Draft:Mosalingua

MosaLingua

Type of site	Language learning
Owner	MosaCrea Limited – DigiSchool Group
Founder(s)	Samuel Michelot and Luca Sadurny
URL	academy.mosalingua.com
Commercial	Yes
Registration	Required
Launched	2009 (15)
Current status	Active

MosaLingua is an online language learning platform founded in 2009 by Samuel Michelot and Luca Sadurny. The platform offers a variety of language courses designed to help users improve their skills in multiple foreign languages.

The platform provides the "MosaLingua Premium" service (available for web and mobile devices), previously known as "MosaWeb," and apps for Android and iOS.

The service is subscription-based.

History

MosaLingua was founded in 2009 by Samuel Michelot and Luca Sadurny. The idea originated from their interest in finding efficient ways to learn foreign languages. Initially, the platform launched as a mobile application focused on spaced repetition and memorization techniques to optimize the process of learning vocabulary.

Over the years, MosaLingua has experienced steady growth in its user base and has expanded its offerings to include a wide variety of language courses, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and others. The platform incorporates audio content, flashcards, interactive exercises, and artificial intelligence as part of its teaching methodology.

Available Languages

MosaLingua offers courses in the following languages:

• German
• French
• English
• Medical English
• Italian
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Korean
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Arabic

Methodology

Screenshot of a review session in MosaLingua Italiano on an Android device.

MosaLingua's methodology is based on several pedagogical principles, including the Pareto principle, Spaced Repetition (SRS), and memory techniques.

The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, suggests that approximately 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. In the context of language learning, this means focusing on the most frequently used vocabulary and grammatical structures of the target language.

Spaced Repetition is a study technique that distributes repetitions of information over time to improve long-term retention. MosaLingua implements this technique by scheduling regular reviews of key words and phrases to reinforce learning.

The platform emphasizes essential vocabulary and phrases to enable comprehension and communication. Users first learn the most useful and common words in each language. By using spaced repetition, learners focus on indispensable vocabulary, leveraging the Pareto principle, as 80% of conversations occur using 20% of a language's vocabulary.

The spaced repetition system uses an algorithm that allows users to review vocabulary they find most challenging. This is based on difficulty levels that determine how far into the future the repetitions will be scheduled, ranging from a few hours to over a year. Since the flashcards are often accompanied by images, the application stimulates visual and auditory memory, gradually storing vocabulary in long-term memory. Due to this methodology, the application has been ranked among the top five language learning apps by the Huffington Post.

Mosaweb

Mosaweb is the primary modality of MosaLingua's courses, integrating content from all available languages on the platform. This service includes resources such as videos, audiobooks, texts, and other tools. Through Mosaweb, users can access educational materials designed to enhance their language skills in various aspects, from listening comprehension to written expression.

MosaDiscovery

MosaDiscovery is a tool developed by MosaLingua to help users expand their vocabulary naturally while browsing the internet, reading online content, or watching videos on platforms like Netflix or YouTube. It functions as a browser extension that allows users to select words or phrases, or click on subtitles while enjoying movies, series, or videos. The extension provides instant translations or definitions and enables users to save these translations as flashcards for later review.

MosaChat-AI

MosaLingua has implemented artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including MosaChat-AI, which allows users to interact with an AI agent either in writing or through speech. These conversations are designed to simulate realistic scenarios, helping users practice oral and written expression. The AI provides real-time corrections and generates flashcards based on user interactions, which can then be added to their learning materials for future study.

Approach

MosaLingua focuses on teaching vocabulary and key phrases using spaced repetition, a scientifically backed learning method. While effective for many, the method's success may vary depending on the learner's individual preferences and learning style.

The platform prioritizes learning essential vocabulary by applying the Pareto principle, which suggests that 80% of conversations rely on 20% of the language's vocabulary. MosaLingua helps users focus on these frequently used words to optimize their time and effort.

Spaced repetition is used to schedule reviews of challenging vocabulary at increasing intervals, ensuring retention in long-term memory. The flashcards are often accompanied by images and audio to stimulate visual and auditory memory, reinforcing the learning process.

Analysis

MosaLingua has been compared to other popular spaced repetition apps, such as Anki, which is widely used for vocabulary memorization. French professor Simon Marion has highlighted that MosaLingua employs the same concept of spaced repetition, an algorithm originally developed by Polish researcher Piotr Woźniak in the 1980s.

Tool

Several language experts and polyglots, such as Benny Lewis, the author of the forum "Fluent in 3 Months," have noted that MosaLingua cannot serve as the sole method for learning a language. While it can be beneficial for developing vocabulary and listening comprehension skills, users often find it necessary to supplement MosaLingua with conversational practice and cultural immersion. These additional components are considered essential for achieving fluency in a language.

MosaLingua focuses on teaching commonly used words, phrases, and vocabulary, prioritizing practical knowledge over grammar instruction.

Criticism

The methodology used by MosaLingua has been critiqued for its potential complexity. Some users have reported that the application’s interface could be more intuitive. Fabienne and Benoit, authors of the blog Novo-Monde, remarked that "the app is very comprehensive and offers many options," which might overwhelm beginners or users looking for a more streamlined experience.

Others have noted that the emphasis on memorizing vocabulary can overshadow other important aspects of language acquisition, such as grammar and conversation practice. While the platform is effective for expanding vocabulary and reinforcing memory, it may need to be supplemented with other tools or methods to achieve a more balanced approach to language learning.