HelloTalk- Language Learning Tool #1

Since embarking on the adventure that has been learning Korean, I have discovered several tools (books, apps, etc.) that I have found have been extremely helpful in my studies. The first one I want to highlight is an app called HelloTalk. (While I am learning Korean, I believe this app would be beneficial for whatever language you are wanting to learn.)

HelloTalk's main function is centered around language sharing, allowing one to communicate with people around the world allowing you the learner to connect with people in the way that is going to benefit you the most. Prior to finding HelloTalk, I had tried at least one other app that had similar functionality, but I found the usability and features of HelloTalk to be more to my personal liking. The app is a mix of social media and language learning allowing you the freedom to connect with people in the way that is going to benefit you most.

A plus side for the app is that while there are some additional benefits if you choose to subscribe, such as increased number of translations and ability to learn multiple languages at once, there is a lot that you can do with the app for free.

The app has several different features within it that can be used as part of your language learning process including: the ability to ask questions and get/provide feedback from native speakers, 1:1 chat, translation services, and classes. Here is a quick look at how of these features works as well as how I have been utilizing them within my study process.

· Get/Provide Feedback:

For me, this is the most essential element that the app has to offer. For the past three years I have been learning on my own which means I have limited opportunities to receive feedback and see if I am on the right track with say my sentence structure or pronunciation. But this app fills in that gap for me. By using it in conjunction with other books and apps that focus on grammar or vocabulary I can correct and learn from mistakes as I try to apply what I am learning through these other resources.

The primary way to utilize this feature in the app is through what HelloTalk calls MOMENTS. While some do use this space for more social media style posts, I have discovered it is the best place to post my questions and exercises in order to have them reviewed and corrected as this allows the most people to see it and respond when they are available. Along with your text posts in this section you can also include images and up to a minute’s worth of voice recording, which is what I use to practice pronunciation. By doing this I have received very constructive feedback from people and have been able to make my sentences and pronunciation more natural.

Post Example:

Another note here is I try to be very specific in my posts when describing what I’m looking for in corrections, so that the reader knows my intent with my practice.

Correction Example:

In order to get the full benefit of this though I think it’s important to note that it is okay to step out of your comfort zone and make mistakes. I know when I first started utilizing this app that was very difficult for me, but over time, I discovered that people generally were very kind and supportive and want to help. There was one instance in particular that I will never forget when Google translate gave me a bad translation, the nuance of the word was very different from what I meant, and when I found out what that nuance was, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. But even in that “worst case” scenario people were still kind and didn’t make me feel bad for having made that mistake, which really helped me get over my fear of posting something “wrong.”

While personally I use this section solely to get feedback it does have other uses for language learners as well. Since it is built similar to other social media feeds it allows for a cultural connection for users as well. Many people on the app will post entries talking about their days in either their native language or the one they are learning as well as talk about the different unique things about their culture. This allows language learns to be able to connect with one another.

• 1:1 Chat:

Before I jump into this next feature I want to say like any app or program that involves chatting that it is important to use this feature wisely. While the app is designed for language learning, there are going to be people out there who are looking to scam or are posting inappropriate things. So be sure to be careful with your personal information and don’t be afraid to block and/or report someone who is making you uncomfortable. The app does have some protections in place, such as not allowing a user to send images until you have exchanged multiple messages.

Personally, I am very careful within the chat myself and often times choose not to tell people where specifically I live or what I do for a living. But, this feature can be useful and has allowed me to have a couple digital pen pals that I can go to with my questions when I don’t want to post directly to the timeline.

• Classes:
  

I don’t have any personal experience with this feature but over the years they have slowly been adding more class like structures that you can utilize through the app. This includes a listening class through Talk to me in Korean (TTMIK) which is another overall resources I recommend and 1-on-1 speaking classes to help with the pronunciation side of things.

I don't have much experience with this feature of the app as its newer, and they only added a class for Korean within the past few months or so. The current class offered though seems to be focused on learning to read and write in the Korean Alphabet. The class seems to have a $5 and is taught by another user of the app, but it does go into the person's experience and such. I think for someone just starting out this could definitely be a worthwhile element to consider. I'm hoping that they will add more advanced classes in the future.

• Translation Feature:

The app also has a built-in translation feature that runs similar to Google Translate or Papago but doesn’t require you to copy and paste the text or exit the app to utilize. Which can be helpful when reading others posts or to check your own before posting

• Final Thoughts:

Overall, I feel that I have had great experiences while utilizing HelloTalk. I've appreciated how helpful everyone has been and that even when I have gotten things wrong that people have been helpful and encouraging I had felt very discouraged on a similar app as instead of constructive criticism and feedback it was often just criticism. I look forward to continuing to practice and meet new people.

I wish you all luck in your individual language learning journeys!

#languagelearning #learningKorean #language #Learning #SnowyRoseLV #Myadventuresinlearningkorean