Language resources__on__the__web
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like405 views
This document provides an overview of many free and subscription-based online resources for learning and practicing foreign languages. It discusses Mango Languages which offers subscription-based online language courses through libraries. It also describes the BBC Languages, FSI Language Courses, and MIT Open Courseware which provide free language learning materials like audio, text, and course content. Additionally, it mentions tools like Google Translate, Babel Fish, Project Gutenberg, and LibriVox which enable translating text and accessing free ebooks and audiobooks. Finally, it discusses using Skype and Second Life to chat with native speakers for language practice.
Language resources__on__the__web
- 1. Language resources on the webLaura WilsonReference Librarian Framingham State CollegeApril 14, 2010
- 2. Mango Languages Subscription based, access through the LibraryBBC / MIT / FSIAccess course materials freeGoogle Translate / Babel FishTranslate text Project Gutenberg and LibriVoxOnline e-books and audio booksSecond Life and SkypeChat with native speakersWhere can I go to learn or practice a language online for free?
- 3. Online foreign language courses – subscription basedAccess through the Whittemore LibraryTrial periodTwo levels of courses – basic & “complete”Practice listening, reading and speakingNeed computer speakers / headphones and microphoneAlso need Java and Adobe Flash installedCommonly studied languages and lesser-known languagesSpanish, French, Italian, Urdu, Tagalog, PashtoESL courses Mango Languages
- 4. Free!Audio and video courses for 7 languages12 week courses in 4 languagesGet a certificate at the end!Basic vocabulary for many other languagesSome culture informationhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/BBC Languages
- 5. Courses developed by the Foreign Service InstituteText (vocabulary) & audio (pronunciation)Many languages, some have more materials than othersA little confusing, but can offer good supplementary materials to another language course http://fsi-language-courses.org/Content.phpFSI Language Courses
- 6. Course materials from MIT published for free on the webNo login or registration required Undergraduate and graduate coursesPDF documents (textbook excerpts, handouts), MP3 files (listening comprehension), lecture notes from the professor, suggested texts for further studyhttp://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Foreign-Languages-and-Literatures/index.htm#gradMIT Open Courseware
- 7. Google TranslateTranslates text, webpage, documentsOver 60 languages availableTranslator Toolkit Take large amounts of “pre-translated” text, invite others to edit and perfect the textBabel Fish (Yahoo)Translate text or webpageAdd Babel Fish to Yahoo Toolbar in your browserHighlight and click text, translate immediatelyAdd Babel Fish directly to your own websiteUsers can easily translate to their own languageGoogle Translate / Babel Fish
- 8. Project GutenbergFree e-books (public domain)Many foreign language titlesSearch by language in advance searchhttp://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/searchLibriVoxFree audiobooks (public domain)Many foreign language titlesSearch by language under “more” search optionshttp://librivox.org/newcatalog/visitor_advanced.phpCombine an e-book from PG with an audiobook from LV. Read and listen at the same time!Project Gutenberg / LibriVox
- 9. SkypePractice with native speakers for freeNeed Skype accountInstant message, chat via microphone, or video chat via webcamhttp://forum.skype.com/forum/140-learn-languages-and-more/Skype language forumhttp://www.language-exchanges.org/Site hosted by Dickinson College in PA, dedicated to language exchanges via Skype
- 10. 3D virtual world (video game)Go anywhere on the virtual planet, connect with native speakersText or voice chathttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKzkfyglJY8&feature=player_embeddedDirect links to language-friendly locations in Second Life (need SL account)http://www.avatarlanguages.com/freepractice.phpSecond Life
- 11. Watch TV www.beelinetv.comwww.broadband-television.comwww.wwitv.comListen to the radiowww.live365.comPodcastshttp://www.podcastalley.com/iTunesebooks / Audiobooks from your local libraryMinuteman Network offers several ebooks and audiobooks dedicated to language learningWhat else? Need a library card to borrow ebooks:http://www.mln.lib.ma.us/