Learn a Language With YWriter

There are many softwares and applications that claim to "teach" a language. But what about immersing yourself in software you already use?

As the free PC equivalent of Scrivener and a writing software, it may surprise you that YWriter can be used to learn a language. But this method is really no different from shifting from native language to target language on your computer.

As a writing software, YWriter offers various functions, including: creating chapters, describing settings, describing characters, work schedule and daily writing target, and specific scene interactions. For anyone interested in writing, this is a great way to become familiar with common terms.

But this isn't only about an extra 30 words. As YWriter functions as an organized word processor, it’s fairly simple to group together free writing exercises in one’s target language and later copy and paste them to Lang-8 or Italki.

You can also add images, supplementary notes per scene (or exercises). You can group topic-related writing exercises through the chapter function. Or, better yet, you can use these functions as intended and write a short story or novel.

And changing languages is fairly straightforward. On the English edition, you go to “localize” and then “Choose Language”.  German, Russian, Spanish, Chinese and French are among the options. European languages seem to dominate here, although I hope there will be more translations in the near future.­­­