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Lupa Review: Tune Your Ear to Spanish with Authentic Content
Let’s face it, if you can’t understand what native speakers are saying it’s impossible to reach Spanish fluency.
And after you get beyond the beginner level, you eventually reach a plateau.
You can speak some Spanish, and can even hold a basic conversation, but you struggle with understanding native speakers–especially when they're talking to each other.
But the problem is, either you’re listening to content that is too easy and doesn’t challenge you, or you try to watch movies and TV series intended for a Spanish-speaking audience and it’s just too difficult.
You get lost and can’t follow along, and there just isn’t enough context or support to help you figure it out.
So what do you do if you want to get beyond the comfort of slow-paced speech from Spanish courses and podcasts made just for Spanish learners, and really improve your Spanish listening skills with authentic content?
Enter Lupa.
If you’ve been learning Spanish and listening to podcasts, chances are you’ve heard of Radio Ambulante.
Led by Carolina Guerrero and Daniel Alarcón, the podcast started in 2011 and is now part of the National Public Radio (NPR) lineup.
Radio Ambulante’s stories feature extraordinary people from all over Latin America telling their stories, in their own voices.
To make their stories more accessible for Spanish learners, Radio Ambulante has partnered with Jiveworld, a technology company whose mission is to remove cultural barriers by promoting language fluency.
They aimed to build a self-study app to address one of the biggest obstacles facing many language learners: understanding native speakers.
Improving Listening with Authentic Latin American Content
Radio Ambulante’s unique stories are recorded on-site all over Latin America and normally require native-level Spanish fluency to understand.
The Lupa app uses Jiveworld’s audio player and ear training method to help your ear adapt to the sounds of Spanish spoken by native speakers.
Lupa is designed for intermediate and advanced Spanish learners who want to achieve a better understanding of Latin America while learning the language. You’ll be listening to the stories with just enough help to keep you on track.
You can listen and relisten to the stories with either the entire transcript as its being said or by only reviewing some of the words. Lupa engages you by only showing you certain words so you still have to pay attention and listen.
So let's take a look at some of the features…
Keep your ears engaged by limiting text
You have control over how much text is revealed by clicking on the “abc” button at the bottom right, which helps you focus and avoid getting overwhelmed.
This is a nice feature to keep you engaged in the story while challenging your listening comprehension.
Repeat and re-listen
You can repeat each chapter and/or play specific lines of the text. Before each section, a ‘passage hint’ with a brief description of each chapter is shown. It gives you a general idea regarding the context of the section.
Smart vocabulary review
Whenever you click on a word to see its translation, it automatically gets added to your vocabulary list for that episode.
Instead of giving you a random definition from an online dictionary like most apps, Lupa actually gives you the meaning of the word that matches the context in the story.
They also identify and explain the use of colloquialisms and phrases, which is a huge help for understanding what you’re listening to.
You can then view the list to review the words and their definitions before you re-listen to that section.
You control the speed
The stories are broken down into short sections with the ability to change the audio speed.
This is especially helpful for difficult-to-understand accents and fast talkers.
This will also enhance your understanding of pronunciation and tune your ear to different accents from throughout Latin America.
Listen to stories that truly interest you
You can search for stories by topic, country, or duration. This is an awesome feature for finding what interests you or to focus on a specific country. Searching by duration also makes sense if you only have a short amount of time or would like to dedicate x amount of time for self-studying.
Keep track of your progress
You can keep track of the stories you have listened to, the ones that you have not yet finished, and the unplayed ones.
In this section you will also find the ones you have downloaded to your phone to access while offline. You can also keep track of your progress. Lupa allows you to set specific goals for how much listening you want to do each week.
What Could Be Better
Vocabulary Review is Limited
Although the app states you can review vocabulary easily, it actually isn't very robust. You have to go to the story to view the vocabulary list, and it just shows you all of the words at the same time.
While there is a feature to export vocabulary to another app like Anki or Quizlet, it's a little clunky and doesn’t really work well with Quizlet.
Not for Beginners
The stories provided on Lupa are told by native speakers who speak Spanish in a natural way–not slow, curated “teacher speak.” This can be jarring for someone who is just starting out.
The app would not be recommended for beginners. If you still don't feel confident holding a conversation in Spanish, then Pimsleur Spanish would be a better option for you (see my Pimsluer review here).
The Bottom Line: Is this really the answer to understanding native speakers?
The Lupa app is a great resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of Latin America and add culturally relevant vocabulary.
You’ll be learning more than words and phrases. It will help you get used to hearing and understanding Spanish in a conversational tone, and not the ordinary textbook examples.
The availability of the app (you can download stories to listen while not connected) makes it easy to learn a little while you’re on the go, so it’s ideal for busy language learners as well.
I would recommend Lupa for intermediate and advanced learners that are looking for more exposure to hearing native Spanish speakers in a variety of contexts and subject areas.
I personally love the fact that you can search stories by country, which really helps you focus on a particular type of Spanish. You're also more likely to learn and remember words when they are used in a context you have an interest in.
You can try out your first 2 stories at no cost, which is great if you want to test it out. Just download the Lupa app at this link: https://www.lupa.app/salsa
You can start learning for free and if you decide to upgrade to the full version, you’ll get a special discount.
Click here to Unlock your special discount for Lupa
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FAQs
How much is lupa app? ›
Downloading the Lupa app is completely free.
Is Lupa good? ›The Lupa app is a great resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of Latin America and add culturally relevant vocabulary. You'll be learning more than words and phrases.
How does lupa app work? ›Lupa is a mobile app that combines Radio Ambulante stories with advanced tech features – enabling intermediate Spanish learners to rapidly become more fluent. Over the years we've heard from thousands of listeners who tell us they use our stories to improve their Spanish.
How do I train my ears for Spanish? ›- Sitting and concentrating solely on the listening at hand.
- Doing it consistently for at least 3 or 4 months.
- Choosing material that is right for your level.
- Getting immediate feedback.
Try Lupa Run for free
Join now with the best value!
Free account: You can download ELSA app completely free-of-charge and register to start using the free version of ELSA: 2 free lessons on each Planet, Topic, and Game type. AI Dictionary feature which allows you to search for any word, as well as learn and practice pronouncing them.
Is Lupa a goddess? ›The Goddess Lupa is a she-wolf. She is the protective mother who fed Romulus and Remus (twin demi-gods and the founders of Rome) at her teat. She is formidable and can bring death to her enemies or protection to those she cares about. She brings prosperity and fertility to crops and animals.
What kind of wolf is Lupa? ›Trivia. In most stories, Lupa is a regular she-wolf, not a goddess.
Is Lupa a wolf? ›La lupa is Italian for "the she-wolf", a female wolf. La lupa can refer to the mythological she-wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus and became a symbol of the city of Rome. La lupa Capitolina is the Italian name of the Capitoline Wolf, the famous statue of the mythical she-wolf in the National Museum of Rome.
What is considered a lupa? ›Currently, LUPA occurs when there are four or fewer visits during a 60-day episode of care.
How does Ewa app work? ›
EWA is a personalized English, Spanish or French tutor in your pocket. Every user decides for themselves, how they would like to learn language, at what level and at what pace: 1. More than 1000 English, Spanish or French books with audio are available for you to sharpen your reading, writing and grammar skills.
What is a lupa? ›Low Utilization Payment Adjustment (LUPA)
Can you learn Spanish just by hearing it? ›In short: You're giving the information your full attention. When learning a new language, the fastest and most effective way to absorb new material is by actively listening. You'll be able to engage with what you're hearing on a deeper level, even if you don't understand what's being said.
What is the best way to learn ear training? ›Pitch ear training: Train your ear to recognize notes by playing the same note over and over while singing or humming it, and associating the sound with its name in your mind. The more clearly you can hear a note in your head, the better you'll become at identifying pitches.
Can you learn Spanish by hearing it? ›Spanish audiobooks can help build your vocabulary. There's a 99% chance that when you listen to a Spanish audiobook, you'll come across a word or an expression that you don't know. It's a good thing to be exposed to new words and phrases and it's normal when you learn to speak Spanish.
What is the best running trainer app? ›- Runkeeper (Top Pick)
- MapMyRun (Best for Beginners)
- Strava (Best for Social Sharing)
- Nike Run Club (Best for Audio Coaching)
- C25K.
iPhone or Android: Both
Nike+ Run Club is one of the most popular running apps for good reason—it's got everything you need all in one place. This free app offers GPS tracking, audio-guided workouts, weekly and monthly distance challenges to keep you motivated, and personalized coaching plans.
- EASY. Choose a template. We have many options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
- CUSTOMIZE. Drag and drop. Intuitive Platform, to develop your App without the need to write code.
- UPLOAD. Publish in Stores. You can publish your application in the. Play Store and App Store.
ELSA Speak is an excellent app for what it is meant to do: practice American English pronunciation. The lessons are quick so you can do as many or as few as you want in a day. Even though you are practicing the same skill, there are lots of different exercises that can help keep it interesting.
Are there any free app? ›More than 90 percent of the roughly 4.5 million smartphone apps in the Apple and Google stores are free to download.
What is the myth of Lupa? ›
In the Roman foundation myth, it was a she-wolf (lupa in Italian) that nursed and sheltered the twins Romulus and Remus after they were abandoned in the wild by order of King Amulius of Alba Longa. She cared for the infants at her den, a cave known as the Lupercal, until they were discovered by a shepherd, Faustulus.
Does Lupa have a human form? ›In both Italian and Latin the word lupa can describe a she-wolf or a prostitute, either a ferocious animal or a female human of voracious sexual appetites.
What god is associated with wolves? ›In Roman mythology wolves are mainly associated to Mars, god of war and agriculture.
What are the 7 levels of classification for a GREY wolf? ›- Kingdom: Animalia.
- Phylum: Chordata.
- Class: Mammalia.
- Order: Carnivora.
- Family: Canidae.
- Genus: Canis.
- Species: Canis lupus (Linnaeus, 1758) - gray wolf.
- Subspecies: C. l. arabs (Arabian peninsula) Subspecies: C. l. arctos (Arctic wolf, North America) Subspecies: C. l. baileyi (Mexican wolf, North America)
In Norse mythology, Hati Hróðvitnisson (Old Norse: [ˈhɑte ˈhroːðˌwitnesˌson], first name meaning "He Who Hates", or "Enemy") is a warg; a wolf that, according to Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, chases Máni, the Moon, across the night sky, just as the wolf Sköll chases Sól, the Sun, during the day, until the time of ...
What does lupa capitolina mean? ›The Capitoline Wolf (Italian: Lupa Capitolina) is a bronze sculpture depicting a scene from the legend of the founding of Rome. The sculpture shows a she-wolf suckling the mythical twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.
What does it mean to call a woman a she-wolf? ›quotations ▼ (slang, figuratively) A predatory woman.
What does SPQR mean in Roman times? ›The SPQR in the title of the book stands for “Senatus PopulusQue Romanus”, which means the Senate and the People of Rome.
Who is lupercus? ›Lupercus was a protector of the farmers, harvesting and packs of wild animals. Every year on 15 February in honor of him, the Romans held the Lupercalia. He was an ancient Italian god, worshipped by shepherds as the promoter of fertility in sheep and protector of flocks.
How many visits is a lupa? ›The LUPA threshold ranges between 2 and 6 visits. A 30-day period with visits less than the LUPA threshold for the payment group is paid the national per visit amount by discipline. For example, HIPPS code 2CB21 has a threshold of 5 in 2021.
How do you avoid lupa? ›
Perhaps the easiest way to avoid a LUPA is to know what the thresholds are right up front. One of the biggest factors on avoiding LUPA is to have accurate diagnosis coding and OASIS review. That is essential to make sure the LUPA is correct so you're going off the best information!
On what are Lupa thresholds based? ›Home Health Low Utilization Payment Adjustment (LUPA) Threshold Calculator. Under the home health Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), each of the 432 case-mix groups has a threshold to determine if the period of care would receive a LUPA. Currently, the LUPA threshold ranges between 2 and 6 visits.
How much does EWA app cost? ›| Title | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One-Month Subscription | Monthly | $11.99 |
| One-Year Subscription | Annual | $99.99 |
| Six-Month Subscription | 6 Month | $34.99 |
| Six-Month Subscription | 6 Month | $34.99 |
Overall, EWA: Learn English Language is an entertaining tool to practice and reinforce English acquisition. It relies heavily on translation and memorization, which are components of learning language, but not comprehensive. The library of books and articles is definitely the highlight of the app.
What Spanish app is free? ›Duolingo is the fun, free app for learning 40+ languages through quick, bite-sized lessons. Practice speaking, reading, listening, and writing to build your vocabulary and grammar skills.
What are the benefits of Lupa? ›LUPA enables ECs to meet and exceed their RPS targets, reduce perceived project-specific risks, attract competitive financing, and maximize cost savings to enable delivery of clean, low-cost electricity to the households they serve.
What causes a lupa? ›However, one cause of LUPAs stands out among the rest: the LUPA episode which occurs when a new home health patient is readmitted to an acute care facility and subsequently never returns to the agency's care. Think for a moment about all the negative consequences which happen in those circumstances.
What does the 30-day period under PDGM directly affect in home health care? ›PDGM classifies each 30-day period as either a community admission or an institutional admission. A 30-day period of care will be classified as an Institutional Admission if the patient has had an acute care stay (hospital) or post-acute care stay (nursing home) within the 14 days prior to HHA admission.
Is it possible to learn a language just by listening to it? ›Generally, you do have the ability to learn a language just by listening. You can see evidence for this in children: kids start comprehending language even before they speak it. The good news is that you can apply a similar strategy in your own studies.
How fast can I learn Spanish on my own? ›The bottom line
If you start out as a beginner and spend an average of 1 hour per day working on your Spanish, you should able to reach conversational fluency within 8 – 12 months. That translates to roughly 250 – 350 hours of time spent.
How quickly can Spanish be learned? ›
So, to answer “how long does it take to learn Spanish” – it should take you about 24 weeks to learn Spanish, according to Foreign Service Institute. To explain it a bit more, if you spend 3 hours every day learning Spanish, you'll achieve fluency in around six months.
What is the most important ear training? ›Of all the aspects of ear training, committing to train your ear to recognize music through relative pitch is the most important. Relative pitch is the ability to recognize, imagine or reproduce specific notes or chords, relative to a tonality (or a reference note).
How long does it take to improve ear training? ›Ear training is an ongoing process. You'll be improving your ear for the rest of your life. However, 80% of the progress can be achieved in the first 4-6 months.
How can I train my ears at home? ›- Increase practice frequency, not duration. ...
- Start simple and gradually increase difficulty. ...
- Track your progress. ...
- Sing scales and intervals. ...
- Transcribe music with your instrument.
Listening to songs in Spanish can massively improve your vocabulary and grammar, because you'll have a context for the new words and sentences you're learning; you're far more likely to remember words if you learn them in a song rather than in a long vocabulary list.
How can I improve my hearing in Spanish? ›- Find a Spanish Speaker.
- Listen to Spanish Podcasts.
- Watch Movies in Spanish.
- Watch TV in Spanish.
- Switch All Devices/Sites to Spanish.
- Watch Videos in Spanish.
- Start Asking Questions When Listening.
- Talk on the Phone in Spanish.
Price. There is a limited free version of Tandem and a pro version available at $6.99 for one month, $3.99/month for three months, and $2.92/month for a year's subscription.
How much does it cost for a home app? ›A real estate app usually costs $25,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $8,000 or as high as $60,000. A real estate app with a low number of features (also known as a "minimum viable product", or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality.
How much does Ewa app cost? ›| Title | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One-Month Subscription | Monthly | $11.99 |
| One-Year Subscription | Annual | $99.99 |
| Six-Month Subscription | 6 Month | $34.99 |
| Six-Month Subscription | 6 Month | $34.99 |
Duolingo is the fun, free app for learning 40+ languages through quick, bite-sized lessons. Practice speaking, reading, listening, and writing to build your vocabulary and grammar skills.
Is Tandem a good app? ›
Tandem is an excellent app to find a language exchange partner from anywhere in the world. It's not made as an app to teach a language so it won't be very helpful to beginners. But it's a good way to practice speaking and conversation once you have a handle on the basics of the language .
Do apps cost monthly? ›Most apps have a tiered subscription service, in which a user can pay less per month if they pay for an annual or bi-annual subscription. Some apps also offer lifetime subscriptions, at around two to three times the cost of an annual subscription.
Does it cost to download an app? ›There are millions of apps created to run on today's tablets and smartphones. Some apps can be downloaded and installed for free, while others ought to be purchased from an app store.
What is the home app and do I need it? ›helps you set up and control Google Nest or Home speakers and displays, and Chromecast. You can control thousands of compatible lights, cameras, speakers, and more. You can also check your reminders and recent notifications, all from a single app.
How much does Babbel Spanish app cost? ›Babbel offers four different subscription options to choose from: a month-by-month plan, which costs $14 per month, a 3-month plan which costs around $30 ($10 per month), a 6-month plan that costs around $50 ($8.50 per month), and finally a 12-month plan, which is the best value at around $7 per month.
Is Babbel a fee? ›Registration with Babbel is completely free of charge and the first lesson in every course is free to try. (Depending on the language you choose, that's 30-80 free lessons!)
Does Babbel cost anything? ›1 month of access to Babbel costs $13.95. A 3-month subscription to Babbel costs $9.95 per month. A 6-month subscription to Babbel costs $8.45 per month. A 12-month subscription to Babbel costs $6.95 per month.