Innovative Language Review (2023) – Is it Worth the Download?
Innovative Language Review (2023)
Innovative Languages Review: 6/10
Innovative languages is a massive company branching out into various different programs and areas. But this is where it fails the most as a language learning app; it’s impersonal and clearly designed by those with little passion towards languages and a bigger passion perhaps towards profits. Nevertheless, it has a lot of content and may work for some.
The people behind the ‘Pod101s!
Does something like ChinesePod101, JapanesePod101, KoreanPod101 sound similar to you…? If you’ve ever looked up language learning on Google of for resources, chances are, you’ve come across a “Pod” before.
“Wait LTL… another app review??”
Correct! There are so many language learning apps offering Mandarin lessons these days it can be very confusing to navigate through them and decide which one is best for what we’re looking for.
And here at LTL we are very happy to be your app guide!
From the most famous apps such as Duolingo, Lingodeer and HelloTalk to the less-known ones such as Beelinguapp or Drops, we guide you through all of them with comprehensive reviews to help you decide if you should download them or even subscribe to their VIP membership.
I have been using and trying out a fair number of apps these last few years to help improve my Chinese skills, so I have a pretty clear idea of what makes a good learning app and what doesn’t.
The latest app I have been using is called Innovative Language and so you guessed it, I am going to do an Innovative Language Review.
Ready? (Skip to the part you are most interested in…)
Innovative Language Review #1 // Introduction & Key Stats
Innovative Language Review #2 // Pros & Cons
Innovative Language Review #3 // Cost
Innovative Language Review #4 // The Interface
Innovative Language Review #5 // How to Use it
Innovative Language Review #6 // The Lessons
Innovative Language Review #7 // Premium Subscription(s)
Innovative Language Review #8 // Conclusion
Innovative Language Review #9 // FAQs
#1 Innovative Language Review // Key Stats & Introduction
Innovative Languages Key Stats
Name | Innovative Language |
Description | “Learn a Language in the fastest, easiest and most fun way”. (Innovative Language) |
Website | https://www.innovativelanguage.com/ |
No. of Languages Offered | 34+ |
Price | 6,24€ /month | 4,99€ /month | 14,99€ / month | 24,99 /month |
Innovative Language Introduction
The Innovative Language app was created by the company Innovative Language Learning, LLC, operating since 2005 in the language learning field with now around 34 languages available.
Not only do they offer to learn content through numerous websites, and an impressive number of 690 apps in the Apple Store (yes you read that correctly), but they also offer audiobooks, online language courses, company training and even provide study resources for teachers.
Amongst those 690 apps, you’ll find language-specific apps, dictionaries to and from numerous languages, educational apps for kids and more, such as Cantonese and Traditional Chinese apps.
Innovative Language also operates ChineseClass101, plus other related websites and channels.
How comprehensive is that!
But here I’ll focus on their main app and Mandarin lessons.
Check out their introductory video and YouTube channel to get a first idea of what Innovative Language is about 👇.
#2 Innovative Language Review // Pros & Cons
Innovative Language PROS | Innovative Language CONS |
---|---|
Over 34 languages to choose from with uniform set-up across the languages (so simple to swap between languages if you like the structure). | Very limited without paying. |
Good platform for those with more loose study methods and interested in audio/visual learning rather than games/exercises. | Content feels very samey across the board. |
An incredible 690 apps across various different platforms offering various different services! | Interface feels quite impersonal; more like a business than run by those passionate for languages. |
#3 Innovative Language Review // Cost
Innovative Language Premium
Innovative Language has various prices depending on the length and frequency of payments. Below is an overview of the most popular packages.
Innovative Language Subscription | Price (EUR€) |
---|---|
Mobile | 6,24€ /month |
Basic | 4,99€ /month |
Premium | 14,99€ /month |
Premium+ | 24,99 /month |
#4 Innovative Language Review // The Interface
First of all, Innovative Language is available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store, as well as on desktop, so everyone can use it.
You’ll be asked to choose your target language and then to sign up, by selecting your actual level, email address, and creating a password.
For the next 7 days after signing up, you will have FREE access to the whole app and premium features.
After that, you can choose to purchase a premium membership or continue using the app for free, with the first three lessons of each series being available.
Navigating the app looks easy at first, with the standard menu at the bottom of the screen divided into the dashboard, lessons, etc. But is actually a bit more complex when wanting to start learning.
I am used to every other language learning app being very straightforward, with level 1, 2, 3… being displayed and you automatically go on to the next level as you go.
With the Innovative Language app, you actually need to select the series of lessons you wish to study, which can be a bit confusing when we have no idea how to start learning a language.
But I’ll come back to the lessons a bit later. Let’s talk about the interface in a bit more detail.
When you are all set after signing up, you’ll arrive on the main page of the app which is the dashboard.
In total, the app contains 5 different sections:
- Dashboard – The main page, with your selected series of lessons and a word bank.
- Lessons – Find ALL of the app lessons in this section.
- My Teacher – A premium feature to get classes with a private teacher.
- Offline – Find all of your downloaded lessons in this section.
- More – Access your downloads and other settings there.
#5 Innovative Language Review // Using Innovative Language!
Let’s have a look at the different sections and how to use them in more detail…
Dashboard
The dashboard section is basically your main page.
This is where you can access your Word Bank and all the lessons you wish to learn and follow.
“What do you mean follow?”
On the Innovative Language app, you decide on the lessons you wish to learn, and thus create your own curriculum. (See Lessons section)
There is no mandatory path and levels you need to complete to go to the next one, like is common with other apps such as Lingodeer or Duolingo.
This section is very straightforward and easy to use. Finally, on the top right of your screen, click on the three dots to log out of the app or switch languages.
Lessons
This section is the lesson library of the app.
I will explain in more detail the content of a lesson later on this blog, but this is where you can follow the lesson series and start learning.
On top of your screen, filter your research by keywords or select one of the options available; Audio, Video or Newest. Then, scroll down the list of series available to find the ones you wish to study.
Every series’ name is pretty straight forward and you’ll easily find a topic of interest. Click on one you like. Then, click on the “follow” button to keep it in your Dashboard and have easy access to it.
You can then start learning!
My Teacher
My Teacher is a Premium PLUS feature that allows you to receive a 1-on-1 education with an actual Chinese teacher.
This feature allows you to ask questions and receive guidance anytime, send messages as well as audio recordings for your teacher to correct and give feedback on, and even a personalised study plan to accompany you into your Chinese studies.
See the prices of a Premium PLUS subscription at the end of this blog.
Offline
The name says it all, you can download lessons and have access to them offline.
To download a lesson follow these easy steps:
Select a lesson from the long list of options available or in your Dashboard…
Then select a sub-topic…
Click on the download button on top of your screen and you are good to go.
Easy!
More
The MORE button gives you a general view of all the section available on the app, and most importantly is where you can change your settings.
Upgrade to a higher subscription, switch language, change password, restore purchases, choose between traditional and simplified Chinese, personalise your audio/video settings and more.
Now that you learned how to navigate the app, which is different from the others, let’s dive into the lessons in more detail.
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#6 Innovative Language Review // The Lessons
Let’s go on with our Innovative Language review and talk about their two types of lessons AUDIO or VIDEO.
First, the AUDIO.
AUDIO
Let’s head to the Lessons section, the audio category, and choose a series you’d like to study, in this instance, Absolute Beginner Season 1.
In the Absolute Beginner Season 1 series, you’ll see at the top of your screen the number of lessons it includes (here 25) and how long it will take for you to listen to it all (here around 5 hours).
Click on the FOLLOW button underneath the information if you wish to have access to it from your Dashboard.
Then, click on the lessons you wish to start studying. You can choose whatever lesson as there is no mandatory order, but the best thing would be to follow the list.
Each audio lesson includes the following items:
- Lesson Audio
- Dialog Track
- Review
- Vocabulary
- Line-by-Line Audio
- Expansion
- Hanzi Close-Up (PDF)
- Lesson Notes (PDF)
- Lesson Transcript (PDF)
A very comprehensive list of items to help you fully understand every aspect of the lesson.
When you feel you have understood everything and want to go to the next one, click on the “mark complete” button at the top to register your progress.
VIDEO
The video category is actually very similar to the audio one.
Choose a series you’d like to study, let’s say Conversational Phrases. Just like the audio category, you’ll see how many lessons are included in the series and how long it will take you to go through them all.
Each video lesson will have the following items:
- Video: Lesson Video
- Vocabulary
- Expansion
- Lesson Notes (PDF)
- Lesson Transcript (PDF)
After a short introduction at the beginning of every first video, you’ll dive right into the subject of the topic selected.
Focus and pay attention, grab a pen if you want to take notes and start learning!
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#7 Innovative Language Review // Premium Subscription(s)
You can download the Innovative Language app for free with a 7-day trial allowing you to explore some Premium features.
After that, you’ll have the choice to continue with the free version or indeed subscribe to a premium membership.
Innovative Language offers 4 different subscriptions:
- Mobile – 6,24€ /month
- Basic – 4,99€ /month
- Premium – 14,99€ /month
- Premium+ – 24,99 /month
Every level of subscription offers its own features:
MOBILE
According to the app, a MOBILE subscription allows its members to get:
- Full access to the Mobile App (except the Word Bank and ChineseClass101 website)
- Full access to all lessons on the Mobile App
- PDF notes for every lesson
- Line-by-line transcripts with audio and review tracks for every lesson
BASIC
According to the app, a BASIC subscription allows its members to get:
- Access to all lessons and notes through ChineseClass101.com and the Mobile App
- Full lesson archive access
- PDF notes for every lesson
PREMIUM
According to the app, a PREMIUM subscription allows its members to get:
- Access all premium material through ChineseClass101.com and the mobile app
- Full lesson archive access
- PDF notes for every lesson
- Line-by-line transcripts with audio and review tracks for every lesson
- A 2000 word list (website only)
- A personal Word Bank
- Flashcards (website only)
PREMIUM+
According to the app, a PREMIUM+ subscription allows its members to get:
- All lessons, materials, tools, apps, website etc
- A 1-on-1 Chinese teacher
- A personalised Chinese program
- A professional assessment
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#8 Innovative Language Review // Conclusion
So, is it worth the download AND a subscription?
Let me be honest with you, the Innovative Language app is not for me.
I like a very structured course with lessons to complete before being able to go any further and I need exercises and repetition.
I also learn better when I do something such as playing games (Drops, LinGo Play, Lingodeer+) or completing grammar exercises (Duolingo, uTalk, Busuu) rather than just listening or watching a video as Innovative Language.
But hey! This is only my personal opinion and preferred study method.
Having total freedom over the lessons can be a great and interesting way to learn Chinese for other people.
The app is very easy to navigate and once you get around the idea of following several series of lessons, it becomes very easy to custom a study course.
The 7-day free trial allows a great insight into the premium features and gives plenty of time to try out the app and get a grasp of whether or not this study method fits your needs and study methodology.
If you don’t like setting up courses language learning apps usually offer, and if you prefer audio and video lessons instead of playing games and exercises, Innovative Language might be what you need.
Hopefully, this Innovative Language Review helped you get an idea of what the app offers and if it’s a good fit for what you are looking for in a Chinese learning app. Let us know in the comments the next app you’d like us to review!
Have you tried Innovative Language yet?
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Innovative Language Review // FAQs
Where to download the Innovative Language app?
Innovative Language is available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store, as well as on desktop, so everyone can use it.
What is the Innovative Language app?
The Innovative Language app allows you to learn more than 40 languages through audio and video lessons.
There is no set curriculum, as you choose yourself the lessons you wish to study.
Innovative Language has numerous websites and apps in the language learning field, the most known in our field being ChineseClass101.
Can I learn Mandarin Chinese on the Innovative Language app?
Yes you can learn Mandarin Chinese on the Innovative Language app.
You can even download their companion app to learn Traditional Chinese characters and Cantonese.
Is Innovative Language free?
You can download the Innovative Language app for free, but you’ll need a premium subscription to have access to all features of the app.
Innovative Language offers 4 levels of subscription (Mobile, Basic, Premium, Premium+)
Can I get fluent with Innovative Language?
By using the Innovative Language app you’ll definitely learn a lot of Chinese.
However, the app doesn’t focus on every aspect of the language such as writing and speaking for example.
Innovative Language is a great app to accompany a language course with a native teacher or with the use of other apps such as Skritter (writing) or Super Chinese (speaking) for example.
How to learn Mandarin from home?
There are a lot of ways you can learn Mandarin Chinese from home.
Download a language learning app you like that offers Mandarin lessons and start getting on the basics.
Listen to Chinese songs and watch Chinese TV shows or movies to get used to the phonetics.
Meet new Chinese friends and start a penpal relationship to learn more about the culture.
Book an online course to learn Chinese with a native Chinese teacher and get a personalised study program.. and so much more!
You’ll definitely find something you like.
Want more from LTL?
We offer a 7 day free trial to all new students where you can study Mandarin 24/7. Come and check it out free of charge and see what you think.
We also offer immersive Chinese courses in China. You can learn more about those here.
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