Tips to get the most out of Bubblz

To get the most out of Bubblz, be sure to enable the correct keyboard for the language you're practicing. Using your native keyboard can make it harder to type the right characters, and autocorrect might change your words. Switching to the correct language keyboard helps you type accurately and avoid autocorrect errors (this applies to text input, not voice input).

For iOS Users:

1. Open Settings: Go to the ‘Settings’ app on your device.
2. General: Scroll down and select ‘General,’ then tap on ‘Keyboard.’
3. Keyboards: Tap ‘Keyboards’ again, then ‘Add New Keyboard.’
4. Select Language: Choose the keyboard for the language you are learning from the list.
5. Switching Keyboards: When typing, tap the globe icon or the emoji icon next to the space bar to switch between languages.

For Android Users:

1. Open Settings: Navigate to your device’s settings menu.
2. Select System: Go to ‘System’ and find ‘Languages & input’ or ‘Language & keyboard’ depending on your device.
3. Keyboard & Input Methods: Tap on ‘Virtual Keyboard’ or ‘On-screen keyboard’ and then select ‘Manage keyboards.’
4. Add New Keyboard: Find the language keyboard you wish to add from the list and toggle it on.
5. Switching Keyboards: When typing, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel, then select the ‘Change keyboard’ icon. Choose your desired language keyboard.

When using text input mode, we recommend that you avoid using the keyboard's dictation button (a microphone icon) at the bottom of the keyboard. The dictation button uses your device's built-in speech-to-text functionality, which can produce unexpected transcriptions in our app. It is simply part of your device's keyboard interface and is not actually a feature of Bubblz.

If you do use the dictation button, make sure you first enable the language keyboard for the learning language (see tip above).

For spoken input, we recommend using our Voice Input feature, which applies artificial intelligence to provide accurate transcriptions in the languages we offer.

If you aren’t sure how to say something in your target language, just input (speak or type, depending on the input mode) that word or phrase in your native language. Bubblz will automatically correct it.

Each of our modules — Role Play Chat, Topic Chat, and Translation Practice — includes a feature to enter your own custom scenario or topic. This is a great way to practice conversations that mirror what you might talk about in your own life. Get in the habit of noticing conversations you have in your everyday life, and enter them in one of the Bubblz modules to practice them in your target language.

The most impactful thing you can do to acquire a language more quickly is to leverage repetition. 

When using Bubblz, instead of always choosing a different scenario or topic, try repeating one until you’ve mastered it. You’ll probably find that much of the vocabulary and phrasing recurs, and you’ll quickly reinforce your knowledge much more deeply than from just doing it once.

This is actually one of the greatest advantages of having an A.I. conversation partner: most people would be reluctant to have the same conversation repeatedly with a human conversation partner, but with Bubblz you can repeat it as often as you like.

When you speak your native language, the words literally just roll off your tongue. In order to achieve this in your target language, it’s helpful to read the statements out loud a few times. Remember, repetition is the key to making your language skills subconscious.

Many learners incorrectly assume that speaking is the most important activity in language learning. However, this perspective misses a key point: true fluency means being able to produce native-like phrasing, and writing can actually have some advantages over speaking in terms of practicing optimal phrasing.

When you write, you can take time to produce more complete and nuanced statements. Also, you're much more likely to self-correct mistakes when writing. A lot of learning happens when you do that. Conversely, when we speak a new language, we often revert to very basic phrasing just because we can produce it more readily.

In terms of whether to use text input or voice input with Bubblz, it really depends on which mode allows you to express yourself more efficiently. If you currently express yourself better by typing, rest assured it's a valid and effective method to practice a language.

On the other hand, if you are able to express yourself more efficiently by speaking, or if you just want to practice your pronunciation skills, then voice input is for you.

Of course, you can always use both, switching between them as it suits you.

Note, however, that we recommend you avoid using the keyboard dictation (microphone) button on the bottom of your keyboard, as mentioned in an earlier tip.

If you want to listen more carefully to the chatbot's responses, you can easily slow down its voice playback. Just tap the gear icon in the chat interface, and select "Slow playback mode." 

Note: Beginning with Bubblz version 2.11, “Slow playback mode” is enabled by default for Pre-Intermediate (A2) and Intermediate (B1) users.

If you aren’t sure what to say — or even if you’re simply feeling lazy — go ahead and use a Lifeline. The Lifeline feature automatically enters an A.I.-generated response for you. Just remember to take a moment to notice how the response was phrased so you can learn from it. Better yet, repeat it out loud!

Bubblz stores your past sessions so you can review them at any time (tap the flag icon > History). Consider including frequent reviews in your practice routine. For example, after you’ve completed a number of sessions, review them in History as a final step. Alternatively, start your practice session by reviewing yesterday’s sessions.

Pro tip: Read the entire conversation out loud to help internalize the phrasing. The more you do this, the more easily you’ll be able to retrieve native-like phrasing during real conversations.

But be careful not to spend too much time reviewing. The most important thing is to engage in frequent chats in order to simulate language immersion.

To change the language level, tap the flag icon on the Home Screen, and then tap Learning Language > Level.

Even if you've reached a B1 or B2 level through traditional language learning methods, which often focus on grammar, you might still find conversations challenging. This is because effective communication in a language relies on subconscious fluency, while grammar is learned consciously. Bubblz is designed to help bridge this gap, so it's crucial to select a level where you feel most comfortable conversing.

At level A2, the chatbot will use shorter sentences and simpler, more straightforward language. As you progress beyond A2, the language will become increasingly complex and colloquial.

We get it. Sometimes we're not feeling very creative and having a conversation can feel like a lot of work. Try taking the Translation Module for a spin. Since Bubblz creates both sides of the conversation (in your native language), you won't have to think of what to say, just how to translate what Bubblz says.

Another huge advantage of the Translation Module is it highlights holes in your knowledge. When we're deciding what to say, we instinctively gravitate to what we already know how to say. Practicing translating with Bubblz will help you discover new phrases, vocabulary, and ways of saying things, dramatically improving your conversational skills.

When you're ready to end your conversation with the chatbot, simply close the chat session. The sessions are designed to continue until you decide to stop, so remember to end the session when you're done. This way, you have full control over when to wrap up, just like in a real-life interaction!