Language Learning Research

Collection of open-source language learning tools and resources for evaluation.

Cloning

This repo uses git submodules. To get everything in one shot:

git clone --recurse-submodules https://github.com/YOU/language-learning.git

If you already cloned without --recurse-submodules:

git submodule update --init --recursive

What's In Here

repos/

Repo	What It Does
companion	Private AI language tutor — Whisper + ChatGPT + Google TTS. Read, write, talk, listen in native and target language.
discute	Speaking practice app — designed specifically for conversational practice in a new language.
ai-english-tutor	Interactive AI English tutor using OpenAI APIs.
linguacafe	Self-hosted web app for reading-based vocabulary acquisition. 27+ languages. Docker-based.
librelingo	Community-driven open language learning platform. Course editor + web app.
libretranslate	Self-hosted machine translation API. No Google/Azure dependency.
speechbrain	Conversational AI toolkit — speech recognition, speaker verification, TTS. Building block for custom tools.
awesome-language-learning	Curated list of open-source language learning projects and resources.

Speaking-Focused (most relevant to mic-based learning)

• companion — closest to a full "talk to practice" solution out of the box
• discute — purpose-built for speaking practice
• ai-english-tutor — English-specific but demonstrates the tutor pattern

Infrastructure / Building Blocks

• speechbrain — STT/TTS toolkit if building something custom
• libretranslate — self-hosted translation backend
• linguacafe — reading/vocab complement to speaking practice

Reference

• awesome-language-learning — index of more projects worth exploring

Commercial Apps Worth Knowing About

These can't be cloned but are worth evaluating alongside the open-source options:

• ChatGPT Voice Mode — free-form conversation in any language (needs Plus sub)
• Langua (~$8-12/mo) — native-speaker-cloned voices, 23 languages, real-time feedback
• Talkio AI (~$10-15/mo) — 40+ languages, 134 dialects, pronunciation feedback
• Speak (~$15-20/mo) — structured curriculum, good for beginners
• ELSA Speak (~$6-10/mo) — phoneme-level pronunciation analysis (English only)

Human Tutors

• italki — largest marketplace, 30k+ tutors, 150+ languages, pay-per-lesson from ~$4/hr
• Preply — subscription-based, 100k+ tutors, more structured, $10-40/hr
• Cambly — English-only, on-demand native speakers 24/7
• Verbling — 70+ languages, vetted professional tutors
• Lingoda — structured group/private classes, small groups up to 5
• AmazingTalker — marketplace popular in Asia, AI-powered tutor matching
• LanguaTalk — curated tutors (~3% acceptance rate), European languages

The DIY Stack

If none of these fit, the common architecture for a custom speaking tutor:

1. STT: Whisper (local or API)
2. LLM: Claude API or GPT-4o with a tutor system prompt
3. TTS: OpenAI TTS API, Coqui TTS (open source), or speechbrain

What Linguists Recommend (2025-2026)

• Massive input first (listening + reading), then speaking practice
• AI conversation daily for low-pressure reps
• Human tutor 1-2x/week for nuance
• Spaced repetition for vocab (Anki, etc.)
• Consistency over intensity