Mus + Lang L1 Review

 
All of my recent talk about exotic locales has me thinking about more than foie gras and quaint patisseries. Since I’m in my third trimester of pregnancy, the thought of having a real, live baby in my arms looms so much nearer. The tangible taste of spitup in my hair and boogers on my face feels more present than future.

Still, the word “exotic” lingers like a sweet mist of lavender in the golden fields of Provence. I naturally want my child to be educated in experiences of the larger world. Spending some time with Mus + Lang L1 by Caps Off is like eating creme brulee for two, no? Whatever I glean undoubtedly echoes through bubbly soundwaves of amniotic fluid and pours into the developing neurons of Baby Girl.

Mus + Lang L1 is nothing to shout “Tres Bon!” about in terms of design. The aesthetics are purely functional. I prefer a visual cue, but I do adore the fact that I can listen to my favorite music as I learn new vocabulary. There's a certain grace and comfort to the process.

Mus + Lang L1 allows me to choose a language: Arabic, Japanese, German, Chinese, English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish. I first choose my native language, English, and then I choose French, since it's a language I knew well in a past life.

During the “basics” portion, I learn “salut,” “mauvais,” and “bon.” A submenu prompts me to select “play again,” or, if and when I am ready, I can save this particular word as “complete.” The app continues to offer me tutorials even as I mark “complete."

A green space fills in signifying my completion, and the female French computerized voice continues her prompts: “Bon?” to which I reply “Good.”

I appreciate that Mus + Lang L1 allows me to go about my day as new vocabulary trickles into my forgetful mommy-to-be cells. I can check my email or surf the web, and French continues to roll through my ear. Although it seemed I may find this an uneffective approach since I assumed this required my full concentration, my auditory learning is in overdrive. I find myself completing the app's prompt without much of a second thought.

It seems these words seem to be sticking, or, in my case, re-sticking themselves to me. After completing the “basics,” I am prompted to refamiliarize myself with French transportation vocabulary, such as “une voiture” for car, in the "objects" category.

I enjoy Mus + Lang L1. Unlike so many apps, Mus + Lang L1 is completely useful for referencing again and again. The app offers ample material to master and perfect. The marriage of function with a free, educational app makes for hours of time spent being productive productive, and it doesn't even seem like work. And, who knows? Maybe Baby Girl will tunnel (Chunnel?) through the womb to greet us with: “Bonjour, Maman et Papa!”