SonLerni was born from a simple frustration: why do language learners excel in tests but struggle to understand real conversations?
We believe language learning should prepare you for real-world conversations, not just textbook scenarios. That's why we created SonLerni - to bridge the gap between classroom French and the French you actually hear in the wild.
SonLerni means "Learn with Sound" in Esperanto, reflecting our core belief that authentic audio is the key to true fluency.
Every language learner faces this moment of realization
During the first few months of language learning, learners encounter rigid scaffolding. They're trapped in the present tense, using highly manufactured scenarios designed to keep complications to a minimum.
But then comes that moment of realization: although they're scoring well in their "tests," they simply cannot speak or comprehend natives who are speaking naturally. This gets us to the joke: "Oh, I don't speak French, I speak Duolingo."
Ambitious learners know they must break free of these contrived scenarios and immerse themselves in the real thing. They turn to media—newspapers, books, movies, TV, Netflix, and podcasts—to eavesdrop on natives speaking to other natives.
Suddenly they're exposed to idioms, casual expressions, "bad" grammar, curse words, pillow-talk, and all the ways in which natives are truly native in their communication. But without proper support, this leap can be overwhelming and discouraging.
The perfect medium for authentic language learning
The principles that guide everything we do
Join other immersion learners who've broken through the sound barrier with native podcasts and AI tutoring