Best Startup
Linkword publishes language courses which have been shown in a number of published studies to be up to 3x faster to learn from than normal courses. Linkword is unique in publishing the results of our studies for children and adults of how much learning takes place.
We publish in academic journals, so we can claim on the basis of our extensive published studies how fast learning is with Linkword. No other commercial language course does this.
The courses teach vocabulary and grammar using the Keyword/Linkword method. In a recent textbook on vocabulary learning published by Cambridge University press, the author concluded:
Learners find the keyword (Linkword) technique an enjoyable activity and can achieve large amounts of learning, with it with some learners learning 400 words in 12 contact hours and 600 in four days.
Quote from: Professor I Nation (2022)
‘Learning A Vocabulary In Another Language’, Cambridge University Press
Our software courses are available online for mac, pc, and smartphones.
Our aim is to revolutionise language learning so it is seen to be fast and enjoyable, especially for those who find language learning difficult.
Tell us about yourself?
What makes Linkword special is that they are written by a psychologist with a research interest in Memory improvement.
The courses make use of a large number of proven aids to remembering, not just the keyword method.
I initiated the practical aspects of Memory conferences which are regarded as launching the Everyday memory movement, and was elected president of the International learned society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition for 1994-5.
I also wrote and published Linkword courses which have sold over 750,000 copies to date and have published books on Memory for Academic press John Wiley and Routledge amongst others.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
I should have got to know how to use social media.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
I always felt that theoretical knowledge in psychology was of little use unless it could be applied to real life problems and be accessible to the general public. That is why, when I read the literature on the keyword method, I applied it in language courses.
What is your magic sauce?
The magic sauce is to provide language courses which provide learners with a rapid means of not only learning a foreign language extremely rapidly and enjoyably, but remembering what has been learned.
Our trustpilot rating has a 98% 5 stars rating.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
I want to carry on marketing Linkword to the widest possible number of people and to expand into teaching classes over the internet through independent language schools.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
I have found it difficult to get into schools in large numbers. It is very hard work, in spite of a good writeup in the TES.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
We have a website where we offer free demos and a 60 day unconditional money-back guarantee. Courses are offered in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Russian, Welsh, Mandarin, Japanese, Hebrew.
Courses are offered for software and MP3 talking book audios.
Less than one in 100 people ask for a refund.
