When comparing InternetPolyglot vs Lang-8, the Slant community recommends Lang-8 for most people. In the question“What are the best sites for learning foreign languages?” Lang-8 is ranked 7th while InternetPolyglot is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose Lang-8 is:
Where many programs will have you writing single sentences at most, Lang-8 encourages you to write short stories or diary entries. Having to actually write in the language rather than simply remember vocabulary is a really beneficial feature for improving real-world use of the language.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Games focus on practicing the words you've struggled with
It remembers the words that you've scored poorly on in the past, and repeats these more often in games/tests than the words you know well.
Pro Free
Access to the whole site/program is completely free.
Pro Five different games to choose from for variety
You can choose from 5 different types of learning games so you can learn in a way that best suits you.
There is a picture game, typing game, guessing game, matching game, and word search.
Pro Very easy to use and covers most of your needs
Pro Gain experience writing in your target language
Where many programs will have you writing single sentences at most, Lang-8 encourages you to write short stories or diary entries.
Having to actually write in the language rather than simply remember vocabulary is a really beneficial feature for improving real-world use of the language.
Pro Get feedback from native speakers
Native speakers of the language you are learning will give you pointers on your writing, such as grammar corrections and advice on word choice/sentence structure.
Pro Self-directed learning
Write as much or little as you like, about the subject of your choice, at the level of difficulty of your choice, taking as much time as you wish. Intermediate and advanced learners can benefit the most from this, but beginners can still use the site to practice what they've learned elsewhere.
Cons
Con Should be used along with another course/book
InternetPolyglot states on their site that the program is meant to aid in memorization only, and should be used along side other resources.
Con Games do not end on their own
You have to decide when you've had enough playing the games, or set a timer. The games do not end the game for you, so it's not smart about conserving your energy or ending the session when you've learned the material or when you've gone beyond 25 minutes which is the limits of most people's ability to focus.
Con New sign ups are currently put on hold
They are not accepting new registrations now, and it is not clear when will they accept them again.
Con Not a good starting place for beginners
The site doesn't teach you your language, instead it allows you to get advice on your writing in your target language. It's better if you have a basic understanding of the language at first.
