment with your goals. Discover: How to figure out what your personal brand truly is Why your personal brand is vital to your career path How to communicate and demonstrate your brand at work, on social media and other critical places you want to reinforce that branding How to do damage control when you blunder (which will happen at some point) How to reinvent and change your brand when your goals change Don’t get stuck in dead-end jobs or be overlooked anymore.  When you complete this workbook your own brand will pop out like the “S” on Superman’s chest. You’ll be comfortable telling others what you’re all about.  Best of all, your branding will be aligned with your dreams. If you liked “What Color Is My Parachute” or “No More Monday’s: Fire Yourself-and Other Revolutionary Ways to Discover Your True Calling at Work”, you’ll want to add this book to your list. “Easy to read and a snap to go through and institute.  I can see where anyone would benefit, whether they’re just starting their career or reinventing themselves.  This is a classic I’ll refer to if I ever decide to switch careers again.”- Amazon Reviewer Get your copy of Personal Branding Today! Or the Audiobook Version! Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Where to Study Law

Where to Study Law Where in the World Can You Study Law? ChaptersThe Best Law Schools UKThe Best Law Schools in EuropeThe Best Law Schools in AsiaBest Law Courses in AustraliaThe Best US Law SchoolsLaw studies are timeless: indeed, the earliest international universities, called stadia generale, made law studies a cornerstone of their charter.Not just the law; those institutes could teach medicine and/or theology, and had to include art studies in their curriculum in order to qualify as a stadium generale. Other criteria were that only masters of the discipline in question could teach those courses and schools should welcome international students.From that perspective, the best schools have not varied substantially from medieval times.Today, all over the world, the top schools for learning law all have stellar instructors â€" often alumni who have returned to their alma mater to train the next generation of lawyers. Those schools welcome students from every country and teach a variety of subjects.What if you wish to pursue a dual degree? Many of the schools featured in this article offer an interdisciplinary course of study; anything from Law and Languages to Law and Economics.We now search the globe for the best legal education to be had. How do we come by our specialised knowledge?We know you could refer to QS World University Rankings and other such reports to educate yourself on the best law schools for your purpose. Or you could follow the advice of friends and family or an academic advisor, should you have one to consult.Reputation and word of mouth are powerful advertising media. For instance: everyone in the world has at least heard of Oxford... right?But not everyone knows that the National University of Singapore also has an excellent law programme and its inception predates some of the world’s better-known teaching facilities!That is the true purpose of this exposé: to shine a light on educational opportunities worth considering.Gone are the days where law students must aspire to their own country’s (often more expensive!) law schools; the world is your oyster and you get to pick the pearl: the Faculty of Law that suits you best, no matter where in the world it is!Superprof now presents them, continent by continent, figuratively heaped on a silver platter, for your review and selection.national university league tables.Naturally, you may strive toward your Juris Doctor or LLB as you would at any school of law, but what makes this facility outstanding is its student-driven moot programme.They run both an internal moot court and also make a debate competition of the exercise, inviting every university with an LLB programme in their curriculum to participate.And, speaking of curriculum...In spite of Glasgow’s long tradition â€" or perhaps because of it, you may choose to specialise in areas of law that were unheard of at the time of the school’s founding, in 1451: Environmental Law, for instance, or Corporate Law.The University of Glasgow ranks #2 on our national university le ague tables and #69 on the QS ranking.From this fine institution, we take you to one that is perhaps more obscure â€" and what a pity that is!Durham University was founded in 1832; one of the first universities to open in the UK since Cambridge became officially recognised, some 600 years earlier.What makes Durham so remarkable is its embrace of every international student, from anywhere in the world: from the annual International Welcome party to the week-long initiation event, law students from other lands are made to feel most welcome.How does that help the native law student?Let’s say you intended to go abroad to study: wouldn’t it be helpful to immerse yourself into a campus of varied cultures?Besides, your undergraduate degree could cost substantially less earned at Durham than at, say, the London School of Economics!Durham University ranks 7th on the national league tables and 74th on the QS world list.The Best Law Schools in EuropeHere, we arrive at an amusing yet reveal ing statistic.Setting a filter on the QS ranking site for European laws schools, eight of the top ten listed schools are in the UK!Fortunately, we have several other websites to consult, such as the Master of Laws ranking, which puts Leiden University â€" the oldest in the Netherlands, at the top of their list.There, you may earn your LLB degree in:European LawPublic LawInternational LawConstitutional LawCriminal JusticeBusiness LawTax LawInternational Human Rights Lawand many others...Find city law tutors now.If your aim was to further your legal studies in an international setting, you could hardly do better: Leiden’s student body comprises mostly of international students!On the other hand, if Intellectual Property Law or Criminal Law is your chosen field, you may fare better at Humboldt University in Berlin, otherwise known as the Mother of the Modern University.What do you know of the Humboldtian Model?Humboldt comes in at #6 on the European rankings list and #121 on the QS l ist.See how crucial it is for the prospective student to shop around a bit; get a fuller picture of the opportunities available to earn a degree in law?Many postgraduate law school students worry about the language barrier: if they study overseas, won’t they have to speak that country’s native language?Not necessarily, we’re proud to report. Humboldt’s programmes are taught in English, as are these next featured degree programs.Eight of Europe's top ten law schools are in England! Source: Pixabay Credir: Andras BartaIn either case, the courses are held in English and, especially if you go to Bangalore for your classes, you will be a part of a small but exclusive club of attendees at India’s premier law university.On the other hand, if China has always called to you, you might investigate Xiamen University (#14 on LLM Review; #476 on QS)Their law courses require a three-year commitment and cover Taxation, Civil and Commercial law.The entire course is conducted in English... but why not study Mandarin while you’re there?Read about the best law schools in Asia.Should you select Australia for your law studies, you may review cases at the stunning at La Trobe library Source: Pixabay Credit: AndrewBest Law Courses in AustraliaWhether you’re after your JD degree or going all the way to PhD, the consensus is that the Australian National University is the place to do it â€" but it doesn’t hurt to take a look at the University of New South Wales, while we’re at it.In fact, these two geographical neighbours are locked in friendly competition, tossing the best ranking back and forth at each other.One main difference between the two is that NSW requires anyone applying to sit an entrance exam designed to measure your potential as a law scholar.Once admitted to their law faculty, you may choose their combined law curriculum, in which you would simultaneously work toward your Bachelor of Laws and a bachelor in whichever discipline that interests you.Or that might put you further on your career path...Finally, of all the great schools to earn your law degree in Australia, consider the University of New England: every year, it awards millions of dollars in scholarships, and more than that in bursaries to research!The Best US Law SchoolsHarvard, Yale, Stanford and Princeton: are there any better names to bandy about when it comes to law degrees?Of course, there are Oxford and Cambridge!Still, these four American universities lead the legal training pack; sometimes unfairly so.Compare the cost of one year at Harvard - $63,800 just for tuition; not including books or living expenses, with one year’s tuition at the University of Chicago: $48,000 â€" again, no other fees or expenses included.For that reason, we acknowledge the Ivy League campuses as those with the superior study programmes but turn our focus on one that does not require you to mortgage your entire future.Look up for law tutors London now.The University of Michigan Law Scho ol is one of the best-regarded in the United States and consistently ranks within the top 20 schools in the country. (It currently stands at #20 on the QS ranking).What makes this programme outstanding is the diversity of their law clinic and how much pro bono work they do, and the publication of their law journal.And, best of all, your overall cost for a 4-year degree is about half the cost of an undergraduate degree at Harvard!Lots of factors drive educational choices; unfortunately, one of them is the desire fora degree from a renown institute of higher learning.But, if we could overlook that criterion in favour of what is all around the best for our own situation...You may just find that your best law course can be found in a place you might never have thought to apply to.Remember: the world is your oyster; so grab the pearl you really want!

No motivation to change - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / No motivation to change - Introvert Whisperer No motivation to change? When it comes to our health and fitness or for that matter anything, making a change can be a challenge.   I’m here to give you a pearl of wisdom about getting up off the couch to get you moving.   The pearl of wisdom is this: You need one part commitment, one part plan and one part a system.   The three parts are equal to MOTIVATION.   We all want it.   Now you can have it whenever you want.   Here is how the three parts work: Commitment â€" First you need to check in with yourself and really work on what you are committed to.   I hear people talk at a high level about “taking care of their health” for the sake of their family.   Let me put it to you this way for a real eye opener:   if you knew that in 20 years you would be losing body parts, replacing body parts or suffering from disease, would you change your lifestyle to avoid it?   A bit more jolting isn’t it?   Sorry to be so blunt, but most people don’t just keel over and die, they die from a thousand small cuts (to coin a phrase).   You will pay the price sooner or later.   So, what are you really committed to? Do you want to remain vibrant and participate in life?   Do you want to look your best?   Do you want to avoid being a burden on others due to your health? Have a plan â€" You can’t just talk about doing something without taking it down to a plan of action and goals.   You want to be specific and have time boundaries.   If you want to weight X, when do you want to do that by?   If you want to be stronger and have more endurance for activities, then what are those activities and how will you know you have “arrived”?   If you currently have some health issues, check in with your doctor and identify some goals and actions to achieve them.   Also, when you have achieved those goals and plans, time for a new plan.     There is an adage: Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Have a system â€" As a society, we are all cowboys.   We think we have to do everything on our own or we’re wimps.   I can tell you right now that only 20% of those Cowboys are capable of making any kind of change without help or support.   When I talk about a system, I’m talking about a system of support and accountability.   Most of us NEED to have a support system to help us with executing our plan.   You can hire a trainer or coach.   You can engage a series of friends or relatives or even those from the social networking sites.   You need people to brainstorm solutions to issues that arise.   You need people to hold you accountable to yourself and your action plan.   You need someone to celebrate your successes.   Your system needs to be defined in your plan to ensure the plan is given life.   Don’t be bashful about asking for help, we all love to think we can help each other. Motivation is not a magical thing that happens to just the lucky few.   You can develop the motivation to do anything you chose.   Go ahead, try it and see how the world of opportunities opens up for you! Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective. But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will? If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

How to Choose a Law School Deciding Where to Attend

How to Choose a Law School Deciding Where to Attend LSAT Law School Blog If you’ve received offers of admission from multiple law schools, congratulations! While the more difficult part of the application process is out of the way, another big decision awaits you. Deciding where you end up going to law school could dictate the course of your career. Do you prefer getting your JD at a campus where the weather is warm year-round? Or do your priorities lie towards ensuring that your classrooms are divided into small sections for discussion? As you go over your acceptances and pick your favorites, consider the following factors when deciding how to choose a law school that is right for you. Academic Specialties When thinking about how to choose a law school, you should familiarize yourself with the variety of legal specialties offered at each program. Knowing your specific interest in law and what career path you want to take after graduating is one of the most strategic ways to narrow down your options, as not all law schools offer the same areas of study. For example, if you want to pursue a career in immigration law and one of your acceptances is from Yale, you need to research whether Yale offers an immigration law track in the first place. If you choose one program and later realize that you’re unable to pursue your goals at that institution, you’ll regret your decision! Location Your answer to how to choose a law school should also rely on where the law schools are located. You might decide you’re tired of northeast winters and be excited about institutions on the west coast, such as UCLA or USC. Or, you may want to be near a city like New York, which is home to many international organizations. You should also look into in-state benefits and saving on tuition while staying close to home. Regardless, think about the pros and cons of the location for each law school on your list, as you’ll be spending the next three years in that particular area. Now that you have your options, it’s time to critically think about where you’d truly be happy on a day-to-day basis. Class Size As you explore the question of how to choose a law school, carefully consider what you want to get out of your classroom experience once you start attending your program. Do you learn best in a large classroom lecture-style setting? Or do you prefer smaller classrooms, which offer more opportunities for participation and getting to know your classmates? At many top law schools such as Harvard and Yale, classes are broken down into smaller sections. At others, seminars can go above 100 students per session. As you look at your final selection of JD programs, reflect on what is the best learning environment for you. Cost Law school is a big investment. When you’re a full-time student, it’s difficult to fit in a time-consuming job, so you won’t necessarily be earning a lot of money as you attend law school. When you think about how to choose a law school, keep the amount you would have to pay for tuition in mind, and take into account other factors like housing and utility costs. If you’ve received scholarships from any of the programs, consider how much they would offset other expenses. Hopefully, you’re able to narrow down your choices to schools that still sound exciting but would be more cost-effective than others that have accepted you. Alumni Profiles As you finalize your list of institutions to those that offer the ideal areas of study or are situated in a city that you’ve always wanted to live in, take a look at the data for graduates at different programs that have caught your eye. What are alums up to? Law schools publicize data for different industries alumni are pursuing - take advantage of these statistics to figure out whether graduates have found success in ways that appeal to you. For example, you might want to research the percentage of graduates who have judicial clerkships or have passed the bar. If an alum is involved in your ideal industry, being part of the same program allows for networking. Your choice of law school will continue to impact you - the success of past students is definitely something to note when making the final call! Summary On your journey to uncovering how to choose a law school, do your due diligence and go through websites, attend webinars, visit campuses, and talk to current students. As you’ll be making a big step in your career, this isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Carefully consider the factors we’ve outlined to make sure you get the most out of your legal education. You’ve got this! Author: Padya Paramita, InGenius Prep

Implementing Differentiated Instruction Into Your Lesson Plan

Implementing Differentiated Instruction Into Your Lesson Plan Implementing Differentiated Instruction Into Your Lesson Plan In order to truly implement the philosophy of differentiated instruction, it is important to get a grasp on the theory and to understand why some teachers and tutors deem it necessary.Differentiated instruction bases your lessons around the very idea that each student is different and as such, they retain and learn information in different ways.Rather than have each lesson exactly the same, which can cause some children to fall further and further behind, differentiated instruction works to meet each of them on some level of their own learning abilities.Many tutors in math, English, and other subjects use differentiated instruction in their teaching process. Whether you're a tutor, teacher, or parent, using various aspects from this method can help you teach a variety of different students. Pre-Assessment and Assessment As said, differentiated instruction puts a focus on the differences in abilities and learning styles of your students.This can sometimes be a little more taxing on the teacher when it comes to evaluating student progress and gearing each lesson to a students sensibilities.For pre-assessment, youre tasked, as an instructor, to see the prior knowledge that your students are going into a lesson with. This can help you decide where to begin and where to focus most on.During the assessment process, you will be able to monitor your students progress through each lesson through a variety of means, whether they be quizzes, projects, group activities, or reading assignments. Content in a Differentiated Instruction Class The key aspect of differentiated instruction is how it affects what kind of content you teach in class. Similar to balanced literacy, another teaching theory, differentiated instruction looks to vary the types of mediums that relay information to your students.For example, while your standard classroom may have the students learn directly from a textbook, differentiated instruction may have your students read passages from a novel, poems, or simply watch a relevant movie or film strip.The idea is that effective teaching stimulates a variety of senses and the children will have an easier time absorbing things if given a variety of applications. Product in a Differentiated Instruction Class When it comes to differentiated instruction, the product is where your students can truly express what they learn in a variety of interesting ways. Rather than a simple exam or report to show what theyve learned, students are given the opportunity to express themselves in clever ways.For example, they may choose to write songs on the subject that they just learned or create their own magazine with a variety of articles on the subject at hand. In this way, differentiated instruction allows the students to showcase their knowledge in a way that appeals to them. This is a bit more useful than a simple exam, as it makes the students go a step further and apply their knowledge into a useful and everyday application.

Sweeten Your Study Routine with 7 Best Apps for Learning a Language

Sweeten Your Study Routine with 7 Best Apps for Learning a Language 7 Best Apps for Learning a Language Let’s be honest here. I mean, you’re among friends.Do you ever leave home without your phone?Never? Me neither.What about other electronic devices, like your tablet or laptop? Never, right?It’s a fact of life:  Technology goes where we go.That means that learning travels  too, which is great news for those of us who love language learning!If you’re anything like me, you have some sweet apps on your phone and other devices. Apps are essential for making our electronics perform to their fullest potential!For example, language learning apps bring foreign languages right to our fingertips. A tap, a swipe, and we’ve got language learning on the go.Apps are entertaining, interactive and effective for best utilizing our downtimeâ€"which, for most of us, is at a premium. That’s why having a language app handy is so awesomeâ€"it has the potential to fill those wasted moments with active learning!Add an appâ€"or a fewâ€"to power up any language program, whether youre a beginner, lo oking for new intermediate lessons or a language pro.Apps teach as well as entertain. There are apps that have game-like features that pretty much make you forget you’re even learning anythingâ€"it’s just pure fun!If you’ve already considered adding language learning apps to your program, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number available. Honestly, there are tons to choose from.You’re probably wondering how to find the best app for your program, right? And I’m sure you don’t want to sort through all of them to choose one that will fit your needs, do you?No worries! We’ve got you covered!We’ve done some thorough investigating and have some super language app options for you to consider. Let’s check them out! What to Look For in Language AppsWhen choosing a language app, there are some key features to look for:Versatile  flashcards: The best apps will feature some sort of flashcards, but these range in usefulness. The most helpful flashcards are the most versa tile,  with photos and translations  or explanations so you can see new vocabulary used in context.A good dictionary: Every language learning app needs a great dictionary to go with it. Apps with built-in dictionaries save you time by allowing you to look up words quickly without having to stop your lesson.Well-rounded lessons:  Be aware that some apps focus on one specific language skill (speaking, reading, writing or listening). If youre looking for a well-rounded app, then it should include ways to practice each of these four  skills.A single app may not offer all of these key features, but if you know your learning style and what you want to get out of each lesson, you can make an informed decision and choose an app that youll actually use.And that’s what we’re looking forâ€"an app that will become your language-learning best friend!How to Maximize Learning with Language AppsWhichever app you choose, its important to know how to use it. Here are some tips:Schedule time with it.  I set the alarm on my tablet so I’m reminded to work with a language app on a daily basis.Track your progress. Most apps have a feature that does this for you, but even if you choose an app that doesn’t track your work it’s a snap to make a quick note of where you are on your language journey.Use the app whenever possible. Apps provide on-the-fly assistanceâ€"and the translation features work anywhereâ€"so youre never “stuck” without access to language help. Plus, frequent use of the app is the only way to really get the language lessons to stick. As long as you’ve got an awesome app at hand, youre ready for anything!Now that you know what to look for and how to best use your apps, here are seven awesome options that make learning a language easy and fun!7 Best Apps for Learning a LanguageFluentUiOS / AndroidThe FluentU app brings language learning to a whole new level.Spanish, Japanese, English, Russian, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Korean and Italian come to life through music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks. Essentially, FluentU takes real-world videos and turns them into language learning experiences.Learning with completely authentic content means pronunciation, lingo, music, cultural insights and so much more all become relevant.FluentU isnt just about watching videosâ€"its about learning and practicing the language you hear. Its entertaining as well as informative.FluentU features interactive subtitles, flashcards,  quizzes and vocabulary lists to help you utilize what you hear in the videos and audio files.Plus, its easy to track your progress  with built-in progress bars that show how familiar you are with the content in each video!You can also work offline  with some of the apps features by downloading audio content, video transcripts and video quizzes.  This  is super beneficial to anyone who travels to places where there isn’t reliable internet access.50 Languages iOS / Android50 Languages is another app tha t has options for  working offlineâ€"but that’s not its only draw!This app uses native speakers to offer audio as well as text lessons on an array of subjects.  You can download the audio to be able to listen to it anywhere.The app is suitable for absolute beginners, as it even teaches various alphabet pronunciations and provides a basic, core vocabulary. It also covers using language in various practical situations, like going to the doctor, shopping, reserving a hotel room, and more.It’s recommended that users tackle a lesson a day. You can also easily review past lessons to continue to practice what youve learned.With 100 lessons, this app allows learners to make steady progress toward conversational success.HelloTalkiOS /  AndroidHelloTalk is a fun app that brings language learners together with native speakers! It’s a great way to learn about another culture, hone your pronunciation skills or power up your writing abilities.Connect with other learners and talk or text to advance your language skills. Theres no set “program” with this app; it’s a global communication connection that encourages users to learn through sharing.There are built-in pronunciation aids to help each conversation run smoothly and ensure that you and your language partner understand one another.Plus, you can use the Moments feature to post language or cultural questions and update other users as to your progress.If you want to really test your skills, you can try joining a group chat and talking with multiple native speakers at once.Translation, grammar correction, text-to-voice, as well as voice recognition, make this app very simple to use!italkiiOS / AndroidThis app allows language learners to choose a native-speaking teacher in a target language and then schedule one-on-one lessons. It’s like having a personal tutor right in the palm of your hand!There are over 100 languages available,  which is amazing. If you’re traveling to an exotic location, chances are there ’s a tutor available who can help you develop some conversational skills before you head to the airport.Using the app is simple. Tutors tailor lessons to individual students, so once you’ve indicated your preferences, including personal goals, interests, skill level and time commitment, a learning programâ€"designed specifically for you!â€"is what youll work with.Additionally, theres a community of learners who engage in discussions and share language resources. Being part of a global collective via an app? Very helpful, indeed!ClozemasteriOS / AndroidClozemaster brings gaming to language learning. Make no mistake, this app teaches but its so much fun to use that you just might forget you’re actually working!This app isn’t suitable for absolute beginners to use because it  assumes learners have at least some familiarity with the target language.Essentially, learners are presented with random, fill-in-the-blank sentences. It challenges the mind to think of the proper word, so it reinforces reading and vocabulary skills.Also, this is an amazing resource for building a larger vocabulary. Don’t know a word? No worries! When it’s supplied, you’ll have something super to add to your vocabulary list!Tracking progress adds to the gaming aspect of this app. Anyone who wants something a bit outside the box will enjoy using this programâ€"no lessons or drills, just learning fun!24/7 TutoriOS24/7 Tutor is a free sampler app that showcases just a few languages. Its comprehensive enough to teach absolute beginners basic vocabulary and core language skills. Its a great way to test drive a language before fully committing to a learning program.Vocabulary, basic phrases, simple writing exercises and quizzes to check progress are all usefulâ€"as well as preparatory for more intensive learning. There are also puzzles and fill-in-the-blank challenges that make working with this app fun.One of the app’s strongest features is that it utilizes native speakers for its audio sections. Using native speakers allows learners to hear authentic pronunciation and model theirs after it.The 24/7 Tutor app is a sampling of what this developer offers. Full program 24/7 apps are available for many individual languages, so for more in-depth content learners can grab the app for their target language!RypeRype offers learners personalized, one-on-one lessons with native-speaking teachers.Once you sign up for their program, the actual lessons take place using Skype, which is available for both iOS and Android.The site contends that learners will begin speaking in the target language from the very first lesson, a great feature for anyone who wants to pick up language skills quickly!After reviewing goals, skill level and other aspects of language learning, teachers provide coursework geared toward individual learners.This is based primarily on the concept of real-life immersion being the most efficient method to learn a language. Rype brings immersive learning vi a native-speaking tutors through their customized learning plans and coursework that reflects immersive methodology.This is the first Rype app. A second, Rype Go, is in the works and will offer authentic content in the form of curated videos, in addition to personalized tutoring.Appsâ€"and the devices we won’t leave home without!â€"are beneficial to language learners on many levels.Traveling? Have spare time to fill? Wondering about a translation or have a nagging grammar question? Simply feel the urge to chat in your target language with a native-speaking friend?Apps do all of that and more! They’re always at hand so you never lose valuable language learning time. Add an app to your language program and watch your skills level up!

The 9 Best Android Apps to Use for Stellar Language Learning

The 9 Best Android Apps to Use for Stellar Language Learning The 9 Best Android Apps to Use for Stellar Language Learning The world is being invaded.And our invaders numbers grow day by day.But no little green men are involved, and we dont need to recruit Will Smith to save us.Thats because were being invaded by Android language learning apps, which any language learner would agree is one of the best invasions possible.Thats right. If iPhone language apps  arent your thing, you still have a ton of great Android options.From  innovative language learning apps  to  game apps  to  flashcard apps, Android users have access to most of the  best language apps on the market!And you might not have even noticed what the best Android language learning apps are since they arent necessarily connected to big, recognizable names.Its time to pay attention to some powerful apps that may have been flying under your radar.With the Android apps below, youll be able to go above and beyond the usual language app features like multiple choice quizzes and picturesâ€"and learn through stories, podcasts, videos, social networks and more.But first, lets define what best means for you. How to Pick the Right Android Learning App for YouConsider your proficiency level to ensure the app you choose will cover that level.  Some Android apps focus on just one level, while other apps are intended for any level of language learner. Selecting an app that meets your proficiency level will help ensure that app is useful and not too far above or below your abilities.Think about what you want to get out of the app.  Each app has a different focus and can offer you different things. For instance, some apps focus on listening practice, some focus on vocabulary practice and others focus on reading practice. Deciding what you want to get out of the app ahead of time will help ensure the Android app you download meets your needs.Pay careful attention to the features and reviews. New apps come out frequently, and not all of them are high quality. While some app designers use science and research to produce the most effectiv e apps possible, other designers crank out as many apps as possible in hopes of making a quick buck. Paying careful attention to any apps reviews and features will help ensure that the app you download is the app you want.The 9 Best Android Apps to Use for Stellar Language LearningFluentUFluentUs  Android app  provides you with plenty of learning power you can take with you on the go. Do you ever wish learning a language could be as easy as watching entertaining videos? With FluentU, it can be.FluentU offers a fun, flexible approach to language learning where you pick your pace and what you learn. As a starting point to teach you a language, FluentU uses  authentic, real-world foreign language videosâ€"like news, movie trailers, music videos and more.  But dont worry, youre not thrown in unprepared! Each video is captioned and the captions are annotated, providing you with easy access to any words definition, example sentences and associated images. You can even click any word to se e how its used in other videos.Plus, FluentU also offers a unique learn mode that transforms videos, pictures and example sentences into exercises and flashcards for an engaging and interactive learning experience.Since FluentU uses a special algorithm, it adjusts to any learners level and teaches them based on what theyve already learned, so its appropriate for any level. It also puts the power to customize in your hands, as youre able to import your own word lists and mark off words you already know.FluentU is currently available for Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.Give it a try on the  website  or with the  app from the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.BeelinguappCant get enough stories? Beelinguapp helps you snag some language learning while you enjoy a compelling plot.Beelinguapp focuses on stories you can read in both English and your target language, giving you awesome reading practice while ensuring you actually understand t he material. Plus, you can even listen to audiobooks for some language offerings. As you listen, you can follow along with karaoke-style captioning that highlights the passage youre currently listening to. This makes Beelinguapp a great tool for reading or listening practice.Beelinguapp offers Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.Study QuestA heros journey is never easy. Luckily, with Study Quest, yet another entertaining app for language learning, the journey can still be fun.In this app, you create a hero to guide on a language learning adventure. Along the way, language learning games and flashcards help you gain the skills you need. As you advance, the flashcards get increasingly difficult.Study Quest also allows you to interact with friends through the app. You can follow each others progress or even help each other in battle, which is a fun way to stay motivated.Study Quest offers English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.LingoLingo bills itself as an educational social network. Through games, conversations and more, Lingo might just become any language learners new favorite social network.Lingo offers a nice array of features for language learners. For instance, you can interact with other users, which provides you the opportunity to ask questions and/or have your work corrected. An interactive game also helps you learn by playing with others. Plus, you can even use text-based chat (complete with translation and correction features) to interact and get some language practice. Text, video and image posts can provide you with additional learning opportunities, and you can save these posts to review more later.Lingo offers Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.LingQThe LingQ app is all about immersing yourself in a wide variety of contentâ€"including podcasts, interviews and other authentic contentâ€"and you can even import real-life content you find online! The great thing about LingQs style of immersion is that its immersion with purpose and structure. You can use the app to track your progress and study habits, including words learned and the amount of time you spend on activities like reading and listening.LingQ is additionally flexible in that you can use it offline. But youll want to use it online because it also has some social features that enable you to interact with other learners.LingQs Android app is currently available in 25 languages, including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Dutch and more.LearnPlayThe LearnPlay app might just slap you in the face with learning.Thats because LearnPlay uses what it calls Subconscious Language Acquisition Performance (SLAP), which employs word-group learning, deep audio-visual immersion, quizzes and play modules t o try to speed up the learning process.This app targets beginning students, teaching basic greetings, must-know phrases and more.LearnPlay offers Arabic, Cantonese, Chinese, English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.Langu LiveWant to learn common vocabulary? Langu Live can hook you up with a ton of words.The Langu Live app is a word game app that  focuses entirely on beginning vocabulary acquisition. One of the best and most unique elements of the app is that you can set both the language you want to learn in and your target language. So, for instance, if youve studied Spanish and also want to learn Portuguese, you can set Spanish as your main language and Portuguese as your target language, thereby practicing your Spanish while you study Portuguese.Plus, Langu Live offers 100 languages, so if youre looking to learn a less common language, like Haitian Creole or Maori, Langu Live may be your best option.OpenLanguageConvent ional courses offer a targeted, organized approach to learning. But can you really enjoy the benefits of a conventional course in an app? Well, with OpenLanguage, you can enjoy many of them. OpenLanguage is much like a regular language class delivered in convenient app format.They call this approach Tablet Textbook.The app features much of what you would find in a real classroom, like lessons presented by teachers, dialogues that teach high frequency vocabulary, interactive review activities and flashcard decks for easy studying.OpenLanguage offers Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.iKnow!iKnow! aims to help you read, write in, listen to and speak a language. By telling you what to study and when, iKnow! takes a lot of the guesswork out of the learning process.Interactive activities like quizzes and a sentence builder help reinforce your learning. Meanwhile, audio activities help you fine-tune your listening skills.iKnow! offers Chinese, English and Japanese.There are two Chinese courses, divided into Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Each of these courses features the same 2,000 words. The Japanese course offers 6,000 common Japanese words, while the English course focuses on SAT vocabulary.So embrace the invasionâ€"check out these nine great language learning apps for Android!