How to find mobile apps for learning English?

In Calgary's dynamic multicultural environment, where more than 240,000 residents consider English their second language, the need for accessible and effective tools for learning English is constantly growing. Modern technology has transformed traditional language learning, giving users the ability to learn anywhere, anytime through mobile apps. For Calgary residents looking to improve their English language skills—whether they are new immigrants, students, professionals, or simply language learning enthusiasts—choosing the right mobile app can be a decisive factor in achieving language fluency.

The ecosystem of mobile apps for learning English in Canada is a diverse landscape that includes both international platforms and specialized Canadian solutions tailored to the specific needs of local residents. These apps cover a wide range of learning methodologies, from gamified approaches to serious academic programs, from basic vocabulary exercises to comprehensive conversation practice courses. Understanding how to find and choose the best app, taking into account individual needs, language proficiency, and learning goals, is critical to successfully mastering English in a Canadian context.

Free resources through the Calgary Public Library

The Calgary Public Library is one of the most valuable resources for city residents who want to learn English through mobile apps. The library provides free access to premium language platforms that typically cost hundreds of dollars per year. The most significant of these resources is Rosetta Stone Library Solution, a globally recognized language learning platform available free of charge to all library card holders.

Rosetta Stone, through the Calgary Public Library, offers an interactive English language learning program that develops reading, speaking, and listening skills through a comprehensive approach to language learning. A unique feature of this service is the ability to learn over 30 languages, including specialized courses to improve English skills. The platform includes innovative features such as the ability to use your phone or tablet camera for practical language learning — users can simply point the camera at any object in the app to get information about how that object is pronounced in the language they are learning.

Accessing Rosetta Stone through the library is simple and available through both the web version and the mobile app. Users can create a personal profile, select a difficulty level, and focus on specific topics such as “Business and Industry” or “Professions and Hobbies,” making the learning relevant to their professional needs. Each lesson is divided into easily digestible sections of language theory, including detailed study of pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

The Calgary Public Library also provides access to its own mobile app, which allows users to manage their accounts, find and download e-books and audiobooks, including materials for learning English. The app includes a barcode scanning feature that allows you to quickly find available copies of any publication in the library, including English language learning materials.

Duolingo: The Most Popular Gamified Learning Platform

Duolingo ranks among the top free language learning apps, with over 500 million users worldwide and the status of the most downloaded educational app. For Calgary residents, Duolingo is a particularly attractive option due to its scientifically based approach to learning, which combines effectiveness with entertainment through gamified elements.

Duolingo's main appeal lies in its ability to make language learning feel like a game, with short 5-20 minute lessons that include speaking, listening, reading, and writing. A system of rewards, achievements, and competitive leaderboards provides additional motivation for regular practice. The app uses adaptive technology that adjusts to the individual user's level and automatically adjusts the difficulty of the tasks according to their learning progress.

Of particular importance to Canadian users are the interactive stories and podcasts for intermediate English learners, which provide cultural context and real-life language situations. Duolingo also offers the Duolingo English Test, an online English proficiency test recognized by over 3,500 colleges and universities worldwide, including Canadian institutions. This test is especially useful for immigrants and students who need official certification of their English language skills. An important advantage of Duolingo is that its basic version is completely free and provides access to all learning content. The premium version, Super Duolingo, offers additional benefits such as ad-free learning, unlimited “hearts” (lives in the game), and additional features for more intensive learning.

Specialized apps for Canadian English

Learn Canadian English by Bluebird Languages offers a unique approach to learning Canadian English. This app is especially valuable for new immigrants to Calgary, as it focuses on the specific features of Canadian pronunciation, vocabulary, and cultural nuances that distinguish Canadian English from American or British variants.

Bluebird Languages offers over 2,000 pre-recorded lessons (equivalent to over five years of learning content) with interactive video lessons that can be adapted to any of 146 teaching languages. This makes the app particularly accessible to immigrants from different countries, who can receive explanations in their native language while learning Canadian English.

A unique feature of this app is the ability to create personalized courses for 60 different professions, which is especially relevant for professionals in Calgary who want to master industry-specific terminology. The app uses the scientifically proven technique of “spaced repetition,” which ensures rapid assimilation of material and long-term retention in memory.

One of the advantages of Learn Canadian English is its hands-free functionality—users can learn without the need for typing or swiping, allowing them to combine learning with other activities such as working out, cooking, or commuting to work. The app even supports streaming lessons to Google Home smart speakers or TVs, making learning even more integrated into everyday life.

Mauril: Canadian content from CBC and Radio-Canada

Mauril presents an innovative approach to language learning through authentic Canadian content. Developed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Radio-Canada, this free app uses real TV series, documentaries, news reports, and podcasts to create an immersive language experience.

What sets Mauril apart is its focus on the cultural context of Canadian society through authentic media content. Users can watch videos and listen to audio materials, answer questions designed by language learning experts, and progress to new levels at their own pace. The app includes a level test that ensures users start learning at the appropriate level.

Mauril offers daily practical challenges, such as ordering at a restaurant or making a phone call in English, allowing users to apply their new skills in realistic situations. This is especially valuable for Calgary residents who want to prepare for real-life language situations in a Canadian context.

The app is available on multiple platforms—Apple and Android mobile phones and tablets, as well as via a web version. Users can create a profile and access their learning progress from any device, anytime, anywhere. For teachers of English as a second language, Mauril offers a special page with information on how to use the app most effectively as a supplementary teaching tool.

Premium platforms and their mobile versions

Babbel takes a more structured approach to learning English through a comprehensive learning experience that combines app-based courses with live online classes, podcasts, games, and other resources. Although Babbel is a paid service (approximately $13 per month for a six-month subscription), it offers a more in-depth and academically sound approach to language learning.

A distinctive feature of Babbel is its focus on practical conversations and real-life situations. The lessons are designed by linguists and focus on dialogues that users will actually use in everyday life, rather than random phrases. The app offers clear explanations of grammar and structured lessons, making it particularly effective for serious learners who want to systematically improve their language skills. Lingoda presents a unique model of online learning with live teachers, accessible via a mobile app. This service offers 60-minute sessions in small groups of up to five people via Zoom, ensuring personalized attention from the teacher. All Lingoda teachers are native speakers, ensuring authentic pronunciation and quick feedback on grammar and phonetics.

Lingoda's advantage is its flexibility—since teachers live in different time zones, classes are available at any time of the day or night. This is especially useful for working professionals in Calgary who may not be able to attend traditional language courses at fixed times. The app also provides access to all learning materials for free download and offers practical quizzes at the end of each class to reinforce new skills.

British Council apps for comprehensive development

The British Council has developed a series of specialized mobile apps, each focusing on specific aspects of learning English. These apps are designed for all ages and skill levels and offer games, podcasts, videos, and quizzes for learning English at home or on the go.

  • LearnEnglish Grammar — an app for improving grammar by studying a variety of topics in a convenient format.

  • LearnEnglish Podcasts — allows you to listen to podcasts about life in the UK, improving your listening skills and vocabulary; each episode is accompanied by a script and exercises.

  • Johnny Grammar’s Word Challenge — quick 60-second challenges on grammar, vocabulary, and spelling that create an element of competition.

  • LearnEnglish Sounds Right — a reference guide to the correct pronunciation of English words found in the dictionary.

Integration with LINC and official language courses

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs in Calgary represent a fundamental component of preparing immigrants for life in Canada, and many of these programs now integrate mobile apps into their teaching methodologies. LINC is a free, federally funded program for permanent residents and refugees aged 18 and older, organized according to Canadian Language Benchmarks levels CLB 1 to CLB 4.

  • Immigrant Services Calgary offers free language assessment and referral services for permanent residents, Convention refugees, and naturalized Canadian citizens. After testing, participants are referred to appropriate English language programs such as LINC or EAL (English as an Additional Language).

  • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) offers 21 day and evening, full-time and part-time LINC classes designed to help participants achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.

  • YW Calgary conducts English classes at Saddletowne, Shane Homes at Rocky Ridge, and Shawnessy YMCA, focusing on topics relevant to newcomers: Canadian culture, banking, public services, education, family, and navigating the city.

Specialized apps for professional development

For professionals in Calgary who want to improve their English language skills for career advancement, there are several apps available:

  • FluentU — uses real-world videos (advertisements, news) for immersive learning of new words and expressions.
  • ELSA Speak — an AI-powered pronunciation coach that analyzes the user's speech and provides personalized accent correction.
  • Cambly — on-demand video sessions with native speakers, useful for preparing for interviews, presentations, and client meetings.

Apps for learning grammar and specialized skills

  • Learn English Course: Articles — helps you master the use of the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” through interactive exercises with real-life contexts.
  • Grammarly — a mobile tool for improving written English with instant feedback on grammar and style.

Social platforms for language exchange

HelloTalk connects language learners with native speakers through chat, audio, and video. Built-in translation, transliteration, and correction features make practice as easy as possible, while a social media-style feed creates casual interaction with a global community.

Technological innovations and future trends

Modern apps are experimenting with AI conversation partners (Buddy.ai) and augmented reality for instant translations in the real world. Such technologies make learning more personalized and interactive, turning smartphones into powerful tools for language immersion.

Welcome to Alberta: A comprehensive app for newcomers

Welcome to Alberta from Immigrant Services Calgary provides newcomers with everything they need to integrate into the province: from housing information to employment services, healthcare, and language programs. Personalized milestones, to-do lists, and contact information make adaptation efficient and understandable.

Strategies for effective use of mobile apps

Experts recommend a “language kit”: combining several apps for different purposes — structured learning (Duolingo, Babbel), conversation practice (HelloTalk, Cambly), grammar (LearnEnglish Grammar), and authentic content (Mauril, FluentU). This combined approach ensures comprehensive language skill development.

Integration with formal education and certification

Duolingo English Test is recognized by over 3,500 colleges and universities worldwide and is available online, making it convenient for immigrants and students who need official certification of their English skills.

Support for different skill levels

The Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARC) provides free assessment and referral to LINC or EAL programs. Duolingo and Learn Canadian English are effective for beginners, Mauril and FluentU for intermediate learners, and Lingoda and Babbel for advanced learners.

The ecosystem of mobile apps for learning English in Calgary offers a rich and diverse landscape of opportunities. From free library resources to innovative AI platforms, from Canadian-specific apps to world-class international solutions, city residents have access to a wide range of tools to improve their English language skills. Understanding one's own learning needs, setting realistic goals, and carefully selecting a few apps is the key to achieving language fluency and successful integration into Canada's multicultural society.