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Sheridan Today
By the People, for the People
Think In Italian Founder Releases Free Preview of SpeakTwice Italian App
New AI-powered app aims to help language learners overcome the "silent period" through conversational practice and instant feedback.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Stefano Lodola, the linguist and founder of the popular learning platform Think In Italian, has unveiled a free preview of his latest project, the SpeakTwice Italian app. Designed to help language learners move beyond passive listening and into active speaking, SpeakTwice uses AI to simulate real-time conversational practice with instant, linguist-informed feedback on grammar and syntax.
Why it matters
Many language learners struggle with the "silent period" where they can understand what they hear but cannot produce speech. SpeakTwice aims to address this common challenge by giving learners a safe space to practice speaking and make mistakes without judgment, ultimately helping them transition to real-world conversations.
The details
SpeakTwice features 2,000 grammar lessons, stories, and conversation scenarios, all powered by a smart recommendation engine. The app also includes an AI tutor and a spaced repetition system (SRS) to help reinforce learning. Unlike mass-market language apps, SpeakTwice is built from a "linguist-first" perspective to provide a more effective and tailored learning experience.
- The SpeakTwice preview is currently live and free to use.
- The iOS mobile app is currently in beta testing.
- The Android app is in open testing.
- The mobile apps will be available on the App Store and Play Store by the end of March 2026.
- The web app will also launch by the end of March 2026.
The players
Stefano Lodola
A professional linguist, polyglot, and the solo founder of the popular learning platform Think In Italian. He designed SpeakTwice to help language learners overcome the "silent period" and transition to active speaking.
Think In Italian
Lodola's existing platform that provides deep-immersion resources to help students move beyond translation and start thinking directly in their target language.
SpeakTwice
Lodola's latest project, an AI-powered app designed to help language learners practice conversational skills and receive instant, linguist-informed feedback.
What they’re saying
“As a linguist, I built SpeakTwice to be the tool I wished I had when I was learning my first few languages. It's not about flashy gamification; it's about giving learners a safe space to speak, make mistakes, and 'speak twice'—practicing once with the AI so they are ready for the real world.”
— Stefano Lodola, Founder, Think In Italian (GlobeNewswire)
What’s next
The iOS mobile app is currently in beta testing, and the Android app is in open testing. Both the mobile apps and the web app will be available by the end of March 2026 with in-app purchases.
The takeaway
SpeakTwice represents a linguist-driven approach to language learning, prioritizing conversational practice and instant feedback over traditional gamification tactics. By addressing the common "silent period" challenge, the app aims to help learners transition more effectively from passive listening to active speaking in their target language.
