Smigin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Smigin Travel:
- English (USA/UK/Australian)
- Spanish (Spain/Latin American)
- Portuguese (Brazilian)
- French
- Italian
- Swedish
- Haitian Creole
- Smigin:
- Spanish (Spain)
- Italian
- Portuguese (Portugal)
- English as a Second Language (UK, from Turkish and Portuguese)
European Union
 | |
| Available in | Multilingual
|
|---|---|
| Headquarters | New York, |
| Area served | World European Union |
| Founder(s) | Susan O'Brien |
| CEO | Susan O'Brien |
| Industry | Online education, translation, e-learning, software development, Language learning software |
| URL | www |
| Advertising | no |
| Registration | yes |
| Launched | 17 February 2014 |
| Current status | Online |
| Native client(s) on | Android, iOS, Windows, OS X |
Smigin is a conversation-based language learning platform available online and as a mobile application for iOS and Android. As of March 2016, Smigin has two products: Smigin,[1] a language-learning website and Smigin Travel,[2] a mobile translation app. Smigin's language learning site offers 4 different destination languages across 3 source languages, with several languages in development. Smigin Travel, exclusively designed for the mobile interface, is available on iOS and Android in 11 languages with users in over 175 countries.
Smigin was founded by Irish entrepreneur Susan O’Brien as an alternative to traditional language learning products and methods that focus on rigid grammar structures rather than conversational language. After moving to Portugal and having to learn Portuguese as a complete beginner,[3] O’Brien – a University College Cork graduate who speaks six languages – decided to develop a language learning solution that puts the user in control of their learning and focuses on what users wants to learn, with primary emphasis on conversational language.[4]
Smigin Travel, the company's first product, launched on the App Store on February 17, 2014.[5] Smigin Travel is a multilingual, multi-directional “phrasebuilder”[6] tool that enables travelers to speak a foreign language. Its user interface enables users to build and translate phrases across location-based sections such as Café, Restaurant, Hotel etc. The app also features phonetic spelling and audio recorded by native language speakers to help users pronounce their phrase.
With the support of Google in New York City, Smigin began to optimize Smigin Travel for Android in mid-2015 and in August 2015 released the Android version on the Google Play Store.[7] Smigin Travel is free to download, and users have the ability to unlock additional content through in-app purchases.[8] Initial support for the Smigin Travel app grew quickly and the company amassed users in 175 countries. The app is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Swedish and Haitian Creole.[9][10]
On September 29, 2015, Smigin launched a month-long Kickstarter[11] campaign with a funding goal of $20,000 for its second product named after the company. On October 27, 2015, Smigin successfully passed its funding goal and on October 29, 2015, Smigin acquired upwards of $20,000 to invest in further product development for its second product.
In March 2016, the company released its eponymous second product, Smigin – a browser-based language learning solution for beginners with an emphasis on conversational skills. Smigin launched in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English as a Second Language. Additional languages will be added throughout 2016, including Asian languages.
Smigin is listed by Digital NYC as a Made in NY startup.[12]
Methodology
Smigin's patent-pending methodology [13] employs a three-step approach to speaking a foreign language:[14]
Curated content: All Smigin content has been curated for location-based or situational scenarios to reflect useful language for real life application. Users pick sections to access relevant words and phrases they need to say at any given time.
Built-in grammar: Smigin's “built-in grammar" uses the infinitive form of verbs so users can create a wide variety of sentences without conjugations.
Real-life language: By gaining instant access to relevant words and phrases, Smigin empowers users to “break down language barriers” and become confident travelers by engaging in conversation. Users are encouraged to travel and apply their new skills to interactions with foreign locals.