The Linguist

Chartered Institute of Linguists AUTUMN 2025 The Linguist 29 SECTION HEADER REVIEWS popular apps Duolingo, Memrise and Babbel. Now it's the turn of three other top players in the 2025 learning landscape: Busuu, Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur. Each offers its own recipe for linguistic success, from AI-generated study plans to time-tested audio drills, but which one might become your new virtual language coach? Busuu Founded in 2008 in Madrid by Bernhard Niesner and Adrian Hilti, the platform takes its name from the Busuu language, an endangered language spoken in Cameroon. It is a structured language learning app combining self-paced lessons with community interaction. It has been based in London since 2012 and now boasts over 100 million users worldwide. Busuu offers bite-sized lessons focusing on vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing and conversation practice. Lessons are aligned with CEFR levels (A1-C1, depending on the language). Learners can watch videos, and complete dialogues, gap-fill exercises, audio lessons, grammar reviews, spaced repetition exercises and pronunciation practice. There are also some specialised courses, for example 'Learn Spanish with El Pais', 'English for Essential Business Skills', 'K-Drama' (for the Korean language) and even some exam preparation courses. A notable feature is the community correction tool: learners submit written or spoken exercises, which are corrected by native speakers within the Busuu community. The platform's blend of structured coursework with community-based feedback makes it stand out. It fosters active use of the target language through peer corrections, which can build confidence and offer real the apps: round 2 three more popular language learning platforms communicative practice. The lessons are concise but cumulative, reinforcing previous content through revision cycles. Unlike other apps that focus solely on self-study, Busuu integrates social learning by allowing users to interact with and learn from native speakers. This feature replicates elements of a classroom exchange while maintaining the convenience of an app. Pimsleur The Pimsleur Method was developed in the 1960s by Dr Paul Pimsleur, a linguist and researcher in language acquisition. Originally published as cassette tapes and later CDs, its audio-based system is now available through the Pimsleur app and digital subscription service. The platform focuses on spoken language proficiency through audio lessons designed to develop listening comprehension and speaking skills. The main idea is to practise speaking a language after you hear people speak it. Lessons are based on real-life conversations and use Graduated Interval Recall (a form of spaced repetition) and back-and-forth dialogue to build conversational fluency. Pimsleur also uses the principle of anticipation, where learners are prompted to recall and produce responses before hearing the correct answer, actively engaging memory and reinforcing retention. Premium subscriptions include additional features such as reading lessons, flashcards, role-play scenarios and vocabulary games, but the core method remains audio-centric. The platform excels at developing oral fluency and pronunciation from the outset. Its method allows learners to practise speaking naturally without reading or writing first, which is particularly effective for auditory learners or those preparing for travel and real-life interactions. Unlike most apps, which emphasise reading and typing, it prioritises listening and speaking. It is one of the few platforms that can be used effectively while commuting, exercising or multitasking, making it a practical option for learners with busy schedules. Rosetta Stone One of the oldest platforms around, Rosetta Stone was founded in 1992 by Allen Stoltzfus and initially designed as CD-Rom software for immersive language learning. It was one of the first digital platforms to use image- word associations rather than translations to teach vocabulary and grammar. Today, Rosetta Stone remains a recognisable brand, having transitioned fully to online and app- based formats. It employs the Dynamic Immersion® method – teaching entirely in the target language without translation. Lessons consist of matching images to words and phrases, pronunciation practice using speech recognition technology, and interactive exercises that reinforce listening and reading comprehension. The platform is structured by topic rather than grammar level, but learners progress naturally through increasingly complex material. Rosetta Stone's strength is in building intuitive language comprehension through immersion. The consistent use of the target language from the start helps learners think directly in the language rather than mentally translating. Its polished interface, clear visuals and focus on pronunciation make it accessible, particularly for auditory and visual learners. The no-translation method is distinctive. It

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