FAQ's.

General Information

Can I learn more than one language at a time?
Yes, you can. You can learn as many languages as we offer.
Which languages do you offer?
Right now we offer English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Portuguese, Swedish and Japanese. Some languages do have limited content and we are unable to offer some of the functionality in Japanese. However, we are adding content all the time and you can import content to study from the web. We will be adding more languages over time and the functionality for Asian languages will improve.
What are the system requirements?
To use LingQ, all you need is a computer with an internet connection and Internet Explorer 6 and above or Firefox 2.0, as your browser. You should also have an iPod or equivalent MP3 player and a headset/microphone for taking part in online voice chats.
What is LingQing a word or phrase?
When you study, you will come across words and phrases that you would like to learn. You will want to "LingQ" these terms. This means you will look up translations and examples and save this term for later review.
How do I LingQ a word or phrase?
To create a "LingQ", open a content Item in the WorkDesk and simply highlight your term and click the blue LingQ button. Copy a Hint from the dictionary, and edit the example Phrase and your LingQ is created and ready for later review.
How do you know which words are "New" to me?
Initially we don't know, but as you use LingQ, our system learns which words you know and is able to tell you how many "New Words" are in every content Item. This helps you select content to study which is at your level.
How do I increase my 'Known Words' total?
As you study an Item and LingQ words you would like to learn, our system assumes that all other words are Known. We add these Known words to your Known Words total when you click the "Update" button in the WorkDesk. Furthermore, as you review and learn the words you have saved, these words are added to your Known Words list.
How do I learn words using the flashcards?
If you "Check" a flashcard without looking at the Hint or Phrase and get it right, this is considered a correct response. Every two correct responses increase the LingQ status by 1 level until the word becomes "Known". However, if you first look at the Phrase and then answer correctly, the LingQ status does not change. If you first look at the Hint and the Phrase, this is considered an incorrect response and your LingQ status will decrease 1 level for every two incorrect responses.
How do I join speaking Events?
Sign up for an Event that fits your schedule from the list of Available Events in the Events section. Your tutor will phone you using Skype at the scheduled time. Make sure to have Skype open and to have a headset/microphone.
How often do Events take place?
Our tutors try to cover as many different times and time zones as possible. In our more popular languages we have most times and time zones covered. We do have tutors from around the world so even if you can't find a suitable time, you can often create your own Event at a time that works for you.
How many Events can I join?
You can join as many Events as you like as long as you have enough points available in your account. You can always buy more points if you run out.
How many people can join an Event?
Group discussions can have up to 4 learners with 1 tutor. 1 on 1 conversations with a tutor can also be set up.
How long are speaking Events?
Events can be anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour in length depending on the number of participants. ie. A 1 on 1 discussion is 15 minutes; a 2 on 1 discussion is 30 minutes; a 3 on 1 discussion is 45 minutes etc. It is also possible to create extended 1 on 1 conversations of 30 minutes in length.
How do you correct writing?
Your writing is corrected by our tutors using our unique correction system. Our tutors correct your mistakes and replace your unnatural phrasing with native speaker phrasing, which makes your language sound natural.
What is the Priority LingQs list?
The Priority LingQs list contains the 25 most important words that you have saved. These words are important because they occur most frequently which is why it makes sense to learn them first. That is why we show these words on the Overview page for review and on the Write page for you to try and use in your writing.