Speechling

Speechling is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit based in California that offers a language-learning platform focused on speaking. Built by alumni of the Ivy League and Google, it combines technology and human coaching to help learners practice spoken language, addressing what it describes as a lack of free and affordable tools for speaking practice.

Key Features

• Speaking-centered curriculum: Thousands of sentences with real human voice recordings from both male and female voice actors, available for learners from complete beginner to conversational level.
• Record-and-review workflow: Learners record themselves directly from the browser or app and save the recording for a coach.
• Human pronunciation coaching: Certified pronunciation coaches correct word pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, grammar, word choice, and more, with feedback delivered within 24 hours.
• Spaced repetition and adaptive learning: The platform uses spaced repetition and algorithms to let users practice from its sentence library.
• Broad language selection: French, Spanish (Latin America and Spain), Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and English (US and UK).
• Free learning tools: Dictation practice, listening comprehension practice, vocabulary flashcards, a language quiz, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and an audio dictionary.

Typical Use Cases

• Daily speaking practice: A learner listens to a professional voice actor say a sentence, repeats it, and records their attempt for coach review.
• Pronunciation correction: Advanced students answer a question or describe an image, then receive feedback similar to what a private tutor would provide.
• Classroom supplementation: Teachers can recommend the recording and comparing feature to students; the platform notes use by 30+ institutions across 156+ countries.
• Self-study with free tools: Learners can practice dictation, listening comprehension, and vocabulary using the free tools without a coaching subscription.

How It Works

1. Listen to a professional voice actor say a sentence and repeat it, or answer a question or describe an image.
2. Record yourself from your browser or app and save the recording for your coach.
3. Within 24 hours, a coach corrects pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, grammar, and word choice.
4. Repeat with a curriculum tailored to your level, building toward conversational fluency over time.

Who It's For

Speechling suits language learners who want to develop speaking and listening skills rather than only reading and writing, from complete beginners to conversational students. It also fits teachers and schools looking for a speaking-focused practice tool to recommend to students.

The platform is free to use, with unlimited tutoring available for $19.99/month to cover coaching costs, and full scholarships offered to those who demonstrate they cannot afford the price. Speechling is a strong fit for learners seeking affordable, speaking-focused language practice with real human feedback.