Want to learn a new language for free? We have some suggestions for tools that will help you. Here are our top 5 free resources for learning a language.
1. Byki Online – The Seattle Public Library doesn’t offer Rosetta Stone, but we do offer two fantastic online learning services, including Byki Online! Byki Online is a program that’s based largely on repetition and learning individual words before learning whole phrases. There are interactive flash cards and audio aspects to the lessons.
2. Mango Languages – Mango Languages is our other fantastic online learning service. Try it out!
3. PressDisplay – PressDisplay includes hundreds of newspapers from around the world in several different languages. Use PressDisplay to practice your reading comprehension and learn about a foreign country in the process! If you see a word that you don’t understand, use PressDisplay’s built-in translation to English, or plug the word into Google Translate.
4. Check out a language learning CD – Pimsleur CDs have been a favorite of language learners! Learn a new language on your way to work (or whenever a CD player is near). To find these in the new Library catalog, type the name of the language you are interested in learning and “language self instruction CD.” (e.g. for Spanish type “Spanish language self instruction CD“).
5. Watch foreign language DVDs – Juice up on foreign cinema and learn more about how a language is really used at the same time. To find these in the new Library catalog, type the name of the language and “DVD” (e.g. for Spanish type “Spanish DVD“) This search won’t work in the old catalog!).
Enjoy!
~David C., Central Library
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