Refold
Refold is the first complete language learning solution. We show you how to learn a language from zero to fluency with a method that adapts to fit your lifestyle, interests, and goals. The best part? It’s completely FREE!
Philosophy behind the Refold Method
We believe you should learn to understand a new language before you try to speak it.
Speaking before you can understand is difficult. You lack both the intuition for the language’s grammar and the vocabulary to properly express yourself.
Speaking after you can already understand is much easier. In the process of learning to understand the language, you build a natural instinct for how it’s supposed to sound, just like you did for your native language. Things will just "sound right" or "sound wrong” to your ears.
How to understand a language
It’s simple. You need comprehensible input — and a lot of it.
Comprehensible input
Comprehensible input is any kind of media (TV shows, books, podcasts, etc.) that you can understand, even if you don’t know all the words and grammar involved.
When you read or listen to comprehensible input, your brain builds an instinct for how the language works. If you start with easy comprehensible input and slowly increase the difficulty over time, you will eventually be able to understand native speakers — easily and instinctually.
The issue for new learners is that they can’t find comprehensible input at the right level for them. Instructional materials are too easy, and media for native speakers is too hard.
To solve this problem, Refold shows you how to use tools and techniques to make challenging media more comprehensible and enjoyable. In the beginning you’ll rely on these tools a lot, but eventually you’ll be able to understand difficult content without any support. With Refold you can enjoy media created for native speakers starting from day 1.
Spend a LOT of time with the language
Learning a language is a long process. It’s not enough to spend ten minutes a day or one day a week learning — you need to make a lifestyle change.
Refold teaches you how to integrate a new language into your life in a fun and sustainable way. For example, we help you convert your entertainment habits to your new language.
The Refold Method Overview
- Establish a foundation in reading and listening.
- Build on that foundation by developing reading fluency.
- Develop listening fluency by learning to hear what you already know
- Convert your understanding of the language into speaking and writing fluency.
Phase 1: Reading and Listening Basics
Goal:
Build a solid foundation in reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar.
How to achieve the goal:
- Build basic reading and listening comprehension by reading media with matching audio (e.g. audiobooks with accompanying text, TV shows with subtitles, graded readers or textbook dialogues with audio, and podcasts with transcripts).
- Use vocabulary flashcards to learn the most frequent words.
- Spend a little time each day reading about common grammar patterns.
Requirement to continue to Phase 2:
Learn and understand 2,000 words in context.
Phase 2: Reading Fluency
Goal:
Develop reading fluency
How to achieve the goal:
- Read a lot of media, with or without audio.
- Use vocabulary flashcards to learn common words from your reading material.
- Spend a little time each day reading about intermediate grammar patterns.
Requirements to continue to Phase 3:
- Learn and understand 5,000 words in context.
- Become comfortable reading everyday conversation (TV subtitles, book dialogues, podcast transcripts).
Phase 3: Listening Fluency
Goal:
Develop listening fluency
How to achieve the goal:
- Listen to a lot of media.
- Do focused listening drills.
- Practice your pronunciation: pronunciation drills help improve your listening ability at the same time.
Requirement to continue to Phase 4:
Become very comfortable listening to everyday conversation.
Phase 4: Speaking and Writing Fluency
Goal:
Develop speaking and writing fluency
How to achieve the goal:
- Speak a lot with native speakers.
- Practice writing and have a native speaker correct your mistakes.
- Continue doing pronunciation drills.
- Continue listening to a lot of media.
Requirement to finish Phase 4.
Become very comfortable speaking and writing in casual conversation.
Learners love Refold
But don’t just take our word for it! Listen to what our clients have to say:
Get started by selecting your level of support
Free
Independent
For self-motivated learners who want to learn a language. We provide everything you need to go from zero to fluency.
100-day Quickstart guides to start off strong.
A complete, structured guide for learning any language.
Searchable question-and-answer database.
A library of learning content organized by language and level.
A community of over 40,000 motivated language learners.
Paid
Supported
For learners who want a personalized, streamlined experience. In just 30 days, we'll teach you how to combine the best apps, tools, and techniques to learn ANY language.
Video lessons and structured assignments every day.
Dedicated coaching support to answer all your questions.
Learn on your own schedule and at your own pace!
A community of like-minded learners to help you reach your goals.
Resource recommendations to save you time.