Say no to the Duolingo download. Your iPhone is another secret language laboratory, awaiting discovery with its plethora of tools. Give up endless app scrolling and discover the hidden linguistic powers in plain sight so you can transform your ordinary phone into a powerhouse for language learning.
1. Easily Translate Words with Safari
Imagine jumping headfirst into a pool of new words; reading in the target language is that and much more. It is indeed a great vocabulary-building tool, yet there go the uncharted waters and currents of unfamiliar words ahead!
Tired of having to endlessly tab-switch just to look a foreign word up? Safari is there to help! Translate words on your phone instantly, getting rid of that annoyance and keeping you in flow.
Website in a language you don’t know? No sweat! Safari’s got your back. Pinch that word inducing the sweat, give it a long press, and tap “Look Up” from the magical contextual menu. Instant translation at your fingertips!
The word definition should appear at the bottom.
You can tap on it to view the entire definition, phrases or alternate meanings.
Opt for this option if you want to understand the term in depth and access additional information.
Want a quick word translation? Just tap and hold on it! When the menu comes up, swipe to the right till you see “Translate.” And there you have it! Unlimited language power right on your fingertips.
Unlock instant translations with a single tap, and then let your ears guide you – hear the word pronounced flawlessly.
Safari off the list? No problem. Chrome has the instantaneous Google translate magic for you. Brave and other browser names are levelling the playing field, matching tricks with Safari for that language-busting magic.
Tip : here’s how you can check and search your Safari history on Mac.
2. Convert Written Text into Digital Notes
Banish personal, dog-eared dictionaries away. A clever little app on the iPhone is your secret word-defining ninja. Instantly convert any page – be it physical or digital – into a word treasure. No toil of typing; it’s all instant knowledge capture through the Apple Notes app.
Open Notes on your iPhone and select, and tap theNew Noteicon in the lower right corner.
At the bottom, press on the paper clip icon and selectScan Text.
Are you ready to disembark on a magical journey? Aim the camera on the phone at the text on the page or screen. Hold it as still as you can for your device to absorb the words. Brace yourself for some miraculous sight.
And Poof! Your text is down in your note. A tap on theInsertbutton would embed it there for you. You go on casting the magic of editing, polishing its prose, and saving your production.
If you’re in the mood for cooking apps, the best way to become an adept chef would be to follow an expert.
3. Practice Pronunciation Using Conversation Mode
Embrace your inner linguist in the world of iPhones! Go to Conversation Mode, the real-time translator that grooms your device to be a pronunciation coach for that local touch, hence crossing language barriers to let conversations flow freely worldwide.
Breaking down the language barrier begins with opening the Translator app on your phone and then selecting “Conversation” at the bottom of your screen. It is your instant key to unlocking effortless dialogues no matter the tongue.
In the beginning, let your language be known! We are serving English and Spanish, but you may go on and use any language you want. Click on the language shown to the left; in the space offered, select one of your choice.
Tap on the mic icon to speak out your phrase.
The app will immediately display the translation. Press thePlaybutton to hear the pronunciation.
The stage is all set for a sound-off by you! A couple of listens and tap the mic open, letting the linguist within you come out. Let’s hear if the app is at least picking up on your accent.
Tip : here’s how to make your keyboard bigger on iPhone and iPad.
4. Add a New Language Keyboard to Improve Writing Skills
Turbocharge your language learning by ditching the textbooks and becoming a wordsmith of your target language! Writing will give rocket speed to your language learning. Find a language buddy for brief, super-sudden conversations. Even a minute or two of keyboard clatter with a friend can do wonders for your skill level. Pro tip: Make your phone a playground of sorts, installing a target-language keyboard. Instant immersion right at your fingertips!
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate toGeneral ->Keyboard. SelectKeyboardsat the top.
Tap onAdd New Keyboard.
Search for the language you need and select it.
Ready to add some spice to your language learning? Open your chat app-the one with which you are already chatting with your friend. Type away! Let your inner Cervantes loose by tapping the globe icon, and the keyboard will transform into a Spanish fiesta. ¡Vamos!
With everything set, the blinking cursor impatiently awaits your thoughts to spill out. Watch your actions keenly: as you type, little hints for suggested words will cajole you, whether saving you from spelling nightmares or simply helping to acoustically phrase thoughts on the go.
5. Use Siri to Practice Speaking
The days of practicing a language with no one to talk to are gone. Put Siri to work for you! Your pocket assistant can partner for an impromptu practice session (if your language is supported, of course). Toss away that meaningless chit-chat and begin practicing pronunciation with your pocket tutor.
Open the Settings app on your phone and go toSiri. At the top, press on the defaultEnglishoption.
Language missing? If your desired language isn’t shown, Siri hasn’t learned to speak it yet.
Now, go back to Siri’s settings page and accessSiri Responses.
If you want your Assistant to use spoken responses more often than typing, choose the option of “Prefer Spoken Responses.” For extra perks, enable “Always Show Requests,” so you’ll have an on-screen transcript of everything relating to your saying!
Want to abandon the very generic “Hey Siri” and instead speak to your digital assistant in your own language? Head over to the “Talk to Siri” settings for a realm of custom tonguefu!
Select the first option and try the model by speaking out a few phrases in the target language.
And now, dear users, you are ready to give Siri the gift of your voice. Will she understand you and comply with your instructions? Or will she reply with a shrug of digital bewilderment? There’s only one way to know!
6. Change iPhone Language
Ready to immerse deeply? This is for the bold and the brave: for those who have some hang in the language’s peculiarities, just change the system language on your iPhone to the one you are trying to master. This is real digital immersion and one way to guarantee your learning goes up to twenty.
You can do this by going toSettings ->General ->Language & Region.
Tap onAdd Languageand select it from the list that appears.
Want a new language right at the forefront? Back toLanguage & Region. Longpress anddragthe hamburger menu of that language all the way to the top of the list. Instantly, it’ll lumber into VIP status.
Press Continue at the bottom and allow your iPhone to restart with its new interface.
Get insider tips for lightning-fast language mastery on your iPhone! If apps are your thing, check out our curated round-up of best language learning applications. Watch out: Heavy iPhone usage consumes battery life fast. Use screen time wisely and apply battery-saving strategies to keep on learning without a hitch.
Thanks for reading How You Can Master Any Language with Your iPhone (No Apps Needed)
