Imagine a world without language barriers. Nope, I’m not talking about imposing a single language to all countries here. Imagine you, the traveler, being able to speak the language in almost every country you go. Being able to share your sentiments, create more personal connections, or simply being able to order a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk to go with your toast in a cafe populated mainly by locals.

You’ve probably done it before. Memorizing words and phrases off a guide book, or listening to audio lessons day and night (and being lulled to sleep by its background chill-out music) yet you can only remember one-word greetings and you can’t get past number five/cinco/五. As with other lessons in life, vocabulary won’t commit to one’s memory if it’s not in practical/regular use. Or obviously, if it’s not in your heart to learn (exactly why trigonometric equations never registered in me brains).

Hello Pal language learning app knows this oh-so well. Hello Pal is, as described on their site, “based on the principle that the best way to learn a language is where speaking comes first, and learning comes second. Whereas traditional methods of language learning require a person to first spend time learning language rules and memorizing vocabulary before actually using the language with others, Hello Pal encourages users to learn and speak, “on the go.”“.

And it makes perfect sense.

I’ve recently tested the app. Personally, I like the convenience of it being an app, because there’s no need to stuff a bulky phrasebook in my rucksack. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always loved the feel of reading maps and books (I’m still old school that way), but standing on a street in some unfamiliar town perusing a city guide and looking lost can lure a few bad folks. Whilst looking at/swiping your phone doesn’t make you seem like so. Well, at least, not so much.

So it translates your words and teaches you the pronunciation, how is it different to the other language learning tools? For one, it doesn’t just give you the literal meaning of phrases, it lets you know more about its usage. For example, when you say “Irasshai!”, it means “welcome” in Japanese. Welcome, as in welcome to our place, not welcome as a response to thank you.

Another feature that sets Hello Pal apart from the others is, it’s actually a social network thing. And don’t we get all excited about social networks? Hello Pal allows users to find real people (based on location, nationality, age group and native language) to chat with. When I say “chat”, not only do I mean typing phrases, but also recording your voice speaking the language and sending it over to your pal. Replies/incoming messages are automatically translated as well. And oh, you can post photos in the chatroom too!

With Hello Pal, the learning doesn’t end. It’s not seasonal like a gap year or a Christmas holiday. Someone will always be there for you to practice with. That in itself, I reckon, is a motivation. Allow yourself to try it out, and I am certain it won’t be just another phrasebook who sadly collects dust on your bookshelf post-vacation.

Now excuse me while I practice my Farsi so I can understand the conversations/cheeky comments of my Persian in-laws over family dinners!

Hello Pal is currently released for Android and iOS.