Product Overview of Memrise
Memrise is a popular language-learning platform designed to help users acquire new languages through a combination of innovative learning techniques, interactive features, and a user-friendly interface.
What Memrise Does
Memrise is tailored to assist learners in progressing from a beginner level to an independent B1/B2 level, covering around 3000 of the most frequent words in the target language. It focuses on building vocabulary, providing pronunciation basics, and introducing grammar concepts. The platform leverages recent research on learning and memory formation to create an effective learning experience.
Key Features and Functionality
Spaced Repetition
Memrise employs a spaced repetition system, a technique proven to enhance memorization. This method ensures that words are reviewed at optimal intervals to transfer them from short-term to long-term memory. Words that are harder to remember appear more frequently, while easier ones appear less often.
Elaborate Encoding
Memrise uses the principle of elaborate encoding, where words are associated with mental images, memes, or puns (known as “mems”) to improve retention. Users can create their own mems or use those created by the community to aid in memorization.
Vocabulary Building
The platform offers flashcard-style learning, where each word or phrase is introduced with native speaker video pronunciation. Lessons are divided into manageable chunks, typically focusing on 20 to 30 words per session. Users can track their progress and adjust the number of new words learned in each session.
Review Features
Memrise includes several review features:
- Classic Review: Regular translation exercises to reinforce previously learned words.
- Speed Review: A timed, multiple-choice quiz that challenges users to recall words quickly, making it a fun and game-like feature.
- Difficult Word Training: Available to Premium members, this feature highlights words that the user struggles with and adds them to a special list for focused practice.
Listening and Pronunciation
The platform includes a listening module where users must understand speech without written cues. Additionally, Memrise features short videos with native speakers to help learners improve their pronunciation and get accustomed to authentic speech.
Grammar and Conversation Practice
- Grammarbot: Introduces grammar concepts in a playful manner, available to Premium subscribers.
- Communicate (MemBot): Utilizes Open AI’s generative AI to provide an AI language partner. MemBot sets missions and games that involve spoken and written conversations, helping users build speaking confidence without needing a native speaker.
Customization and Personalization
Memrise allows users to personalize their learning path by choosing from several thousand word lists outside the recommended curriculum. The platform also tracks the user’s learning statistics, such as the best time of day for learning and overall accuracy.
Community and Social Features
- Community Courses: These remain available in the current experience, even as official content migrates to the new Memrise experience.
- Leadership Boards: Friendly competitions and leaderboards motivate users by making them accountable for their progress.
Accessibility and Subscription Plans
Memrise offers both a free version and a paid subscription plan (Memrise Pro). The free version provides access to various lessons, review features, and limited video and conversation capabilities. Memrise Pro unlocks all lessons, unlimited videos, and additional features like the “Difficult Words” tab. As of May 2024, Memrise Pro costs $22.99/month, $71.99/year, or $100 for lifetime access.
Recent Updates
The new Memrise experience includes features like “Immerse” and “Communicate,” which enhance the learning journey with more interactive and immersive content. However, the new experience currently requires an internet connection and does not support offline mode.
