Some of us don’t have an ear for language while others simply don’t have the time to devote to learning a form of communication that they’re unlikely to need in their daily lives. But others are keen to travel the world, spend some time in foreign locales immersing themselves in the culture and landscape, or simply expand their minds (and their understanding of verbal communication in general) by putting time and effort into learning a new language. For these people, there are countless classes, reference books, and audio series available; and Rosetta Stone provides an excellent tool for the home computing crowd. But for those that would like to take their learning materials on the road in a compact and easy-to-access format, there are also options for language-learning software on the iPad. And the MindSnacks series can provide a fun and informative solution for those looking to tackle any of several world languages.

For those that speak English, MindSnacks offers beginner-level lessons in Chinese as well as several European dialects, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. And they also have options for those that would like to learn English (from French and Italian, as well as several Asian languages like Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese). But there are plenty of apps out there that offer language lessons from the beginner level up to advanced or full immersion. What makes MindSnacks the best choice for those just starting on their journey into another language?

Well, for starters you can try it out for free. Although the initial download will net you only one level out of fifty, you’ll quickly see why this app is well worth the meager $4.99 you’ll pay for full service. For example, the lessons in remedial dialogue and vocabulary have all been designed by Ivy League language professors, giving you access to probably the best teaching methods around. Each lesson is based on proven algorithms that will create an optimal learning environment and ensure maximum retention (although you can always repeat lessons). In addition, you’ll get 1,400 words, along with audio clips recorded by native speakers so that you’ll be sure to learn sounds correctly from the get-go. In most cases, there are even images to go with words for better understanding (from an image library that continues to grow).

But if that sounds too boring, you’re in for a treat. While you’ll certainly be subjected to the call-and-respond parroting that is central to most language-learning programs, MindSnacks also provides plenty of mental treats to keep you motivated to learn, such as mini games and challenges that will result in points and rewards. It may not be as good as, say, Paris, London, or New York City language tutors, but there is a lot to recommend this handy, linguistic app. You can try it for free to see if you like it before buying, you’ll get plenty of fun games to enhance and break up regular lessons, and you’ll enjoy a portable and lightweight language-learning tool. In short, it could just be one of the easiest ways to pick up a new language on the go.

Editor’s Note

Thanks to Evan Fischer for this guest post. He is a freelance writer and part-time student at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.