User:Inge Walter/Mosalingua

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 language skills in different foreign languages.

Mosalingua has a web version, individual applications for each language on Android, and a unified version for iOS.

The platform is subscription-based and requires payment to be used, similar to alternatives such as Busuu or Rosetta Stone.

History
Mosalingua was founded in 2009 by Samuel Michelot and Luca Sadurny. The idea arose from their interest in finding efficient ways to learn foreign languages. Initially, the platform was launched as a mobile application with a focus on spaced repetition techniques to optimize the language learning process.

Over the years, Mosalingua has experienced gradual growth in its user base and has expanded its offerings to include a variety of language courses in different languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, among others. The platform has incorporated audio content, vocabulary flashcards, and interactive exercises as part of its teaching methodology.

Despite some popularity among language learners, Mosalingua has faced criticism for its limited focus on certain aspects of language learning and for its lack of depth in real conversation practice.

Methodology
The methodology of Mosalingua is based on several pedagogical principles, including the Pareto Principle, Spaced Repetition (SRS), and spaced memorization 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 implies focusing on the most commonly used vocabulary and grammatical structures in the target language.

Spaced Repetition is a study technique that suggests distributing 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.

Mosaweb
Mosaweb is the current main mode of the Mosalingua course, which integrates all the content of all the languages available on the platform. This mode offers resources including videos, audiobooks, texts, and other tools. Through Mosaweb, users have access to didactic materials designed to improve their language skills in different foreign languages. This mode provides a learning experience that encompasses aspects of language mastery, from listening comprehension to written expression.

Criticism
The methodology of Mosalingua has also been subject to criticism. Some critics argue that the platform's approach is too simplistic and does not adequately address the complexity of language learning.

Paid copy of existent apps
Mosalingua has been compared to Anki, a popular spaced repetition memorization app, with some users suggesting that Mosalingua is essentially 'just an Anki with audio.' French professor Simon Marion has pointed out that Mosalingua uses the same spaced repetition concept, charging for the algorithm developed by Polish researcher Piotr Woźniak in the 1980s.

Limited approach
Additionally, several polyglots, such as Benny Lewis, author of the forum Fluent in 3 months, have expressed that Mosalingua cannot be considered as the sole language learning method. And while Mosalingua may be beneficial as a supplement for developing vocabulary and listening comprehension skills, it cannot replace the need for real conversation practice and exposure to the language through cultural immersion, as these are essential components for achieving fluency in a language.

The platform primarily focuses on teaching common words, expressions, and vocabulary used in everyday life. However, this approach may be limited for some users as it does not comprehensively address fundamental aspects such as grammar, which is essential in language learning, particularly in languages like English.

High prices
MosaLingua offers a variety of courses, but those with more comprehensive content can be expensive compared to the average online courses. This may affect accessibility for certain users who are seeking more affordable options.

Lack of guidance
Despite offering organized study materials, the design of the apps and the web platform is not intuitive, and some students may feel overwhelmed when navigating through the Mosalingua website or app, especially if they are new to online language learning. The lack of clear guidance can hinder the learning process and demotivate users.