Photo credit: www.classcentral.com
It might come as a surprise, but numerous major education companies in China began with a focus on teaching English. Notably, the New Oriental Education & Technology Group has emerged as the largest in the country, originating from English instruction in 1993. According to reports, the English language training sector in China is projected to surpass $90 billion by 2025, with an expected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 35% from 2025 to 2033.
Advancements in technology have significantly facilitated access to English learning resources. A plethora of online English learning tools now cater to diverse audiences, including preschoolers, K–12 learners, university students, and adults. However, the “Double Reduction Policy” enacted in 2021 posed significant challenges for English tutoring enterprises.
This article delves into the most popular English-learning applications available in China, highlighting their distinctive features to assist users in choosing the most suitable option. To streamline navigation, the apps are categorized into four main sections. Click on any category in the list below to jump directly to that section:
General Purpose English Learning Apps
Duolingo
The name Duolingo is well-known among language learners, particularly since entering the Chinese market in 2019, where it has attracted 10 million users. The company made headlines in July 2021, going public with a valuation exceeding $6 billion.
Duolingo employs a visually engaging, gamified approach to language acquisition, making the learning experience enjoyable. The app features a mascot named Duo, a cheerful green owl that offers various tips along the way.
Users can access a wealth of learning resources at no charge, although ads are present. Alternatively, they can opt for a premium subscription to eliminate advertisements, which serves as a primary revenue stream for the platform.
Keke English
The Keke English app provides a wide array of English learning resources, including books and TED talks. Users can hone their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, and the app includes online courses tailored for various popular English proficiency exams like TOEFL and IELTS.
Lanren English
Lanren English features a diverse selection of instructional materials, including news podcasts, films, music, TED talks, and vocabulary for various English examinations. Additionally, it facilitates speaking practice along with personalized feedback.
English Learning Apps for Vocabulary
Baicizhan
Baicizhan stands out as an app designed to enhance English vocabulary skills for various exams, including high school English, CET, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, and SAT. The app gamifies vocabulary learning, engaging users with captivating visuals. Baicizhan has amassed over 100 million mobile users.
Shanbei Vocabulary
Shanbei Vocabulary app includes a comprehensive database targeting vocabulary needed for primary and secondary education, university studies, and workplace settings. It utilizes the concept of forgetting curve to inform its spaced repetition learning strategy, promoting effective vocabulary retention.
MOMO Vocabulary
MOMO Vocabulary offers a variety of methods for users to engage with English vocabulary, presenting options suitable for learners ranging from primary school to professional contexts.
Zhimi Vocabulary
Zhimi Vocabulary aids learners in mastering English vocabulary through diverse methods, including visuals and etymology, while providing insights into their learning history for personalized planning. The app also features online courses for further education.
English Learning Apps for Speaking
Open Language
Open Language is derived from a renowned English-speaking podcast boasting over 61 million listeners across major Chinese podcast platforms. This podcast content is seamlessly integrated into the app.
Open Language aims to enhance English proficiency for adult learners, offering over 2000 courses at varying levels and topics. Each course generally includes a dialogue and related exercises designed to advance vocabulary and grammar skills.
With an initial team of just 10 members in 2017, Open Language recorded around 20,000 paid users and generated over $10 million in revenue. The company was acquired by Bytedance in March 2018, becoming part of its educational brand, Dali Education.
Liulishuo
Liulishuo is known for its English-speaking instruction and boasts over 250 million registered users. In September 2018, it went public on Nasdaq, raising $71.9 million in its initial offering.
Similar to Open Language, Liulishuo emphasizes listening to conversations as a key learning method. Utilizing speech recognition technology, the platform assesses users’ pronunciation and provides performance evaluations, branding itself as an AI-supported English learning app.
Liulishuo’s primary offering is Dongni English, which begins with an assessment to gauge users’ proficiency before tailoring study materials to their level.
Shanbei Speaking
Shanbei Speaking bolsters English speaking skills through role-play exercises, where users can receive feedback and scores based on their spoken submissions.
Mofun English
Mofun English facilitates language learning through video dubbing, allowing users to receive immediate feedback on their pronunciation.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk acts as a language exchange platform, enabling users to communicate with people from various countries. The app allows learners to find partners interested in reciprocal language learning, facilitating engagement with vocabulary, listening, and speaking practice.
Yidian English
Yidian English offers opportunities for users to practice speaking through short videos sourced from TV shows, movies, speeches, and music videos, enhancing vocabulary and listening skills within the app’s framework.
iTalki
iTalki connects learners with language teachers for one-on-one lessons in over 100 languages, providing personalized instruction suited to individual learning needs.
Qupeiying
Qupeiyin allows learners to practice English speaking through movie dubbing, offering feedback and assistance concerning pronunciation skills.
English Learning Apps for Reading & Listening
Shanbei Reading
Shanbei Reading provides a wealth of English reading materials, including scientific papers, business reports, magazines, and novels to assist users in expanding their vocabulary and grasping language nuances.
Baicizhan Reading
Baicizhan Reading promotes reading practice by enabling users to participate in reading groups, fostering a sense of community and collaboration in learning.
Liulishuo Reading
Liulishuo Reading is also tailored for users seeking English articles and digital books, providing additional explanations for users who opt for paid content.
Mint Reading
Mint Reading offers an extensive library of English reading materials, including articles from prominent publications like The Economist, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post, along with popular movie scripts.
Cheese Pai
Cheese Pai, developed by Baicizhan, emphasizes audio-visual learning by converting English videos from films and talks into interactive learning activities followed by exercises and explanations.
Shanbei Listening
Shanbei Listening provides a diverse array of English auditory materials including talks, music, documentaries, and audiobooks, which users can utilize to refine both listening and speaking skills.
Everyday English Listening
Everyday English Listening app
Everyday English Listening delivers a plethora of English audio content, featuring podcasts, radio shows, scholarly talks, online lectures, and music, enhancing overall listening competence.
Qingting English
Qingting English boasts a vast collection of reading and listening resources including books, vocabulary, magazines, and news articles, offering users multiple opportunities for language practice.
English Learning Apps for Exams: IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT
Kaomanfen
Kaomanfen, a name synonymous with “achieving perfect scores,” is part of the TAL Education Group and provides comprehensive resources for TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT preparations. The platform also features mobile applications dedicated to each test, like Kaomanfen TOEFL and Kaomanfen IELTS.
This platform allows users to practice every exam segment, focusing on vocabulary, reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Among its noteworthy features are test simulations closely mimicking real exam conditions, alongside peer learning opportunities through shared essay and speaking exercises from other learners using the platform.
Kaomanfen generates income through fees for preparation courses and consulting services for studying abroad, example being a two-week small group GRE course priced at approximately ¥6300 ($1000).
IELTS Bro
IELTS Bro is specifically designed for students preparing for the IELTS exam. It offers essential vocabulary exercises, practice tests, and both free and premium online courses aimed at building the necessary skills for each IELTS section. The app promotes collaborative learning through a community where students can share their results and insights, including real test questions gathered from users across China.
Source
www.classcentral.com