Languages By Lyrics for Android

I have been studying Spanish for a year now. Over the year I have acquired a fair number of Spanish songs. Before this app was available, I initially tried to learn the meaning of the songs by searching the web for the original language lyrics. I would then copy the lyrics and paste them into my word processor. I would then try to find a translation in to English or use one of the automated translation services on the web. Finally, I would then try to pair up each translated lyric phrase with the original lyric phrase. This was very tedious and took a long time. In the end, I had to hold a printout of the document and read it as I listened to the song. The only way I could test myself was by covering up part of the paper with an index card as I listened to the song. Then I found this app! It does everything I did by hand, but it automates much of the process. It allows me to quickly get the lyrics and the translations. It has some powerful editing tools (spell checking in different languages, ability to combine lyric phrases, split lyric phrases, etc.). In a short time I have the lyrics and translations ready. Then I can start using the exercises in the app to learn the lyrics. The first exercise is easy and passive. The next one is harder. The last one is a little harder yet. But when I am able to do the last exercise, when I hear the song while driving in my car, I automatically know the meaning. It has been a fantastic supplement for learning a foreign language.

I am in the process of trying to learn Italian. I'm using a combination of Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur CD's, and listen to a LOT of Italian music…as well as watch Italian movies with subtitles! In other words, immersion. This app is a wonderful supplement for 1.) learning/seeing the lyrics in Italian for some of my favorite music, 2.) practicing already acquired language by way of learning the translations, and 3.) learning new vocabulary via the lyrics of these songs. I've always been able to remember so much more via music (think of all the preschool songs that TEACH!), and now I find myself beginning to sing along with the two songs I've downloaded and worked on with this app. Not only singing along in Italian, but KNOWING what I'm singing! This probably isn't an app for someone just starting out, but is very helpful when one has become a bit familiar with the language they are trying to learn. Why? Well, often the online translations are a little goofy (afterall, it's computer generated and cannot know the human inflection or purported meaning of a phrase), and when one is somewhat familiar, the ability to make corrections to what IS correct is a good thing. One also needs to be aware that due to copyright laws, the lyrics found online can't be "zapped" into the app; you have to highlight, then click the "Acquire Lyrics" button, then they immediately appear in the app. Overall, I would recommend this app for a serious language learner. It's another great tool that, when combined with other methods, really facilitates a proven method of learning.