# Lingofable -- Comprehensive Reference > Language learning through comprehensible input stories, perfectly matched to your level. ## What is Lingofable Lingofable is a language learning app that helps users become fluent by reading stories matched to their exact proficiency level. Rather than relying on gamified drills, flashcard memorization, or static textbook exercises, Lingofable uses comprehensible input -- stories written and selected so that the reader understands nearly everything, while naturally encountering a small number of new words in context. The app is built on Stephen Krashen's i+1 theory of language acquisition, which holds that people acquire language when they understand messages just slightly above their current level. Lingofable operationalizes this by targeting approximately 98% comprehensibility for each reader, adapting in real time based on their vocabulary. Lingofable is self-funded and built by Simon and Megan, college students studying Computer Science and Linguistics at Cornell University. --- ## The Science Behind Lingofable ### Comprehensible Input and i+1 Theory Comprehensible input is a language acquisition theory developed by Dr. Stephen Krashen. The core principle is stated simply: "We acquire language in only one way: when we understand messages... when we obtain 'comprehensible input.'" -- Dr. Stephen Krashen The "i+1" formulation means input (i) that is just one step (+1) above the learner's current competence. If the material is too easy, the learner is bored and acquires nothing new. If it is too hard, the learner cannot understand enough to make sense of the new elements. Lingofable's methodology is backed by over 40 years of language acquisition research. ### The 98% Comprehensibility Sweet Spot Research on extensive reading shows that 98% comprehensibility is the ideal target for natural vocabulary acquisition. At this level, the reader understands 98 out of every 100 words, which means the text is easy enough to follow and enjoy, but contains just enough unfamiliar words for natural learning to occur. To illustrate what different comprehensibility levels feel like (using invented English words to simulate unknown foreign vocabulary): **98% comprehensible:** "The letter arrives on a Tuesday. No return address. No name. Just your street, written in red ink. Inside, there's a photograph of your apartment building, taken from across the street. On the back, someone has *vantched* one word: Soon. You lock the door. You check the windows. That night, you can't sleep. Every sound in the hallway makes your heart race. At 3am, your phone lights up. Unknown number. The message reads: You left your kitchen light on. You walk to the kitchen. The light is off. You know you didn't turn it off. Someone is watching. And they want you to *grentle* it." At 98%, reading is smooth. You understand practically everything apart from a couple of words, and context often helps you guess their meaning. **95% comprehensible:** "The next morning, you go to the police. They take notes but don't seem *skiffled*. 'Probably a prank,' the officer says. You walk home slowly, checking over your shoulder. That night, another message: The blue shirt looks nice on you. You're wearing a blue shirt. You *slamber* to the window and pull the curtains shut. Your hands are *rimving*. You call your sister -- no answer. You call your best friend -- voicemail. You sit in the dark, phone in hand, waiting. At midnight, you hear footsteps outside your door. They stop. Then, a soft knock. Someone *glespens*: 'I know you're awake.'" A drop of 3% may not sound significant, but noticeably more effort is required. Reading slows down and comprehension becomes less automatic. **80% comprehensible:** "You don't *bringle*. You don't *glespern*. The *crennage* outside your door is quiet now. Then you hear it -- a soft *crinnling* sound, like paper. Something *prellets* under the door. Another *glaffer*. This time it's a *glaffer* of you. Sleeping. Taken through your *frangle* last night. On the back: You look *vrentful* when you sleep. Your hands are *tremving* so hard you drop your *crummel*. '*Wasple* them on the *frib*!' You yell. But as you sneak towards the door, you realize that the *glimper* in the hallway has just *vorped* off. Footsteps. Closer. Someone is *drantling* right outside. Someone *glespens* your name." At 80%, the text is largely incomprehensible. This is the experience many learners have when they attempt to read native content before they are ready. ### How Lingofable Applies This Research Lingofable offers three reading modes based on comprehensibility: - **Light reads** (>98% comprehensible): Relaxed, enjoyable reading with virtually no unknown words. Good for building reading stamina and confidence. - **Sweet spot reads** (~98% comprehensible): The primary recommendation mode. Stories contain just enough new words for natural acquisition while remaining fully enjoyable. - **Level-boosters** (95-98% comprehensible): More challenging reads for learners who want to push themselves. Requires more active effort but accelerates vocabulary growth. The vast majority of stories recommended to a given user will be at the 98% sweet spot. --- ## How Lingofable Works in Practice ### Level Assessment When a new user starts, they take a brief vocabulary assessment that evaluates their current level. This establishes the baseline for story matching. ### Real-Time Story Matching Every story in the Lingofable library is analyzed against the user's vocabulary in real time. As the user reads and encounters new words, the system continuously updates its model of their proficiency and adjusts future recommendations accordingly. ### Continuous Adaptation The more a user reads, the more Lingofable understands both what they enjoy and what the optimal next words are for them to learn. Story recommendations evolve with the learner. --- ## Features ### Stories for Every Interest The library includes stories across a wide range of genres and styles: fantasy, thriller, romance, AITA-style Reddit threads, fairy tales, and more. This is not your typical textbook content -- Lingofable offers the kind of stories people actually want to read, from dramatic confessional posts to epic adventures. New stories are regularly published. Users pick topics and genres they find interesting, and Lingofable matches those stories to their level. ### Tap Any Word, Instantly Understand While reading, users can tap any word to see its definition and a native sentence translation without leaving the story. This removes friction from the reading experience and eliminates the need for external dictionaries. ### Vocabulary Review New words encountered during reading are collected for review. Users can view example sentences for each word and bulk-export their vocabulary to SRS (spaced repetition system) platforms such as Anki. ### Progress Tracking Users can track their reading streak, total words learned, and overall CEFR level progression. The app shows concrete evidence of improvement over time. ### Quality Assurance All stories are thoroughly reviewed before publication. The review process checks for natural phrasing, correct grammar, and authentic expression to ensure the language reflects how people actually speak and write. --- ## How Lingofable Differs from Alternatives ### vs. Gamified Drill Apps (e.g., Duolingo) Apps like Duolingo focus on gamified exercises, translation drills, and sentence construction. While effective for basic vocabulary and grammar exposure, they do not provide the sustained, context-rich reading experience that research identifies as one of the most powerful drivers of language acquisition. Lingofable focuses specifically on extensive reading with comprehensible input. ### vs. Graded Readers Traditional graded readers provide level-appropriate content but are often generic, unengaging, and not personalized. Users have no way to choose topics they care about, and the difficulty is set by broad level bands rather than individual vocabulary profiles. Lingofable personalizes both topic and difficulty to each reader, and offers non-traditional content styles (like AITA-style Reddit stories and fairy tales) that keep learners motivated in a way that sterile textbook passages cannot. ### vs. Traditional Language Learning Methods Many learners are frustrated by conventional approaches -- textbook grammar drills, vocabulary lists, and repetitive exercises. Lingofable takes a fundamentally different approach by making reading the core activity. The content itself is designed to be genuinely entertaining (think Reddit threads, not workbook exercises), while the science of comprehensible input ensures real acquisition is happening in the background. ### vs. Native Content Native books, articles, podcasts, and shows are compelling and authentic, but for most learners they are far too difficult. At 80% comprehensibility or below, readers cannot follow the story and learning breaks down. Lingofable bridges the gap between "too easy" graded content and "too hard" native content by finding the sweet spot for each individual learner. --- ## Who It's For Lingofable is designed for learners at every level, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. The vocabulary assessment and real-time matching system ensures that stories are always appropriately challenging regardless of starting proficiency. As users improve, the app adapts and continues to surface stories at their new level. --- ## Pricing Lingofable offers a free tier that provides access to a limited library of stories, allowing users to try the app and see if it suits their learning style. For unlimited access to the full story library and premium features, affordable subscription plans are available. --- ## Platforms - **iOS**: Available now on the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759223711) - **Android**: Coming soon --- ## Languages Spanish is currently available. Additional languages are planned and prioritized based on user demand. Users can sign up to indicate which languages they would like to see next. --- ## About the Founders Lingofable was created by Simon and Megan, college students studying Computer Science and Linguistics at Cornell University. They built Lingofable to solve a problem they kept running into as language learners: finding reading content at the perfect i+1 level that is actually enjoyable. Simon reached C1 Mandarin in three years, largely through reading xianxia webnovels. Megan's bookshelf is full of novels she is working her way up to in her target language. Both are convinced that reading is the most underrated path to fluency. The project is self-funded and devoted to education. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General **Is this for beginners or advanced learners?** Lingofable works for learners at every level. Whether you are just starting out or already proficient, the app adjusts to your level. Comprehensible input methods ensure you are always reading content perfectly tailored to where you are in your learning journey. **How does Lingofable know my level?** When you start, you take a brief assessment that evaluates your vocabulary level. This is used to match you with stories at exactly the right difficulty: challenging but achievable. As you read, the system constantly analyzes your comprehension level and adjusts story recommendations accordingly. **Will I run out of stories?** No. New stories are regularly published across a range of genres and topics. As your level grows, new content that matches your expanding skills is recommended. **Are the stories checked for accuracy and quality?** Yes. All stories are thoroughly reviewed before publication. The review process checks for natural phrasing, correct grammar, and authentic expression to ensure the language reflects how people really speak. **What languages are available?** Spanish is currently available. More languages are coming soon, prioritized based on demand. Users can sign up to indicate which languages they want to see next. **Is Lingofable free?** You can start reading for free. The free tier provides access to a limited library of stories. For unlimited access to the full library and premium features, affordable subscription plans are available. **How can I contact the team?** Reach out at team@lingofable.com. The team typically responds within 24 hours. ### How It Works (Methodology) **What is comprehensible input?** Comprehensible input is a language acquisition theory by Dr. Stephen Krashen. It states that we acquire language when we understand messages -- that is, when the input we receive is just slightly above our current level. Lingofable applies this principle by delivering stories matched to your exact proficiency, so you naturally pick up new words in context. **How does Lingofable match stories to my level?** Every story in the Lingofable library is analyzed against your vocabulary in real time. When you first start, you take a brief assessment that evaluates your vocabulary level. As you read, Lingofable constantly analyzes your comprehension and adjusts story recommendations so the difficulty is always challenging but achievable. **What does 98% comprehensibility mean?** 98% comprehensibility means you understand 98 out of every 100 words in a text. Research shows this is the sweet spot for extensive reading: the story is easy enough to follow and enjoy, but contains just enough unfamiliar words for you to naturally acquire new vocabulary in context. At 95% you have to work noticeably harder, and at 80% most readers feel completely lost. --- ## Links - [Homepage](https://lingofable.com) - [How it works](https://lingofable.com/how-it-works) - [About](https://lingofable.com/about) - [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759223711) - [Instagram](https://instagram.com/lingofable.app) - [Twitter / X](https://twitter.com/lingofable_app) ## Contact team@lingofable.com