About Love For Languages

Why Love For Languages was created

Why not learn Italian?

At the end of 2024, I got the spontaneous idea to learn Italian after watching way too many Sopranos episodes than was good for me. I had been trying to learn French for a while but would stick with it for a few months and then stop again. Italian would be different. I would stick with it this time, or so I told myself.

For quite a while, things went pretty well. I followed various YouTube videos from popular channels (Easy Italian is really good) and wrote down the Italian subtitles along with their meaning in my native language (Dutch). After filling up an entire notebook, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't read my own handwriting and cheerfully started a new one.

After a while, however, it became somewhat monotonous. The topics didn't appeal to me as much anymore and I wanted more depth. Also, constantly pausing the videos to take my notes started to bother me.

My conclusion was that YouTube videos are great for exposure, but passively watching something isn't the same as focused reading. A video in Italian was interesting, but the emphasis was so much on the video that it distracted from learning Italian. Videos also lack the interactive elements that enhance learning: comprehension questions to test understanding and the ability to create PDF versions of stories for later rereading and review. I like to write down what I learn. This is difficult with a video because you have to constantly pause it. So videos weren't ideal. So I went looking for other ways.

From books to apps: a search for the ideal way to learn a language

I bought an Italian textbook, convinced that would be sufficient to learn a language. That's how it used to work, right?

The book was disappointing. There was little content and only short sentences with very little context. I noticed that I enjoyed reading a story to get more context about the narrative and the meaning of words.

So I looked online for Italian books with Dutch translations. There were sites that offered this, but often there was only an option to read both texts side by side. A refined ability to translate individual words when I needed to didn't exist. My Italian wasn't good enough to read books without consulting a dictionary at least every sentence, which made it quite a frustrating exercise. It also frustrated me that there was no good audio with the books.

I decided to try mobile apps. I can be brief about that. That wasn't a success either.

Most mobile apps I tried focus heavily on gamifying basic sentences instead of developing real language skills through authentic use of natural language found in real books and stories. These apps also drip-feed content through artificial progression systems, keeping you trapped in beginner exercises and adding artificial difficulty through annoying 'heart systems' that punish you for learning and making mistakes. This is an integral part of language learning!

The idea for Love For Languages

I was surprised to discover that no tool I had tried managed to combine my preferences. What I wanted was a learning method where I could read extensively in Italian, but with translations of individual words and paragraphs available, and audio available to hear and practice the language.

This led me to build LoveForLanguages with a clear mission: eliminate the frustrating beginner's dilemma by offering you engaging stories with the ability to translate words and paragraphs whenever you want and providing audio tracks for all content. Additionally, you can download chapters in PDF format for offline use with a super handy vocabulary table.

My goal is to transform language learning from a frustrating exercise into an enjoyable journey of discovery. I believe that when you can focus on the story instead of struggling with vocabulary and grammar, you'll learn more naturally and effectively.

I built what I personally needed when learning a new language. I'm sure it will help you too in learning your dream language.

Ready to experience a better way to learn languages? Start today with Robinson Crusoe, and share your feedback and suggestions hier. Your input helps make LoveForLanguages even better for language learners worldwide.

Happy language learning!