Amidst busy schedules and long days, learning a new language may be difficult. But it doesn’t have to be. Developed in 2013, Lingvist is a language-learning platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to maximize efficiency and accelerate progress.
The story began during co-founder Mait Müntel’s time living in Switzerland as a member of the Higgs boson particle discovery team at CERN. Lingvist’s website describes the time as such:
“Mait had been living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland for years but hadn’t managed to learn the local language, since he didn’t have time to attend classes, and digital tools and language books didn’t provide him with the vocabulary he needed. Frustrated by how difficult it was to make progress, Mait had given up learning French time and time again.
“Mait’s prototype drew upon the machine learning work he had used while searching for the boson particle, along with the basics of language statistics and cognitive science theory.”
(Lingvist)
He then got the idea to approach language learning like a mathematical challenge and decided to build his own solution instead. Mait’s prototype drew upon the machine learning work he had used while searching for the boson particle, along with the basics of language statistics and cognitive science theory.”
Since then, the platform has received several awards. From 2020-2021, HolonIQ recognized Lingvist as one of the top 50 EdTech companies in the Nordic-Baltic eight (NB8). This award, amongst others, is well deserved. Currently, Lingvist offers courses in 50+ different languages, including Estonian. The platform, available through iOS, Android, and on the web, combines vocabulary building, grammar exercises, real-life contextual sentences, and, with the paid business subscription, customized vocabulary courses specific to the industry you work in. This database is highly curated, having been informed by a statistical analysis of the relevance of “millions of bits of data from news articles, film subtitles, and books,” according to Lingvist. What you are learning is specifically curated for you. The platform goes beyond that by offering culturally relevant phrases according to the selected language, making the learning experience not just about words but also about understanding the culture.
Beyond providing uniquely tailored content, Lingvist’s AI algorithm also accelerates your learning. Through consistent use, it learns your skill level and adapts to your needs — including areas of success and improvement — allowing you to progress quickly and efficiently. “Following the spaced repetition formula,” reads Lingvist’s website, “our app will repeat the words where you make more mistakes more frequently and will go through the words which are easier for you faster. With the improving algorithm, we will be able to map out the words you are likely to know based on your answers and remove them from your words to practice, so you will be getting the most value out of your learning… It’s like having a personal statistical analyst to provide you with insights into your strengths and what you need to work on.”
The platform’s convenient and easily-accessible format makes it ideal for learning on the go. Whether you’re waiting in line for coffee, have time in between meetings, or when you’re winding down for the night, there’s always time for learning with Lingvist. However, their website suggests learning 50 words daily, at least four times per week, for best results. It also recommends incorporating the new language into your day-to-day routine beyond using the platform: “For example, if you are cooking meals at home, opt to do so with a cooking show in the language you are learning,” or switching your phone or computer’s language.
Currently, the platform is offered as a free trial or for purchase. Try it today and start learning Estonian in a course tailored for you!
This article was written by Natalie Jenkins as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.
