Courseware Source: Free On-line & Downloadable Foreign Language Classes

[Special K]

For those looking to add a language as a skill... http://coffeebreakfrench.com/

From their site...

Learn a language with Radio Lingua
Radio Lingua learning materials put you in control of your language-learning and help you learn where, when and how you want. We have a huge range of materials including materials for learners of Spanish, French, German, Italian, English, and many other languages. Our materials are aimed at independent learners of all ages: all you need to learn another language with us is access to the internet and some enthusiasm! You can learn wherever you want to, at a time that suits you. By using an iPod or an mp3 player you can take your learning with you – learning with podcasts allows you to learn a language on the move. Radio Lingua language-learning podcasts are not simply lists of words for you to listen and repeat: each episode is a real lesson with an experienced teacher and/or native speaker speaking directly to you, the learner. You’ll be guided through the lessons and build your confidence in no time.

[CopperKnight]

Here's another one I learned about through my local library: http://livemocha.com/

I signed up, but haven't used it yet. 

[terrabyte]

Thanks for the links, always looking for more resources for Mandarin.

I'll throw my 2 cents in. I've been on again, off again. But of all the CD's & resources I've used in the past, the only one I can still quote phrases from is Pimsleur's!

http://www.pimsleur.com/

[chickchoc]

For those who use Google Chrome, go to the "educational" tab in the tools section.  There are tabs for Spanish, German, etc. as well as Mango.  Our local library offers Mango for a variety of languages. 

[theBINKYhunter]

i'll have to look into this. my boss lives in thailand most of the year and learning the language, while not needed, would be beneficial... especially if the chance ever arises for me to work over there.

[padre35]

Thanks for the links, always looking for more resources for Mandarin.

I'll throw my 2 cents in. I've been on again, off again. But of all the CD's & resources I've used in the past, the only one I can still quote phrases from is Pimsleur's!

http://www.pimsleur.com/

Nin hao?

The issue with the languages is not so much materials, they are everywhere, the problem is finding speakers of that language to test oneself.

[liftsboxes]

Hmmm ... suggestions on good Russian courses?

[padre35]

Hmmm ... suggestions on good Russian courses?

Have not tried Russian yet however this is a great resource for language learning:

http://www.openculture.com/category/language_lessons

Links and more links

Free classic films etc

[RitaRose1945]

Awesome links, guys!  Thanks!

I've had to pick up a little Spanish for my work (keeps me from getting mauled) but pretty much all I know is:

"I'm here for the lights"
"Do you have a dog?" and
"Is the dog big or small, good or bad?"

Oh, and "Where's the bathroom?" for when I'm not working.

I'm thinking that might make a good, relevant skill for me, though I'm also considering German since my dream jobs all involve dogs.

(Not saying dogs speak German, just that I was under the impression many dogs are trained using German... oh, never mind)

[ChrisFox]

I just learned about it so don't know if it works or not but I love the premise.

http://duolingo.com/

[zanedclark@att.net]

I am not able to find the "educational" tab on the tools for chrome.

For Russian RT.com  this is Russian Today which Jack frequently cites.  On the top tab is a "learn Russian" tab.  Sign up and start for no cost.

For German http://deutschkurse.dw-world.de/KursPlattform/WebObjects/KursPlattform.woa/wo/2.1  this is Deutsche Welle and has a wonderful German Course.  I have been using it to remember and refresh my high school German of some 50 years ago. 

I have not been able to find a free online Spanish course which is what I need in Central California.  Any ideas?
z

[randomperson]

Hi, I wanted to thank zanedclark for posting the Deutsche Welle course. I just started it, but so far it's been great. It's helped me realize that I knew more German than I thought.

[hilljen]

Are you all familiar with www.anki.com? It is basically a glorified flash card site/app. But apparently it is programmed to provide the most optimal review schedule possible. So you spend little time on things you already know and most of your time on reviewing the things that are difficult for you. My daughter has used it for Spanish vocabulary and also vocabulary lists for other school subjects such as biology. For a free resource, I thought it was pretty helpful.

[Louisiana Suvivor]

thanks for the info on RT!