Screen-free Language Apps?

[u/sparkysparky333]

I'm looking for apps or language learning suggestions that you can use without looking at a screen. My work and hobbies often revolve around screens and I'm trying to avoid eye strain.

One I use a lot is SpanishDict's flashcard function. It says a word out loud, you verbally respond and it automatically advances to the next slide (after letting you know if you got it right or not with a noise). It's just for Spanish/English, but I'm looking for Russian and/or Mandarin or general suggestions.

[u/SnottyFinch]

Pimsleur is the obvious one, it's basically audio only with spaced repetition built in

[u/sparkysparky333 → u/SnottyFinch]

Thank you! 

[u/CatsWearingTinyHats → u/SnottyFinch]

I love Pimsleur! It’s a great starting point or supplement for any language.

[u/nousiaphilia]

Uhm, how about old school textbook X workbook (that also have an accompanying CD) and handwritten flashcards (there are physical boxes that work like a spaced repetition system)? Graded readers, grammar books — you could even get a physical dictionary (although at that point I'd probably rather strain my eyes 😬). But I find learner's dictionaries (especially if also with accompanying workbook) really helpful.

[u/sparkysparky333 → u/nousiaphilia]

Good suggestions, thank you!

[u/Marina-F1006]

Pimsleur is great but I find Paul noble much faster and motivating ! Started learning German this month and I couldn't remember anything because it didn't link or make sense to me. Then, I started Paul Noble and...wow ! That is magic !

You can get it for free on audible with the 1 free credit when you take the 1 month trial ! Then if you want to continue with the "next steps" pretend you want to cancel the subscription/free trial and they will give you another credit for free.

[u/sparkysparky333 → u/Marina-F1006]

Thanks! I had never heard of Paul noble but it seems like exactly what I am looking for for Mandarin! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like he has a Russian version yet. 

[u/Leoben_C → u/sparkysparky333]

Michel Thomas Russian is relatively similar.

[u/sparkysparky333 → u/Leoben_C]

Thanks!

[u/JellySocksRock]

The humble book and dictionary have existed for thousands of years and serve this purpose well

[u/oxemenino]

Learn Spanish with Paul Noble and Pimsleur are both good audio Spanish lessons. They have booklets you can look up if you want but you can do the entire course just by listening.

[u/Previous_Dealer_6996]

Recabulary has a hands-free voice playback mode for their flashcards.

[u/sparkysparky333 → u/Previous_Dealer_6996]

Thanks!

[u/aaaaaaaaaaaaaaabb]

If you are open to books there are a lot of options.

[u/AndthenIhadausername]

Cuentame! 

[u/SaltCampaign6151]

that SpanishDict setup is basically the right model, and for russian or mandarin pimsleur is probably the closest fit since it’s built around audio prompts instead of staring at cards.