74 lines
4.3 KiB
Markdown
74 lines
4.3 KiB
Markdown
# Language Learning Research
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Collection of open-source language learning tools and resources for evaluation.
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## Cloning
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This repo uses git submodules. To get everything in one shot:
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```bash
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git clone --recurse-submodules https://github.com/YOU/language-learning.git
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```
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If you already cloned without `--recurse-submodules`:
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```bash
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git submodule update --init --recursive
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```
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## What's In Here
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### repos/
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| Repo | What It Does |
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| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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| [companion](https://github.com/shakedzy/companion) | Private AI language tutor — Whisper + ChatGPT + Google TTS. Read, write, talk, listen in native and target language. |
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| [discute](https://github.com/5uru/Discute) | Speaking practice app — designed specifically for conversational practice in a new language. |
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| [ai-english-tutor](https://github.com/jasonkang14/ai-english-tutor) | Interactive AI English tutor using OpenAI APIs. |
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| [linguacafe](https://github.com/simjanos-dev/LinguaCafe) | Self-hosted web app for reading-based vocabulary acquisition. 27+ languages. Docker-based. |
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| [librelingo](https://github.com/kantord/LibreLingo) | Community-driven open language learning platform. Course editor + web app. |
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| [libretranslate](https://github.com/LibreTranslate/LibreTranslate) | Self-hosted machine translation API. No Google/Azure dependency. |
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| [speechbrain](https://github.com/speechbrain/speechbrain) | Conversational AI toolkit — speech recognition, speaker verification, TTS. Building block for custom tools. |
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| [awesome-language-learning](https://github.com/Vuizur/awesome-language-learning) | Curated list of open-source language learning projects and resources. |
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### Speaking-Focused (most relevant to mic-based learning)
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- **companion** — closest to a full "talk to practice" solution out of the box
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- **discute** — purpose-built for speaking practice
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- **ai-english-tutor** — English-specific but demonstrates the tutor pattern
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### Infrastructure / Building Blocks
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- **speechbrain** — STT/TTS toolkit if building something custom
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- **libretranslate** — self-hosted translation backend
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- **linguacafe** — reading/vocab complement to speaking practice
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### Reference
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- **awesome-language-learning** — index of more projects worth exploring
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## Commercial Apps Worth Knowing About
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These can't be cloned but are worth evaluating alongside the open-source options:
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- [ChatGPT Voice Mode](https://chatgpt.com) — free-form conversation in any language (needs Plus sub)
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- [Langua](https://langua.io) (~$8-12/mo) — native-speaker-cloned voices, 23 languages, real-time feedback
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- [Talkio AI](https://www.talkio.ai) (~$10-15/mo) — 40+ languages, 134 dialects, pronunciation feedback
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- [Speak](https://www.speak.com) (~$15-20/mo) — structured curriculum, good for beginners
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- [ELSA Speak](https://elsaspeak.com) (~$6-10/mo) — phoneme-level pronunciation analysis (English only)
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## The DIY Stack
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If none of these fit, the common architecture for a custom speaking tutor:
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1. **STT**: [Whisper](https://github.com/openai/whisper) (local or API)
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2. **LLM**: [Claude API](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs) or [GPT-4o](https://platform.openai.com/docs) with a tutor system prompt
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3. **TTS**: [OpenAI TTS API](https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/text-to-speech), [Coqui TTS](https://github.com/coqui-ai/TTS) (open source), or speechbrain
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## What Linguists Recommend (2025-2026)
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- Massive input first (listening + reading), then speaking practice
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- AI conversation daily for low-pressure reps
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- Human tutor 1-2x/week for nuance
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- Spaced repetition for vocab ([Anki](https://apps.ankiweb.net), etc.)
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- Consistency over intensity
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