So, you’re thinking of learning Yoruba? You’re in for something really special, as this language opens the door to a rich culture full of history, tradition, and amazing stories. If you’re looking to connect with millions of speakers worldwide, learning Yoruba is certainly an adventure that you won’t regret.
And the best part? There are some fantastic apps to learn Yoruba that make it easier than ever to get started. I’ve prepared a list where I found that the Ling app was the one that really made the most sense when it comes to learning. But, let’s explore all the options out there to help you master this beautiful language!
Table Of Contents
Best Apps To Learn Yoruba
1. Ling – Best Overall Language Learning App
I want to start off with my favorite language-learning app. If you’re serious about learning Yoruba, then Ling is the top choice to get you started. And what’s really exciting is that Yoruba is a brand new addition to the app.
You see, Ling specializes in teaching over 60 languages, and has created a niche for itself in teaching Asian and Eastern European languages! So, if you’re looking for a tool that’s not only effective but also dedicated to languages for which resources aren’t always easy to find, this app is your go-to. Furthermore, the app is great for learning languages from the ground up, but it’s also great if you’re past the total beginner stage!
What I love about Ling is how it mixes interactive lessons, games, and quizzes to make learning fun. Yoruba can be tricky with its unique sounds, but Ling makes it easier by starting with the basics and guiding you through to more advanced stuff.
One of the coolest things about Ling is its chatbot, which lets you practice real conversations in Yoruba. It’s designed to be fun and engaging, both on the app and the website.
Transform your Yoruba language skills in a week – Get the Ling app today!
Devices: Android, iOS, Web.
Features
- The app allows you to have conversations with a chatbot, which lets you practice in a safe environment.
- Audio by native speakers and speech recognition technology help make sure your pronunciation is just right.
- Interactive lessons with games and quizzes will help you stay motivated throughout your learning.
Pricing
- First beginner lesson for free
- Monthly: $14.99
- Yearly: $79.99 (7-day free trial)
- Lifetime: $149.99
2. Memrise – Best For Native Speaker Interaction
Memrise stood out to me because of the real feel it has for the languages. You can also choose lessons that fit your interests, making learning your target language feel more relevant and fun.
One of the best features are native speaker videos. You get to hear them pronounce words and phrases which is great for getting the hang of the accent and intonation. That way, you’re not just seeing text and hearing automated voices.
Reviews say that it’s a great tool for the spaced repetition technique, a method where you review information at increasing intervals. You start by reviewing something shortly after you learn it, then review it again after a longer time, and so on. This can help you remember things better over time. Still, some users might not like that it focuses mostly on single words and phrases, and not so much on grammar and context, making it harder to use in real conversations.
Features
- You can learn Yoruba words and phrases with clear pronunciation from native speakers.
- The app helps you remember vocabulary long-term by reviewing words at optimal intervals.
- You get to choose from many scenarios to learn relevant phrases that fit your personal learning goals.
Pricing
- Monthly: $35.99
- Annual: $94.39 (works out to $7.87/month with a 20% discount)
- Lifetime: $162.49
3. Drops – Best For Learning With Visuals
Another of the apps to learn Yoruba that’s worth checking out in my opinion is Drops. That’s because it makes learning a new language feel like a game with its fun and colorful design. You can pick up new words in just a few minutes a day, thanks to its cool illustrations and interactive exercises. It’s a great way to fit language learning into your routine.
Users enjoy Drops for its visual approach, which makes memorizing words easier and more enjoyable. The app’s rewards and streaks will keep you motivated to practice every day. However, it doesn’t cover grammar or sentence structure in depth. Despite this, if you like learning through visuals and games, Drops is a great option.
Features
- The app uses vibrant illustrations to create memorable associations with new words, which makes them easier to recall later.
- With five-minute sessions, you can quickly fit language learning into your busy schedule.
- The app provides immediate feedback on your progress, helping you stay motivated and track your improvements.
Pricing
Drops has a free version with limited features, but to get the most out of the app, you’ll need a subscription. You can choose from monthly, yearly, or lifetime plans to fully enjoy learning Yoruba.
- Monthly: $9.99
- Yearly: $69.99
- Lifetime: $159.99
4. Cudoo – Best For Flexible And Self-Paced Learning
I’ve played around with Cudoo, and I have to say, it’s pretty handy. If you’re looking to learn Yoruba or maybe even pick up some new skills in other areas, this platform’s got you covered. It’s an online learning site that offers a ton of courses besides language learning.
What I really like about Cudoo is how flexible it is. You can learn at your own pace, so it fits in well with a busy schedule.
The reviews I’ve seen are pretty positive. People appreciate the affordability and the fact that you can get started for as little as $4.99 for a single course. Some users do mention that the platform could use more interactive elements and direct instructor feedback, but for self-paced learning, it’s a great option.
Features
- Over 1,300 courses to choose from, including Yoruba and other useful skills.
- Engaging materials like videos and quizzes make the learning process more fun.
- It’s quite affordable and offers bundle deals if you’re interested in learning more.
Pricing
Prices start around $4.99 for individual courses, and bundles can go up to $199. They also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely happy with your purchase.
5. iTalki – Best For Personalized Speaking Practice
iTalki is a language-learning app that’s a bit different from the others. Instead of gamified designs, this app offers one-on-one lessons with actual native speakers. You can choose your own tutor based on what you want to work on, like speaking or grammar. You can also find a tutor that fits your budget and schedule, and have classes online. This way you can practice whenever and wherever you want.
What users like most about iTalki is the flexibility and the wide range of languages and tutors available. They appreciate how easy it is to find someone who fits both their budget and schedule. Some mention that finding the perfect tutor can take a bit of trial and error, but once you do, the lessons are incredibly valuable.
Features
- You pick your tutor, type of lesson, and schedule, so you can customize the learning to fit your needs.
- With tutors available in over 130 languages, you can even find lessons for less commonly taught languages.
- The app offers community features like language exchange, exercises, and even group classes.
Pricing
The cost per lesson on iTalki is different depending on the tutor you choose. Rates can start as low as $4 per hour and go up from there. Some tutors offer discounted packages if you book multiple lessons at once, so it’s flexible enough to fit almost any budget.
6. Tandem – Best For Interactive Practice
Tandem is great because it feels like a social media app, making it easy to find language partners who share your interests and goals. It’s all about connecting with others to practice and learn together. However, it’s more suitable for people who already know a bit of the language, rather than total beginners.
Tandem supports over 300 languages, including Yoruba. You can use it on both its website and mobile app to meet language partners globally.
People have mixed feelings about it, though. It’s easy to find partners with similar interests thanks to its social media-like setup, and it offers good chat options and language tools. However, some users feel overwhelmed by the number of messages they get, and a few even use it for dating instead of learning.
Features
- Users can share their interests and goals to find compatible language partners on their social media-like profiles.
- The app has language tools like text correction, translation, and voice notes to help you practice.
- Profiles include reviews from past partners to help you choose reliable language buddies.
Pricing
The free account includes most features but limits translations to five per day. You can purchase Tandem Pro for the following prices:
- $13.99 for 1 month
- $31.99 for 3 months
- $79.99 for 12 months
Why Should I Explore Yoruba?
So, why should you consider learning Yoruba? For starters, it’s spoken by over 40 million people, mostly in Nigeria, but also in communities across the globe. But beyond the numbers, learning Yoruba gives you a direct connection to one of the most influential cultures in Africa. The Yoruba people have a rich tradition with lively festivals and complex religious practices.
Here’s a fun fact: they have the highest rate of twin births in the world! This unique genetic trait is well-known but still not fully understood. Just think how cool it would be to chat with a Yoruba speaker about this amazing part of their culture, directly in their language!
The language is also full of proverbs, folktales, and wisdom passed down through generations. If you’re going to learn Yoruba, you’ll be going beyond just picking up a new skill. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture that’s rich with stories, traditions, and a way of life that’s both ancient and incredibly relevant today.
Ling: The Best Among The Apps
After checking out all these apps, each one has its own perks. But if I had to pick just one, Ling truly stands out in my opinion.
Ling is my top choice because it combines a number of effective ways to learn Yoruba. Unlike some apps that focus mainly on visuals or basic lessons, Ling offers interactive games, quizzes, and a chatbot for practicing real conversations. This mix keeps learning engaging and helps you build practical speaking skills.
So, if you’re ready to start your Yoruba journey, grab Ling on Google Play or the App Store. Trust me, you’ll love it!
