21.11.2011 (179 Days Ago)
Reasons to learn another language
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Top 10 ways to learn languages for free online
In the real world, it’s not easy to find time to study another language. With your job, family, friends and other commitments, finding time to attend a language class can be almost impossible.
Luckily, we live in the 21st century and just because you don’t have the time or money to enrol in a language course, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Here are Tonguetide’s top 10 recommendations for learning another language for free online.
1. Practising you language skills with Skype
Using Skype as a language-learning tool is a no-brainer. Whether you’re teaching a language online or looking for language exchange, Skype is a great solution for those who don’t have time for a face-to-face intercambio. Make a date by email and you’re away. Remember, you can also use video chat and instant messenger on Tonguetide for free too.
2. Read in another language with BBC Languages
A guaranteed method of making sure you are always improving is to read a little bit of the language you are learning every day. This isn’t always easy as finding new and interesting text at your level can be tough. That’s where BBC Languages excels. With regularly updated webpages for 40 languages – including news, video courses, phrases of the day and much more - BBC Languages is a truly valuable free resource. As can be expected, the section on English as a foreign language is the most comprehensive, but those wanting to learn French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Greek won’t be disappointed.
3. Cover the basics with 101 Languages
While it may not be the most comprehensive of language-learning websites, it certainly has a lot to offer and quite a lot of languages. If you’re looking to cover the basics, learn a few useful expressions and phrases before going on holiday or are just a bit curious about a language, then this is a great resource.
4. Free language-learning videos on YouTube
Videos are a great way to learn, and there are so many videos to help you improve your language skills on YouTube, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Just search for something like “learn French grammar” and you’ll have more results than you’ll know what to do with. Some active Youtubers even upload weekly language learning videos as a free video course.
5. Audio language learning courtesy of iTunes
For some audio language learning, iTunes is a good bet. Download the iTunes software (free) and search their store for free podcasts on the language you are learning. Being able to learn a language while on the move with your iPod is a great idea for anyone with a hectic lifestyle.
6. Take a different approach with eLanguageSchool.net
eLanguageSchool.net has got a lot of the basic things you would expect to find on a site like this, but a few things you might not. Ever thought about learning a language by reading comic books? If so, then this is the site for you. Like 101 Languages, it’s not the most comprehensive option, but a great place for something a bit different. While there are no easy languages to learn, this site covers the basics of many different languages quite nicely.
7. Free language-learning software from Byki
The free software is really to try to get you to buy the deluxe version (and you might well do), but it’s still not bad for a free language-learning tool. Byki’s free software boasts language lessons from real native speakers and the ability to practise your writing skills for stronger recall. Just enter your details (yes, you probably will receive a bunch of emails from them) and download your free software. Available in 70 different languages.
8. Learn words with flashcards at LearnALanguage.com
Using flashcards and games, LearnALanguage.com aims to teach you words in a fun way that’s easy to remember. The site claims to put up new language-learning material every week, so it’s a good one to bookmark and return to again. There are also useful forums for all the languages on offer, which are a great place to meet other learners.
9. Use Facebook and Twitter to meet other language learners
Maybe you haven’t thought about it, but the social networking sites you probably use on a regular basis are perfect for learning languages. Join some language-exchange groups and "like" pages that offer links to free content on a minute-by-minute basis. You can also "like" Tonguetide’s Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for our regular news, blogs and tips for learning languages for free. Go on. You know you want to…
10. Tonguetide – the language-learning social network
You didn’t think we were going to forget to mention the number one language-learning social network on the web, did you? Tonguetide is an ever-growing community of people looking to meet others to help them improve their language skills. There’s a huge directory of resources of other sites to help you learn and tools like video chat and messenger that are absolutely free. Not a member yet? Click here to sign up now.
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parmarossa wrote 49 Days Ago (positive) 1Great List!!! Some other freebies you haven't mentioned above are the language exchange platforms iTalki and LiveMocha. Busuu, I believe, also has free access to certain content.0 points -
Josh wrote 174 Days Ago (neutral) 0The Internet is full of seemingly "free" language learning tools. This list of genuine ways to learn languages for free online has really inspired me to get started with learning language. I think I might start with French...1 point -
Hannah wrote 174 Days Ago (neutral) 0Wow! This is great! I knew there were sites where you could find out the best ways to learn languages but this gives me all the language learning tips I need. I'll definitely be using these top tips to improve my learning. Thanks very much, Tonguetide!1 point -
Admin wrote 177 Days Ago (positive) 1Also, if anyone knows of any other good sites for learning languages for free, please add them in the comments section here. Or better yet, add them in the language-learning directory.2 points