We’ve tried loads of completely different language studying apps over time to assist make our travels simpler, they usually range from nice to good to mediocre.
On this evaluate, we take a look at Promova, a brand new to us language app.
Is it the final word ticket to fluency or simply one other layover on the journey to language mastery? Let’s discover out.
Our Promova Assessment: Is it Price it?
Earlier than we leap into the professionals and cons, let’s take a fast take a look at how Promova works.
Obtain the app on Google Play or the AppStore.
With over 1,000,000 downloads, the app charges a 4.6/5 on Google Play, which is a extremely good begin.
Professional tip: You may also study on the Promova web site, if you happen to favor, however I actually most well-liked the benefit of utilizing the app on my smartphone.
First Impressions
Promova’s interface is clear and intuitive, a contemporary departure from cluttered designs we frequently see.
Navigating between sections is clean, making it simple for learners and tech-savvy of us alike.
Listed here are the languages you’ll be able to study with Promova:
- English
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese language
- French
- German
- Italian
- Korean
- Ukranian
You may study a language with steering in a number of language choices. For studying Spanish, I used to be supplied the selection for my core language to be English, Arabic, French, or German.
How does the Promova app work?
Once you first begin up, Promova provides an preliminary evaluation to gauge the place you’re at when it comes to language proficiency and pursuits, which is a pleasant contact. It takes lower than a minute to run via.
The app additionally asks how a lot time you need to put in direction of utilizing the app every day.
From there, Promova then curates a studying plan for you, mixing vocabulary, grammar, and real-world examples. The teachings are bite-sized and progress in problem. The audio function is useful for getting the pronunciation proper, though it’s not at all times spot-on in recognizing errors.
You may proceed to make use of the app with out signing in, which is sweet, or you’ll be able to create an account with Google or an electronic mail handle. To avoid wasting and observe your progress correctly, that you must create an account.
Course Construction
What makes Promova distinctive is its course construction.
Not like a typical language studying app that jumps proper into frequent phrases, Promova builds from the bottom up. You begin with particular person phrases, then sentences, and finally conversations. The pure development feels much less like a chore and extra like leveling up in a online game.
I selected to study Spanish on the app. Promova’s first lesson was good and easy – primary vocabulary, after which a easy follow session.
After that, it was extra follow, matching the English phrase to the corresponding one in Spanish, adopted by follow typing the lacking letter in a Spanish phrase.
There’s continuous suggestions alongside the way in which, and cute characters providing constructive, encouraging suggestions. As a result of I took my first classes round Halloween, the characters have been Halloween themed.
Grammar and Syntax
Promova takes a special route by integrating grammar guidelines seamlessly into classes.
This can be a breath of contemporary air for these of us who discover standalone grammar modules tedious. By studying the why’s together with the what’s, you achieve a well-rounded understanding of the language.
Personalization
The personalization function caught our eye. The app adjusts the issue and content material based mostly in your progress and areas of curiosity. As an illustration, if you happen to’re into meals, count on classes constructed round culinary themes. This can be a game-changer for some, making the educational expertise partaking and related.
It clearly shortly discovered I’m a meals fan, as my first classes have been all centered on meals – “What’s in your salad”, “What’s for dinner”, and “Eat like a king”.
I actually preferred that you would be able to leap round a bit within the course – you don’t should take the subsequent lesson in actual order, which made it much more fascinating for me.
Even higher, you’ll be able to change your studying stage on the fly, accessing classes in Newbie, Intermediate, or Superior.
Actual-world Software
Promova has a ‘Road Sensible’ part with modules that put together you for real-world interactions.
Be it asking for instructions or ordering a cup of espresso; these modules have you ever coated. They even present cultural tricks to navigate social norms – a function usually ignored however extraordinarily useful.
Audio and Pronunciation
Audio high quality is crisp, and the Promova app permits you to toggle the pace, which aids in comprehension and pronunciation.
Personally, I discovered the voice recognition software program in English and Spanish to be correct, highlighting errors and serving to you right them in real-time.
Are the advertisements annoying within the free model?
You’ll see occasional advertisements within the free model, however I by no means discovered them annoying or intrusive.
Advertisements popped up for me once I went to entry a brand new lesson afterward within the course.
English Tutors
Along with being a typical stand-alone language studying app, Promova additionally provides instruction from English tutors.
You may study in both the extra inexpensive group classes, or with non-public tutoring classes. Group classes are held in Google Meet.
Group lessons can’t be canceled or refunded. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to reschedule a bunch class as much as 24 hours earlier than the scheduled begin time.
The non-public classes are crafted round particular person pursuits, which is a plus. They boast that their know-how enhances studying effectiveness, though it’s laborious to measure the affect. It’s a viable alternative for these in search of a versatile schedule to enhance their English abilities, but it might not supply a exceptional studying journey.
For one-on-one English tutors, you’ll be able to study in three lesson durations of both:
- 25 minutes
- 50 minutes
- 90 minutes
I actually love the thought of a shorter length of 25 minutes, as I discover that I get a bit overwhelmed in longer lessons with stay tutors.
Free English Dialog Membership
One of many perks I assumed was useful was the Free English Dialog Membership, which is held as soon as per week for 60 minutes on Zoom. It’s a free on-line assembly for learners, over Zoom, in small teams.
Pricing – Is Promova free or paid?
Promova provides a free model, however to unlock all options, you’ll want a subscription.
You’ll additionally see occasional advertisements within the free model, however personally I by no means discovered them overly annoying or intrusive.
The free plan additionally solely enables you to study one language at a time.
Costs are cheap in comparison with different premium language apps. In addition they supply a 14-day money-back assure, which lets you take a look at the waters with out overly committing.
Premium app plans
For the premium app plans, you’ll be able to select just a few plans:
Trial week
For the trial week, the associated fee is:
- 1st week $6.99,
- then $29.99/month
12 week plan
For the 12 week plan, the associated fee is:
- 12 weeks $39.99,
- then $49.99/12 weeks (or $3.33 per week)
1 month (month-to-month) plan
The price for the 1 month plan is:
- 1 month $19.99,
- then $29.99/month (or $5.00 per week)
Vital: It’s essential to cancel not less than 24 hours previous to the tip of the introductory interval, or you can be mechanically charged the total value of 49.99$ each 12 weeks till you cancel within the app settings.
Group lesson pricing
Group classes value from $4.99 for a 60-minute lesson.
One-on-one personalised English tutor pricing
Prices range for English tutor classes, relying on session length (25, 50, or 90 minutes).
Prices are as follows:
25 minute classes
- 4 classes $65.99 per thirty days
- 8 classes $103.99 per thirty days
- 12 classes $131.99 per thirty days
50 minute classes
- 4 classes $103.99 per thirty days
- 8 classes $175.99 per thirty days
- 12 classes $239.99 per thirty days
90 minute classes
- 4 classes $131.99 per thirty days
- 8 classes $239.99 per thirty days
- 12 classes $339.99 per thirty days
Downsides
The app at present helps solely a restricted variety of languages. In the event you’re eager on studying a much less frequent language, this might not be the app for you. Additionally, we skilled occasional glitches, such because the app freezing or the audio not syncing, however these have been uncommon.
Ultimate Ideas: Promova Assessment
Promova provides a holistic, personalised, and sensible method to language studying. It cleverly mixes components of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural understanding. It’s not nearly studying to talk; it’s about studying to speak.
Promova appears to be heading in the right direction. Its intuitive design, real-world applicability, and powerful emphasis on development make it a worthy contender within the crowded market of language apps. Whereas it has some room for enchancment, it will get the necessities proper, providing a worthwhile software for anybody seeking to study a brand new language.
So, is Promova the final word ticket to language fluency? It might not get you there alone, nevertheless it’s a incredible co-pilot in your journey.
Comfortable studying!