Language Learning Tips and Resources for Low Vision

Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities. It can enhance your personal and professional life, broaden your understanding of different cultures, and even improve cognitive functions. For individuals with low vision, this adventure might seem daunting at first. However, with the right resources and strategies, mastering a new language is entirely within reach. Whether you’re learning for fun, planning to travel, or aiming to enrich your education, these tips and resources will help you overcome visual barriers and make language learning an enjoyable and successful endeavor.

Free with a Library Card: Mango Languages for Libraries

Many public libraries offer free access to Mango Languages, an online language-learning system that teaches practical conversation skills for a wide variety of languages. For those with low vision, Mango Languages provides audio descriptions and can be used with screen readers, making it a fantastic tool for immersive learning.

At a nominal $19.99 a month, you can gain access to lessons focusing on practical conversational skills across over 70 different languages. The lessons use repetition to reinforce diverse language concepts, perfect for both beginners and intermediate learners. Our low vision users will find Mango’s large print text and compatibility with screen readers exceptionally helpful.

Mango Languages doesn’t just help you learn; it ensures you learn comfortably. On iOS and Android devices, and their web application, you can read at ease with our large print text, listen along with audio recordings and navigate smoothly with screen readers.

Voice Control: Enabling Multi-Language Support for Smart Speakers

Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home support multiple languages and can be instrumental in your language learning journey. By enabling multi-language support, you can practice speaking and listening skills hands-free, which is especially beneficial for individuals with low vision. Ask your smart speaker daily questions in the language you’re learning to build up your conversational skills.

ADDING A NEW LANGUAGE TO GOOGLE HOME/GOOGLE ASSISTANT

1. Launch the Google Home app.
2. Navigate to Settings, select Google Assistant, then proceed to Manage all Assistant settings.
3. Click on Languages, opt for Choose languages to communicate with your Assistant, and select Add a language.
4. Pick a language from the array of supported options.

ADDING A NEW LANGUAGE TO AMAZON ECHO/AMAZON ALEXA

To activate bilingual support on Amazon Alexa, simply command, “Alexa, speak English and French,” or substitute English with another supported language of your choice. Alternatively, you can manually set the languages in the Alexa app by following these steps:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Go to Settings, then Device Settings.
3. In the General section, tap on Language.
4. Select your preferred language combination from the drop-down list, paying attention to any specific dialects.

Listening to Core Vocabulary: AAC Board

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) boards are not only for communication purposes but can also be effective tools for learning and practicing new vocabulary. Customizable AAC boards can be loaded with core vocabulary of the language you’re learning, and listening to these words regularly can aid in memorization and pronunciation.

These apps, catered exactly for your needs, use high-tech assistive technology that helps in practice and identification of words/phrases in your target language. The Voice Assistant AAC, available at a mere one-time cost of $23 USD on the iOS App Store or $11 USD on the Google Play Store, incorporates symbols and custom phrases for a tailored language learning experience.

If English is your target language, we recommend the Spoken AAC app. It comes with a free option and uses minimalist symbols that encourage the user to practice spelling and typing. However, keep in mind that currently, Spoken only supports English.

Numerous text-based and symbol-based AAC applications are available at different price points. However, we recommend these for their effectiveness and usability.

For Printed Materials: Modifying Font Size/Reading Speed

For learners who can read large print, adjusting the font size of digital materials or using e-readers that support this feature can make reading in a new language more accessible. Similarly, listening to audiobooks or language learning apps at a controlled speed can help in understanding and pronunciation.

You can use tools such as a teleprompter app, that display enlarged, high-resolution text, enabling you to spot words and phrases without any struggle.

When it comes to reading printed materials, decreasing the speed of text-to-speech or screen readers can be a game-changer. You can read at a slower pace when dealing with a new language compared to English.

Listening to Language: Audiobooks and Podcasts

Audiobooks and language learning podcasts are valuable resources for immersive listening practice. They can introduce you to a wide range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions used in everyday conversations. Many podcasts are available for free and cater to different levels of language proficiency.

Many have successfully adopted this method. You too, can join them by integrating this learning style into your daily routine – listening on your smart speakers or through streaming applications at your convenience. Give platforms like Babbel Podcasts a go, offering a plethora of languages to choose from.

Creating and Reading Flashcards: Quizlet

Quizlet offers a versatile platform for creating digital flashcards. These can be customized with text, images, and audio, making them a great tool for visual and auditory learners alike. You can also access millions of flashcards sets created by other users on a wide range of languages and topics.

With premium subscription, low vision users can create custom audio recordings for their flashcards, making this a more accessible learning tool. Not just limited to this, but with the support of multiple languages, low vision users can learn a new language of their choice at their own pace.

Reading Environmental Text: Visual Assistance Applications

Apps like Seeing AI and Be My Eyes can help low vision learners read environmental text, such as signs, menus, and labels, in a foreign language. These apps use the camera on your smartphone to scan and read text aloud, providing real-time translation and aiding in language comprehension.

You simply stream a video from your device’s back camera or upload a file; the app will then recognize any text and provide translations. It’s like having a multilingual support person at your fingertips, making language learning accessible and convenient.

Conclusion

Learning a new language with low vision is not only possible but can be a deeply rewarding experience. By leveraging technology and accessible resources, you can tailor your learning process to suit your needs and preferences. Whether it’s through immersive software programs, engaging with native speakers, or utilizing visual aids, the key is to keep practicing and exploring the language in ways that work best for you. Remember, language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the journey of discovering a new world through language.