Want to become more attractive to the opposite sex? Learn another language. A poll from car-maker smart USA and Harris Interactive shows that 69% of Americans “would prefer their spouse to speak another language than have washboard abs.” And if you’re looking for some high-tech help in becoming bilingual, Wired How-To Wiki provides a list of apps for foreign-language learning, broken down into four sections. (If you want to go for a second language and a flat stomach, I suggest number three, because you’ll be pretty busy at the gym.):
- For story-based learners
- For visual learners
- For the time-strapped
- Basic translators
(“Americans’ Attitude towards Consumption May Be Shifting,” BusinessNewsDaily, February 28, 2012; Adrienne So, “Use Apps to Learn a Foreign Language,” Wired How-To Wiki, April 18, 2012)
[photo: “Gym wash,” by Michael Clark, used under a Creative Commons license]
Clearing Customs 
I’ll definitely check out this list. I just started using Live Mocha to get back on board with my Italian but can’t decide if I like it or not. Is there one you prefer?
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I’ve used Rosetta Stone and found it useful. And a website I enjoyed a lot for Mandarin is ChinesePod. The same company also has FrenchPod, ItalianPod, and EnglishPod.
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I love the theory… does it help that I can speak already speak 3 fluently, a couple more in fragmented sentences and I’m now losing myself in Indonesian too? Maybe I’m missing something here… :)
Thanks for dropping by and liking my blog!
aj
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Since the survey was sponsored by smart USA, maybe the respondents skewed toward Smart Car drivers. You should hang around them more. . . . Keep up the language learning. You’ve got me beat.
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This is an interesting way to learn a language, well, ways!!! Not many people have knowledge about this, even though nearly everyone has a smart electronic (phone, iPod, etc). Great blog!
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And the apps/websites listed in this article are just the tip of the iceberg.
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