Review of FREE Apps for Portuguese Learning - Android

It's been some time I wanted to write about some of the Apps I have been testing before I start using them during my classes with my students.  Nowadays  it is impossible not to make use of this technology when we are learning a new skill and I confess that I find them so much fun! 

No need for books and bulky laptops: just turn your mobile or tablet on and voilà, there you go! You can study and revise what you already know during train journeys, inside the airplane on your way to sunny Faro, at the airport while you are waiting for your flight, in your Hotel room, at home, in the garden etc. 

Below, find the review of some of the FREE Apps available at Android Market.  Note that I am not reviewing dictionaries, phrase book apps or translation apps. I am interested in Portuguese language practice and learning, that is, applications that will help you LEARN and practise new words, grammar, reading and - why not - listening.  

It is important to observe though that there are many other apps out there; these are the ones that I found interesting and have installed on my device.  You can also find paid apps and in another occasion I will write a review on the paid apps I have as well.  If you don't have access to Android Market but Apple Store, bookmark this blog (or leave your e-mail at "Follow by e-mail" field, on the right side of this page)  as I am also preparing some reviews on those found in there (although you can find many of the ones below in Apple Store as well). 

If you definitely don't know what an "App" is, don't worry,  I recommend the following article by Anita Campbell and after reading it, I am sure you will understand why 'App" was voted 2010 word of the year by the American Dialect Society.  

So, let's start our review.  The Apps are NOT in order of preference.  

Learn Portuguese with Busuu 

You have 4 different courses selections: 2 beginner levels and 2 Intermediate levels.  In the free version of the App, you will find some of the Units unlocked, such as Personal Pronouns, To be verbs, Present Perfect, Past Simple; but the App is not only about grammar, you will also find vocabulary practice, dialogues, reading comprehension  exercises etc.  The voice used for reading the words is female (and Brazilian) and very clear to understand. In the tablet the pictures look way too small, but I am sure they look okay in android mobiles. 

Speak Portuguese Free (Holfeld) or Talk Portuguese (Free) bhuio.com

When I first examined this App, I categorized it as a "phrase book style" App since the screen shows a set of English words that once you hit them, a female voice speaks its equivalent in Brazilian Portuguese.  It sounds a bit like the female voice used in the App above.  The free version has 3 categories: Basics, Numbers and Travel.   The "basics" shows words and expressions such as: "What is it?", "How are you" etc.  There are only 14 words/phrases in the "Basics" category available in the free version.  Honestly, this App may be useful for the occasional learner, that is, someone who is not having classes in a regular basis, as I believe the student would soon get bored as it offers no interaction, no pictures, and more important, no levels of competence to be achieved.  All in all, good to practise numbers and some "ready made" sentences.

Portuguese Verb Trainer (Robert Muth)

This is the "trainer" App to complement the "Portuguese verbs (Robert Muth)".  I still could not get the text-to-speech engine to work in the App which diminishes my whole experience with the App.  The idea is the following: you are presented with verbs in Portuguese, then you think of their translation in English  (or conjugation in Portuguese) depending on what you are training and tap the screen.  The screen will show the answer and you have to grade yourself by choosing from 0 to 5 (0 or 1 being chosen if you are unfamiliar with the verb).   Great to practise the verbs and the conjugations through memorization.  The ""Portuguese verbs (Robert Muth)" version of the App (also free) brings just a list of verbs with a search function.  Again, the text-to-speech seems very tricky to get working.  

LangLearner Portuguese Lessons (Langlearner LLC)

A set of pictures are presented (only up to unit 7 in the free version) and you have both Brazilian Portuguese and American English being spoken for each word/phrase.   The speech will be repeated until you hit "stop", which is a good idea, you can repeat over and over without having to press "play".   The App crashed many times though, forcing its closure.  But I think it is a great tool to practise words with big pictures and clear speech provided.

Portuguese Class Demo (Ceardannan)

Love this one!  You can choose from simply 10 exercises to be done in each category (vocabulary, grammar, verb exercise) up to 100 exercises.  The reference material is 'okay" though. No fancy screens, just simple plain drills and exercises to be done.  Great practice!  Best if viewed in mobiles.  

Flashcards - Portuguese Set 1 (Street Smart Brazil)

The typical "flashcard" exercise:  the learner will be presented with words/expressions/phrases in English and  will be encouraged to think of its version in Portuguese language. The focus is on the use of verbs in sentences.  If you don't get tired of this type of exercise, try it.  They have a "Set 2" version which is, of course, a paid App.  Be careful not to hit the "back" button as the App shuts down.  

Portuguese Flashcards Free (RFX LABS)

One more flashcard style App, you choose category (family, weather, greetings, colours, clothes, measurements and at home) and you will see on the screen the word in English.  By tapping the screen, you will be given its translation in Portuguese and if you have text-to-speech installed in your phone/tablet, you can also listen to the pronunciation of the words in Portuguese.  Note that this App is for beginners, the range of the words are not great but it is a good practice for those who are learning the language, during their first months of lessons.  

Portuguese word of the day (Declan Software)

The App simply presents the user with one word a day, its pronunciation and its meaning.  Quite straight forward.  There are no buttons to hit, no links , no menu, absolutely nothing: you open the App, there is the word, its meaning and how you say it.   The speech is done in a female voice, in European Portuguese. 

Brazilian word of the day (Declan Software)

The Brazilian Portuguese version for the same App, you open it and learn one word each day.  

Well, I hope this article helped you decide which App to give a try, the important thing is to practise Portuguese language a little bit everyday, be it through one of these lovely and useful Apps, or  using your books or any other tool you find interesting.   Learning Portuguese is fun! 

Have a good study time! Enjoy!