If you’re not ready to invest in a full language program and merely want to pile new foreign words on stock, a vocabulary software might be more along your lines. Rather than burdening you with grammar and other language elements, the only goal for this type of software is to help you memorize and understand individual words and phrases.
Different software titles will have different approaches to vocabulary-building, so it’s best to expose yourself to what’s out there before settling on a choice. Make sure you read about the different options on offer, learning as much as you can about each one.
Personally, I recommend looking for a vocabulary software that has these features, at a minimum:
- It should have a structured method. If there’s no structure or algorithm to the way words it helps you pick up words, you might as well just grab a dictionary and start memorizing it alphabetically. Good vocabulary software will use methods and strategies that can improve and accelerate learning.
- It should track your progress. One of the more significant reasons to use software-based learning is the easier progress-tracking it allows. This is a feature that should be on any type of learning program.
- It should integrate pronunciation practice. What good is memorizing a word if you can’t rehearse it spouting off your mouth?
- It should offer multiple test modes to ensure retention. Tons of vocabulary tests have been devised over the years and the software you use should come with several of them. It’s usually easier to gauge actual retention if you can keep it through varying types of tests.
Those four comprise the bare-basics of what we believe a good vocabulary software should have. Do note that many of the all-around language learning programs come with built-in vocabulary modules, so you may also want to explore that option. At the least, it will save you from buying another piece of software when you decide the embrace language instruction in a fuller capacity.