Learning with Texts

Overview

Learning with Texts (LWT) is a free language-learning tool built around reading and listening to texts, with vocabulary saved and reviewed in context. It suits self-directed learners who want to study their own material and are comfortable managing a local server. The focused workflow is appealing, but its setup requirements and character restriction narrow its audience.

Key features

Import a text, optionally pair it with an MP3 URL, and save unfamiliar words or expressions as you read. Terms can hold a translation, romanization and example sentence, while their learning status remains visible in the text. That makes LWT a good fit for learners who want review tied to the material they encountered, rather than a separate vocabulary list.

Tests can present terms with or without sentence context, and Massive-Context Cloze Deletion provides another way to check recall. Personalized review supports returning to saved vocabulary. Configurable web dictionary links open external dictionaries for lookups; terms can also be imported from CSV or TSV and exported to TSV or Anki.

Annotated texts place selected word-by-word translations above the original, for online or offline study. A special dictionary link integrates Translate Shell locally on macOS and Linux. These tools support a text-centered routine, though they do not change the fact that LWT requires learners to bring their own texts and dictionary services.

Pricing

LWT has one plan: Free, at no cost. There is no paid tier or free trial. The plan includes the software without a subscription charge, but it requires a local web server, PHP and MySQL. That makes the price straightforward for technically equipped learners, while the server setup is a real cost in time and effort for anyone expecting a ready-hosted app.

Platforms

LWT supports Linux, macOS, Windows, web and self-hosted use. It requires a modern browser, a local web server with PHP and a database server such as MySQL. The offline lesson option is useful for studying annotated texts without an online connection, but it does not remove the server requirements for running LWT.

One important limitation: texts and vocabulary terms containing Unicode characters above U+FFFF are unsupported. Learners working with such characters should choose another tool. LWT is provided as is, without warranty, and its authors disclaim liability; the author invites problem reports, feedback and ideas.

Who it's for

LWT is best for learners who want to build vocabulary while reading or listening to their own texts, value export to Anki, and can set up or maintain a local web stack. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants a hosted, turnkey service or whose study material contains unsupported Unicode characters.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Vocabulary stays connected to the text, with translations, romanization, examples and learning status available for review.
• Pros: Contextual tests, annotated texts and optional audio support several parts of a reading-based study routine.
• Pros: The free plan has no subscription price, and CSV/TSV import plus TSV or Anki export help move terms between workflows.
• Cons: Running it requires a local web server, PHP and a database server, which adds setup and maintenance work.
• Cons: Characters above U+FFFF are unsupported, ruling out some texts and terms.

Alternatives

For a broader selection, browse Language learning apps. Choose Duolingo if you want an app on Android or iOS as well as the web and macOS, and prefer a freemium service with a free trial; its free plan is free and the trial lasts one week.

Sotto is another free, self-hosted option, available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows and web, with an API. Its self-hosted plan is free; users pay configured providers directly. Choose Busuu for a freemium option on Android, iOS and web, with a free plan and paid Premium and Premium Plus plans.

LingQ is worth considering if you want mobile apps and a browser extension alongside the web app; its free membership is capped at 20 saved words and phrases, 5 imported lessons and 1 audio playlist. mLearn is a free alternative for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, with an extension; its optional cloud features have usage limits.

Innovative Language Learning offers a free lifetime account with lessons, transcripts and mobile access, plus a trial and a Basic plan at $8 a month billed monthly. JapanesePod101 is a freemium alternative with a free plan and trial, available on Android, iOS and web. Talktiko has a free plan capped at one language and three lessons per day, with basic text-to-speech, and is available on Android, iOS and web.

Verdict

Choose LWT if your ideal study session starts with your own text and you want reading, listening, vocabulary review and testing in one free workflow. Its strongest reason to choose it is that close link between source material and saved terms. Look elsewhere if you need a turnkey hosted app, or if your texts use characters above U+FFFF.