Innovative Language Learning Blog http://blog.innovativelanguage.com Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:59:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 en Language Learning Everyday in 2012 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2012/01/11/language-learning-everyday-in-2012/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2012/01/11/language-learning-everyday-in-2012/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:59:56 +0000 kmn55 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2012/01/11/language-learning-everyday-in-2012/ Oh, hello there listener! We haven’t seen you in awhile! Is that a new haircut? Did you get contacts? Or maybe a tan from your winter vacation!  In any case, it’s nice to have you back!

You may have stopped by today because you’re thinking about picking up your language studies in the new year. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Starting January 2nd, 2012, we’ll be publishing some really great lessons that are sure to keep you busy and entertained all year long!

Here’s a quick look at what to expect on our 101.com sites:

For free audio and video lessons to any of these languages, click here to sign up for a Free Lifetime Account! You’ll get 7-days of Premium Access, plus the Word of the Day, access to our newest lessons and the Core 100 Word List!

Good luck!

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2012/01/11/language-learning-everyday-in-2012/feed/ The Innovative Language Story http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/21/the-innovative-language-story/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/21/the-innovative-language-story/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:50:05 +0000 kmn55 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/21/the-innovative-language-story/ It all started with JapanesePod101.com, back in December of 2005.
6 years later, Innovative Language Learning is up to 22 language sites, 2 million registered users, and 4 million app downloads. But what does it all mean?

It means we couldn’t have done it without you. It means we’re very lucky to have a community of language lovers. It also means the world sees beauty in languages and cultures, and people wish to communicate with one another. And we’re happy to help.

Here are some key stats:

  • December 2006 – 10,000 members
  • December 2008 – 100,000 members
  • April 2010 – 101 Million lesson downloads
  • November 2011 – 2,000,000 members

So how exactly does a Japanese podcasting website grow? And how does it spread out to languages like Korean, Spanish, Arabic, and Dutch? Well, it’s quite a long story to tell. If you’re really interested, we can set some time aside, get some hot cocoa and tell the tale by the fireplace. But as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Click here to see the Timeline of Innovative Language Learning.

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/21/the-innovative-language-story/feed/ Learn A New Language with the NEW Innovative Language Learning http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/20/learn-a-new-language-with-the-new-innovative-language-learning/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/20/learn-a-new-language-with-the-new-innovative-language-learning/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:25:39 +0000 kmn55 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/20/learn-a-new-language-with-the-new-innovative-language-learning/ Good design is important. It communicates in ways text can’t. It is the visual delivery of what a website is about. With this in mind, the Innovative Language Learning website has been redesigned. We’ve thought about how we could best portray who we are and how we can help language lovers like you. And after long hours of tinkering in the lab, here is the result!

Visit the Innovative Language Learning Homepage! 

The sleek new design gets right to the point – you want to learn a foreign language. We help you master over 38 languages – including some rare ones like Mongolian and Swahili – in the fastest, easiest, and most fun way. However, fitting all of this under one roof and keeping it focused was no easy task:

  • 21 language learning websites
  • Over 200 iPad iBooks, Kindle Books, Nook Books, and Audio Books in 38 languages
  • Over 700 iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android mobile applications in 38 languages
  • Over 120 Mac and Mobile desktop applications in 38 languages
  • Survival Phrases courses available in 20 languages

But there’s more to the website.

 Get quick links to all of our products – we admit, we have a lot of language learning material. This lets you access and browse through them easier.

Search either by language or product – to master as much material as possible for a certain language or if you’re going mobile and would like just the apps!

Like free stuff? Who doesn’t! – check the free resources section with free subscriptions to our language sites, apps, audiobooks, kindle books and more!

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/12/20/learn-a-new-language-with-the-new-innovative-language-learning/feed/ Harper Collins Dictionary Powered by Innovative Language Learning http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/09/07/harper-collins-dictionary-powered-by-innovative-language-learning/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/09/07/harper-collins-dictionary-powered-by-innovative-language-learning/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:42:21 +0000 kmn55 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/09/07/harper-collins-dictionary-powered-by-innovative-language-learning/ Harper Collins has joined forces with us, Innovative Language Learning. One of the world’s most respected publishers meets the world’s biggest language learning app maker.

They bring over 175 years of expertise. We apped it up.
The result is the best in dictionary software for the Mac.

After much tinkering in the lab together, we’ve brought the English Dictionary and Thesaurus to the Mac - the Collins Unabridged English Dictionary and the Collins Thesaurus of the English Language. And there’s more to come.

Most dictionary apps add on bells and whistles. The Collins Unabridged Dictionary and the Collins Thesaurus, however, have been designed, refined and streamlined for elegance and simplicity. With over 390,000 and 310,000 words, references, and examples in the dictionary and thesaurus respectively, they simply do what you need.

- Instant search: Begins when you type
- Bookmark words for later review
- Browse words by letter tabs
- Browse History: For stubborn words that refuse to be remembered
- Web Browser interface & navigation

The Collins Unabridged English Dictionary and the Collins Thesaurus of the English Language are both available for purchase now at the Mac App Store. Find out more details on our site here

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/09/07/harper-collins-dictionary-powered-by-innovative-language-learning/feed/ Alphabet Animals App Featured in New York Family Magazine! http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/08/26/alphabet-animals-app-featured-in-new-york-family-magazine/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/08/26/alphabet-animals-app-featured-in-new-york-family-magazine/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:44:41 +0000 kmn55 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/08/26/alphabet-animals-app-featured-in-new-york-family-magazine/ icon.png

Language acquisition, whether it’s your child’s first or your second (third, fourth or fifth!), is our passion. Using some of today’s most popular devices, Innovative Language Learning aims to bring you fun and effective language learning tools. As the biggest language learning mobile app maker in the world, we’re happy to share this online and print feature of our popular Alphabet Animals iPhone App!

New York Family is a monthly family lifestyle magazine and website focused on the interests, needs, and concerns of New York City parents. In the July 2011 issue, Gavriella Mahpour highlighted “15 Educational Apps That Inspire Curiosity And Learning”.

Innovative Language Learning’s Alphabet Animals was selected under the Spelling category, saying “Alphabet Animals is an easy way to teach tots their letters, while monkey-ing around.” We couldn’t agree more!

Thank you to Gavriella and New York Family.

More on Alphabet Animals

Alphabet Animals - Talking ABC Cards for Kids is the perfect learning tool for your toddler. Packed with colorful animations, animal sounds, and learning examples, Alphabet Animals - Talking ABC Cards will keep your child’s attention while they absorb the alphabet.

Parenting.com says that Alphabet Animals is “Perfect for your talented toddler, this game is packed with colorful animations, animal sounds, and tons of tips for learning their letters.”

Fully Animated

Each vivid flashcard has been created by a professional animator. When you touch them, they move in fun and surprising ways. Your child can discover the names of animals as he or she makes their way through the cards.

Educational Audio

Each card has three different kinds of sound! You can hear a friendly voice just say the name of the animal, the name of the letter, or a simple phrase matching the animal with colors and places.

Totally Interactive

Unlike expensive picture flashcards, Alphabet Animals - Talking ABC Cards is an interactive way to learn. Touching the screen causes animations and sounds, which keeps your child’s mind engaged and attentive.

Alphabet Animals - Talking ABC Cards is a great way to put your child on the fast-track to life with easier, simpler, and more fun learning!

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/08/26/alphabet-animals-app-featured-in-new-york-family-magazine/feed/ How To Take Over The World, Part 2 - Learn Hindi, Hebrew and Indonesian! http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/27/how-to-take-over-the-world-part-2-learn-hindi-hebrew-and-indonesian/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/27/how-to-take-over-the-world-part-2-learn-hindi-hebrew-and-indonesian/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:41:17 +0000 kmn55 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/27/how-to-take-over-the-world-part-2-learn-hindi-hebrew-and-indonesian/ Hej! Hallo! Sziasztok! That’s “Hello” in Dutch, Swedish, and Hungarian.
We’re really excited about our 3 new European additions to the Innovative Language Learning family and today we’re announcing yet another three languages. We’ve held our breath for so long to keep these a secret that we’re just about ready to faint!

Ready?

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Starting July 4, Hindi, Hebrew, and Indonesian will be getting the complete Innovative Language Learning treatment with their own 101.com websites! Now, even though these languages are spoken by a collective 725 million people worldwide, they aren’t given enough attention online – or anywhere for that matter. Until now! If you’ve never had a good reason to learn these languages before, we’re about to give you some!

Why learn with Innovative Language Learning?
These brand new Hindi, Indonesian, and Hebrew lessons will use our fun and effective lesson format. And of course, you’ll also get our free and premium learning tools such as online Flashcards, line-by-line audio, video lessons, and mobile apps, which you can use to learn wherever you are in the world (except Antarctica.)

The first 101 listeners to sign up for the Founding Fathers Club will get a lifetime 50% off discount and to celebrate the addition of these new languages, we’ll also be having a Summer Celebration Sale where listeners can save BIG on current site subscriptions including to JapanesePod101!

So, why should you learn Hindi, Indonesian, or Hebrew?
Hindi is one of 22 languages spoken in India, and being the second most populated country with over 1 billion people, it’s just too big for us to skip. India is notorious for its traffic but showing some patience will pay big dividends when you try the food! If you’re in the mood for something a little more tropical, Indonesian is one of the world’s most spoken languages. After all, Indonesia is the fourth most populated country right after the United States, and a popular travel destination. Who could resist Indonesia’s tropical climate, beautiful islands, white sandy beaches…hold on, we’re getting carried away…

Lastly, did you know that Hebrew is one of the most requested languages from our Innovative Language Learning listeners? Well, we just couldn’t wait any longer! Travelling to Israel? Can’t understand your grandmother? (I can’t either) Or perhaps you’d like to take a dip in the Dead Sea? HebrewPod101.com will provide you with the resources to make sure you don’t open your eyes underwater – it’s extremely salty!

Stay tuned for more details to come on how to get in on all the discounts!

Thank you can handle all 6 new languages? Which one will you start learning and why?

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/27/how-to-take-over-the-world-part-2-learn-hindi-hebrew-and-indonesian/feed/ How To Take Over The World: Learn 6 More Languages! http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/23/how-to-take-over-the-world-learn-6-more-languages/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/23/how-to-take-over-the-world-learn-6-more-languages/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:05:57 +0000 kmn55 http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/23/how-to-take-over-the-world-learn-6-more-languages/ In case you thought we were kidding about world language domination, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.  After months of hard work, we’re proud to announce the launch of AustralianPod101.com for all of you Down Under lovers!

Just kidding. Though, we are giving this idea serious consideration.

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Coming this July to a laptop screen right in front of you, we will be introducing 6 new exciting languages to the Innovative Language Learning family.  Dutch, Hungarian, and Swedish are just the first additions to our language family on track to be released July 5th.  We’d love to tell you about the other 3 but it’s a big secret – you’ll have to wait another 2 weeks!

Now, the Dutch, Hungarian and Swedish languages aren’t the most sought after languages and as a result, there aren’t many places to learn them. But that’s exactly why we’ve chosen to teach them and make them available to you anywhere you are.

Why learn with Innovative Language Learning? These new language sites will follow our signature fun and effective lesson format using our free and premium learning tools such as online flashcards, line-by-line audio, video lessons, and mobile apps. Not to mention the fact that you can learn the language from anywhere in the world! For the 6 new languages, the first 101 listeners to sign up for the Founding Fathers Club will get a lifetime 50% off discount, and to celebrate the addition of these new languages, we’ll also be having a Summer Celebration Sale where listeners can save on the site they’re already subscribed to.

So, why should you learn Dutch, Swedish or Hungarian? With over 23 million Dutch speakers, 16 million Hungarian speakers, and 10 Million Swedish, you’ll learn all about their rich cultures and traditions. Or if you’re hungry like us, do it for their food!  In fact, by knowing English, you already have a head start on Dutch which is said to be a mixture of English and German. Feel free to crash the next World Cup and yell alongside your fellow Dutchmen.

In addition to being the national language of Sweden (duh!), Swedish is spoken in parts of Finland and is mutually intelligible with Norwegian. Knowing Swedish grants you access to the Nordic part of Europe (except Iceland – but we’ll get them too!) But if Vikings aren’t your thing, why not try Hungarian? It’s the most prevalent non-Indo-European language in Europe and would be quite handy if you’re interested in their history or cuisine, or choose to explore Hungary’s passionate spa culture.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the final 3 languages and more details to come on how to get in on the discounts!

What do you think the next 3 languages are? Which new European language are you most excited about? Leave a comment today!

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2011/06/23/how-to-take-over-the-world-learn-6-more-languages/feed/ Got Questions About Innovative Language Learning… http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/10/17/got-questions-about-innovative-language-learning/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/10/17/got-questions-about-innovative-language-learning/#comments Sun, 17 Oct 2010 10:00:25 +0000 Innovative Language http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/10/17/got-questions-about-innovative-language-learning/ leave them in the comment section!We’re sharing a few of our secrets with you! Go behind the scenes with us as we show you what we do and who we are! Your typical day at Innovative Language isn’t so typical. We’re constantly moving, writing, editing and recording so that we can deliver fun lessons that you’ll enjoy on your ride home from work. Get to know our team in today’s news lesson and find out how you can be featured in part 2 of our Behind the Scenes news!Leave your comments and questions in the comment section.

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/10/17/got-questions-about-innovative-language-learning/feed/ 5 New Languages - Learn Cantonese, Thai, Polish, Portuguese and Greek! http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/06/03/5-new-languages-learn-cantonese-thai-polish-portuguese-and-greek/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/06/03/5-new-languages-learn-cantonese-thai-polish-portuguese-and-greek/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 07:40:52 +0000 Innovative Language http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/06/03/5-new-languages-learn-cantonese-thai-polish-portuguese-and-greek/ In less than 1-month, PortuguesePod101, CantoneseClass101, GreekPod101, PolishPod101 and ThaiPod101 will open to the public and you can guarantee yourself 50% OFF FOR LIFE by joining the Founding Father’s Club!

If you or someone you know wants to learn one of these languages, become a Founding Father and you will never pay more than 50% of the new site’s subscription price. You’ll also receive 25% OFF for friends and family.

Click Here to Choose a Language and Become a Founding Father!

Not interested in a new language? To thank you for taking us from 1 person to 16 sites, save 15% on your next subscription. Use the coupon code 15OFF on any site for your next purchase.

]]> http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2010/06/03/5-new-languages-learn-cantonese-thai-polish-portuguese-and-greek/feed/ JapanesePod101.com’s YouTube Contest http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2009/11/09/japanesepod101coms-youtube-contest/ http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2009/11/09/japanesepod101coms-youtube-contest/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:40:47 +0000 keith http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/2009/11/09/japanesepod101coms-youtube-contest/ Just in time for Christmas - JapanesePod101.com’s YouTube Contest!
Give yourself the gift of language learning for Christmas this year!

Make your video response for a chance to win 10,000yen (about $110) and a FREE premium membership to JapanesePod101.com today!
Anyone with a Paypal account is eligible.
You’ll just have to sign the legal document here: http://blog.innovativelanguage.com/testimonial-release-agreement/
If you’re not a member, we recommend that you sign up for your free lifetime account at http://www.japanesepod101.com

The cut-off date will be December 20th, so make sure you have your video response in and you’ve signed the release agreement before that day!
Also, please email us with your username on the JapanesePod101.com website so that we can upgrade you to a basic or premium subscription.

Here are the rules:
1. Video should be between 2-4 minutes
2. Your entire video should be dedicated to this project
3. All speech should be clear and appropriate (no swear words)
4. Display the JapanesePod101.com site in the video at least once (screencapture, shoot with your camera, etc…)
5. Have an audio clip of one of the audio podcasts - download free on iTunes (http://bit.ly/JPod101) or from our website (http://www.japanesepod101.com)

Try to answer these questions in your video:
1. What is your experience with JapanesePod101 (website, audio podcast, or videos)?
2. How do/would you use JapanesePod101’s resources?
3. Which of JapanesePod101’s tools do you think are useful?
4. What do you think is the biggest benefit a learner could have from using them at these levels: newbie, beginner, intermediate, and advanced?

That’s all there is to it!
If you have experience using JapanesePod101, all you have to do is tell us about it.
If you’ve never used the site, podcast or videos before - now is as good a time as ever to start, right?
Just browse through stuff a little bit and give us your opinions.  We’d love to hear your feedback.

If you would like more information on how to use our site, check out our video tutorials here: http://www.japanesepod101.com/help-center/video-user-guides/ 

**Hints for getting the prizes!
a. Make sure you have good lighting and audio.
b. Speak in a loud, clear voice.
c. Don’t pander or bash — just tell us your honest opinions.
d. Be careful to follow all the rules!

**Prizes**
ALL qualified entrants (follow all the rules): 6 month basic subscription ($36 value)
ALL high-quality videos: 6 month premium subscription ($120 value)

1st: 10,000yen +1 year premium subscription
2nd: 5,000yen  +1 year premium subscription
3rd:  2,500yen +1 year premium subscription

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