Want to learn a language from your own home. Hopefully this will help.

[CanUbAnKai]

The other day a topic was posted about how many languages can misc'ers speak. Wasn't overly popular thread. However, it was clear there are certain members out there that would like to start learning a new language because the discussion of Rosetta Stone came up.

Now I am not claiming to be an expert when it comes to learning a new language, but tbh, Rosetta Stone is supremely over-priced and all the tools that are offered to you. The ideology of Rosetta Stone is, you are a baby with no ability to talk and must learn a language as you get older. There is a problem with this; We are not babies. Firstly when you're a baby, you absorb information much faster than you do now, we aren't spoon-fed information like we were then either, we now have to find the information ourselves. What Rosetta Stone likes to offer is that immerse experience by making things like flash cards and memory games a thing of the past. Also adding shiny voice-recognition. Well the reason I just singled flash-cards out is because I lol'd when I saw that on their website, I'm pretty sure when I saw their ad on TV, they had a clip of some dude using flash cards. However, think of it like this, what do you think is more useful to you. Talking to a computer program, or talking to someone who is native in that language?

This is the harsh reality, and you might not like me saying this, if you want to learn a new language, you're going to have to put in time, effort and dedication. From what I read on the rosetta stone website, they prey on people's insecurities (Oh lawdy don't most companies these days), they promise you for only $500 a pop you can learn any language easily. This really isn't the case, which is why I've created this topic, to help you get started.

Firstly, why do you want to learn the language?

Well, what language do you want to learn and why? There are, somewhat, right and wrong reasons to learn a new language. Let me give you my experience and hopefully that will help you with that question.

I studied French throughout my school life for like 10 years, by the end of high school, I knew nothing. I mean, now if someone asked me to read something in French, i'd get it. Eventually. However, speaking, listening or writing in French. I could not do. I was pretty ashamed. A few years later, that feeling hadn't left me, I still felt pretty bad for myself not being able to speak any goddamn French, at this point I was starting to realise how boring my country was. Don't get me wrong I love being Scottish. The highlands here also have some beautiful scenery. However, the fun in here fades away and I wanted to live somewhere else. It was at this point I started dating a Japanese chick, she started telling me things about her culture which made me pretty interested. I started finding out about Japan more and more and more on my own. This is around the same time I started getting a taste for asian chicks. I started to learn Japanese, and make an effort. I had made a resolution that, I, would like to work there at some point. A change in my life that I'll surely need, so I made it my goal.

Also, you're probably wondering "what are wrong reasons for learning a language". Well they're not really "wrong". Anyone can give themselves a reason to learn a new language. However when I started learning Japanese, I met other people learning Japanese as well. I asked them why they started learning Japanese. I heard stupid ass reasons like "I want to be able to understand anime without subtitles" or "I fink it soooooooo kawaii sounding". That **** made me cringe, and typically after a month of meeting them I never heard from them again.

So if you want to learn a language, give yourself a good reason as to why you want to invest your time learning it.

How do I get started.

Learning a new language doesn't come free, don't expect it to! If you want to learn a new language there are a few things you'll have to spend your cash on. These typically come in the form of materials such as textbooks or classes (whichever you choose - more on that in a second).

Tests - If you want to use a language for business abroad, usually you have to pass a test so employers can understand what level you're at. For me since I study Japanese. I would have to pass JLPT. Tests are broken down into levels. E.G the JLPT levels are:

Level 4 - Lowest
Level 3 - Second lowest
Level 2 - Business level
Level 1 - Fluent

I know level 2 there says business level. However, here is a pro-tip, if you manage to pass business level on your preferred language test, it does not mean an employer is looking for someone with language skills in business level. I looked at Japanese jobs, a lot of them wanted fluent level. Sucks, that just an extra form a motivation for me.

Spanish - http://www.dele.org/
French - http://www.ciep.fr/dilf/index.php and http://www.ciep.fr/delfdalf/index.php
German - http://www.europa-pages.com/german/exam.html
Japanese - http://www.jlpt.jp/e/
Mandarin - http://www.hsk.org.cn/english/Default.aspx
Korean - http://www.klpt.org/english/
Dutch - http://ilt.kuleuven.be/english/certi...roficiency.php
Portugese - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CELPE-Bras
Russian - http://www.mgu-russian.com/trki/en
Italian - http://italian.about.com/library/weekly/aa070500a.htm
English (for you non english natives there) - http://www.ets.org/toefl/

Textbooks - Unfortunately, I don't know much about all the languages and their textbooks. Therefore, I can't give you recommendations on which textbooks you should look out for. But, if you're serious about learning a new language, then do a little bit of research before buying any textbooks. So, research what test you will have to do for the language you are taking, and then look for textbooks offering material for those tests. Avoid all the touristy books. Unless you're going on holiday for 2 weeks.

Classes/tutoring - Not as expensive as you may think. You can do some research see if there are any cheap local ones around you, but I doubt it.

I recommend this place:

www.edufire.com

This is a website where you can hire tutors or go to classes to learn a language, they have a lot of languages and great tutors out there. You can look at a teacher's profile and see what credentials they have and see their feedback. There are also classes (I recommend these - from my experience the tutor uses the same materials as they do in 1on1 sessions) which are cheap and also free. Although these are few in numbers at the minute due to the xmas period. You can also meet people on these sites to practice your language with.



Tools to enhance your learning:


There are wide range of free materials online to enhance your learning that imo will be more useful for you rather than rosetta stone.

http://lang-8.com/ - Lang-8 is a personal favourite of mine. On this site you can upload things you've written in the language you're learning and native speakers will correct any mistakes you've made and highlight things you're doing wrong.

http://smart.fm/ - Smart.fm a is great site giving you all kinds of study materials and tests. It tracks your progress and gives you suggestions on what you should study and gives you goals.

http://www.italki.com/ - italki is a language learning community where you can meet people native to the language you're learning who are also learning English. Also has an option to hire tutors.

http://www.popling.net/ - Popling is a site that helps you learn the vocab of the language you're learning with flashcards.

http://radiolingua.com/ - Podcasts with a wide range of lessons that you can put on your phone or mp3 player aswell as your computer.

http://www.palabea.net/ - Another language learning community which has an online dictionary and a communication tool. Also offers to meet native speakers IRL.

http://www.livemocha.com/ - I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR JAPANESE AT LEAST. I tried this site with Japanese and didn't like it because of the structure for Japanese but might prove useful in other languages. Has free lessons you can take with members uploading things like sound clips to help pronunciation and text files to help members, is also a language learning community.

http://www.freelang.net/ - Online dictionary and translation tools.

http://www.foreignword.com/Tools/dictsrch.htm - More online dictionaries and translation services, personally a lot better than freelang. Also has a service to find language links.

http://www.babbel.com/ - for use with Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian only. Comes with multimedia tools for learning each language with another community to meet other learners.

http://www.transparent.com/ - Comes with many materials and tools to help you learn.. With software, articles, games etc you can find something useful to learn the language of your choice.

http://www.openculture.com/2006/10/foreign_languag.html - Has access to podcasts in 37 different languages.

http://www.sharedtalk.com/ - matches you with language partners where you can use voice or text chat to enhance your knowledge in your language. Also gives you tools to help you learn your language.

http://www.digitaldialects.com/index.htm - 58 different games to play to help you learn the language of your choice.

There are other things you'll need to help you along your way:

Skype: www.skype.com this is the best voice and video messaging system, you can use this to chat with people you know are learning your language or native speakers.

Livestation: www.livestation.com brings you TV channels from around the world that will let you listen to TV in the language you want (good for listening practice).

itunes: If you have itunes, you can change the location on your itunes and go to podcasts, you can listen to podcasts in the language of your choice. Also good for listening.

Magazines: go to newsagents and there might be magazines designed to help people learning languages by rating each article on how difficult it is to read in that language. (Can also read articles online via google if you're brave enough).

End

This is all I can think of for the moment there was other ideas in my mind I wanted to put down, but it's nearly 5am and I've forgotten them.. Depending on what happens to this topic I will update later .. maybe.

Hope this helps a few of you, i've done my good deed for the misc since I've signed up now.

inb4tl;dr.

Credit to M-Pek: a list of online free university courses check it here at
http://www.ocwconsortium.org/

[CanUbAnKai]

Threads are disappearing quickly on misc, probably not the best time to post this. Will bump a few times. I know there are a few people that will find this helpful at least.

[Whalefood]

Repped

[Exaiphnes]

studying the JLPT through an iphone app called Japanese, very extensive dictionary. Level 1 blows my mind

[CanUbAnKai]

Repped

Lol, cheers, will rep back on recharge.

[deadfingers]

gjdm. I was learning Japanese a while back, but then my ex was Japanese and well I wanted to live in Japan. Still would like to learn it, but not a big priority for me right now. Going to try to learn Mandarin or Tagalog.

*Edit* Also repped, especially for liking females of the Asian kind. ^_^

[StanDarsh]

Thanks brah. Very helpful.

[CanUbAnKai]

studying the JLPT through an iphone app called Japanese, very extensive dictionary. Level 1 blows my mind

I haven't even gotten to take level 4 yet, something I'm planning on getting sorted next year. I took a look a level 2, seems difficult as hell, but it'll get done.

gjdm. I was learning Japanese a while back, but then my ex was Japanese and well I wanted to live in Japan. Still would like to learn it, but not a big priority for me right now. Going to try to learn Mandarin or Tagalog.

Yeah that's how they reel you in. I'm also doing mandarin (just speech atm), because my ex was chinese, I considered since I started why just not continue with it.

[StanDarsh]

Yeah that's how they reel you in. I'm also doing mandarin (just speech atm), because my ex was chinese, I considered since I started why just not continue with it.

I want to learn Mandarin. Any sources for Mandarin specifically?

[ilovedrpepper]

great thread, repped. i work the 10 hour night shift at work so i have 8+ hours of completely free time just sitting on a computer. only problem is flash/streaming is blocked..FUUUU. do u know of any apps that would at least be a good starting guide?

[TheTherapist]

Reps when I get to a comp

[Aim2Maim]

would rep but i am on recharge. am definitely going to check out those links. going to take farsi classes in a few months so hopefully these things will give me a jumpstart.

[CanUbAnKai]

I want to learn Mandarin. Any sources for Mandarin specifically?

Do you have an iPhone? There's an app called uLearnChinese, which is really good for a starting point.. Takes the more themed approach, so it's not recommended for taking tests. it's only for conversational mandarin.

Also go here: http://www.chinese-forums.com/ << there are a lot of people here who give all kinds of advice on learning chinese, one of the mods is a dick though.

great thread, repped. i work the 10 hour night shift at work so i have 8+ hours of completely free time just sitting on a computer. only problem is flash/streaming is blocked..FUUUU. do u know of any apps that would at least be a good starting guide?

Apps, as in iphone apps, and what language?

[ilovedrpepper]

Do you have an iPhone? There's an app called uLearnChinese, which is really good for a starting point.. Takes the more themed approach, so it's not recommended for taking tests. it's only for conversational mandarin.

Also go here: http://www.chinese-forums.com/ << there are a lot of people here who give all kinds of advice on learning chinese, one of the mods is a dick though.


Apps, as in iphone apps, and what language?

i have a sprint EVO but if there's an app for the iphone theres a strong chance its on EVO also. i also dont have a particular language, just kinda wanted to check everything out.

[deadfingers]

I haven't even gotten to take level 4 yet, something I'm planning on getting sorted next year. I took a look a level 2, seems difficult as hell, but it'll get done.



Yeah that's how they reel you in. I'm also doing mandarin (just speech atm), because my ex was chinese, I considered since I started why just not continue with it.

lulz, actually I was learning it before I met her. I lived in Japan for 2 years and I loved it. I would love to go back and live there someday, but honestly my ex was the biggest reason why I wanted to learn it. Now it's something I'll put aside. I'd rather learn Mandarin because I just think it's awesome and well eventually it's going to be as common as Spanish soon enough. Might as well be prepared to be taken over by China in some way, if not, well then be prepared to do business with them.

[1GGY]

I dabble here and there with Portuguese so i might have to take a look at these sites. Subbed to thread, will rep OP once off recharge.

[Lookitskeith]

in, subb'd appreciate it op

[CanUbAnKai]

No problem, I will update this thread tomorrow when I can think of something else. Gonna head to bed now. Will bump tomorrow.

[CanUbAnKai]

Just woke up guys. I know there will be a new set of misc'ers awake now, so this is for you guys. Bump.

[Ilovemyamazingboo]

I wanna be fluent in English since I plan on moving to the USA eventually, I reckon being on forums/talking to people thru Skype, MSN and ish is good enough for now, also I attend Uni and all of the classes I take are in English. Any tips?

[Fit1NYC]

In fo later, why are threads disappearing?

The other day a topic was posted about how many languages can misc'ers speak. Wasn't overly popular thread. However, it was clear there are certain members out there that would like to start learning a new language because the discussion of Rosetta Stone came up.

Now I am not claiming to be an expert when it comes to learning a new language, but tbh, Rosetta Stone is supremely over-priced and all the tools that are offered to you. The ideology of Rosetta Stone is, you are a baby with no ability to talk and must learn a language as you get older. There is a problem with this; We are not babies. Firstly when you're a baby, you absorb information much faster than you do now, we aren't spoon-fed information like we were then either, we now have to find the information ourselves. What Rosetta Stone likes to offer is that immerse experience by making things like flash cards and memory games a thing of the past. Also adding shiny voice-recognition. Well the reason I just singled flash-cards out is because I lol'd when I saw that on their website, I'm pretty sure when I saw their ad on TV, they had a clip of some dude using flash cards. However, think of it like this, what do you think is more useful to you. Talking to a computer program, or talking to someone who is native in that language?

This is the harsh reality, and you might not like me saying this, if you want to learn a new language, you're going to have to put in time, effort and dedication. From what I read on the rosetta stone website, they prey on people's insecurities (Oh lawdy don't most companies these days), they promise you for only $500 a pop you can learn any language easily. This really isn't the case, which is why I've created this topic, to help you get started.

Firstly, why do you want to learn the language?

Well, what language do you want to learn and why? There are, somewhat, right and wrong reasons to learn a new language. Let me give you my experience and hopefully that will help you with that question.

I studied French throughout my school life for like 10 years, by the end of high school, I knew nothing. I mean, now if someone asked me to read something in French, i'd get it. Eventually. However, speaking, listening or writing in French. I could not do. I was pretty ashamed. A few years later, that feeling hadn't left me, I still felt pretty bad for myself not being able to speak any goddamn French, at this point I was starting to realise how boring my country was. Don't get me wrong I love being Scottish. The highlands here also have some beautiful scenery. However, the fun in here fades away and I wanted to live somewhere else. It was at this point I started dating a Japanese chick, she started telling me things about her culture which made me pretty interested. I started finding out about Japan more and more and more on my own. This is around the same time I started getting a taste for asian chicks. I started to learn Japanese, and make an effort. I had made a resolution that, I, would like to work there at some point. A change in my life that I'll surely need, so I made it my goal.

Also, you're probably wondering "what are wrong reasons for learning a language". Well they're not really "wrong". Anyone can give themselves a reason to learn a new language. However when I started learning Japanese, I met other people learning Japanese as well. I asked them why they started learning Japanese. I heard stupid ass reasons like "I want to be able to understand anime without subtitles" or "I fink it soooooooo kawaii sounding". That **** made me cringe, and typically after a month of meeting them I never heard from them again.

So if you want to learn a language, give yourself a good reason as to why you want to invest your time learning it.

How do I get started.

Learning a new language doesn't come free, don't expect it to! If you want to learn a new language there are a few things you'll have to spend your cash on. These typically come in the form of materials such as textbooks or classes (whichever you choose - more on that in a second).

Tests - If you want to use a language for business abroad, usually you have to pass a test so employers can understand what level you're at. For me since I study Japanese. I would have to pass JLPT. Tests are broken down into levels. E.G the JLPT levels are:

Level 4 - Lowest
Level 3 - Second lowest
Level 2 - Business level
Level 1 - Fluent

I know level 2 there says business level. However, here is a pro-tip, if you manage to pass business level on your preferred language test, it does not mean an employer is looking for someone with language skills in business level. I looked at Japanese jobs, a lot of them wanted fluent level. Sucks, that just an extra form a motivation for me.

Textbooks - Unfortunately, I don't know much about all the languages and their textbooks. Therefore, I can't give you recommendations on which textbooks you should look out for. But, if you're serious about learning a new language, then do a little bit of research before buying any textbooks. So, research what test you will have to do for the language you are taking, and then look for textbooks offering material for those tests. Avoid all the touristy books. Unless you're going on holiday for 2 weeks.

Classes/tutoring - Not as expensive as you may think. You can do some research see if there are any cheap local ones around you, but I doubt it.

I recommend this place:

www.edufire.com

This is a website where you can hire tutors or go to classes to learn a language, they have a lot of languages and great tutors out there. You can look at a teacher's profile and see what credentials they have and see their feedback. There are also classes (I recommend these - from my experience the tutor uses the same materials as they do in 1on1 sessions) which are cheap and also free. Although these are few in numbers at the minute due to the xmas period. You can also meet people on these sites to practice your language with.



Tools to enhance your learning:


There are wide range of free materials online to enhance your learning that imo will be more useful for you rather than rosetta stone.

http://lang-8.com/ - Lang-8 is a personal favourite of mine. On this site you can upload things you've written in the language you're learning and native speakers will correct any mistakes you've made and highlight things you're doing wrong.

http://smart.fm/ - Smart.fm a is great site giving you all kinds of study materials and tests. It tracks your progress and gives you suggestions on what you should study and gives you goals.

http://www.italki.com/ - italki is a language learning community where you can meet people native to the language you're learning who are also learning English. Also has an option to hire tutors.

http://www.popling.net/ - Popling is a site that helps you learn the vocab of the language you're learning with flashcards.

http://radiolingua.com/ - Podcasts with a wide range of lessons that you can put on your phone or mp3 player aswell as your computer.

http://www.palabea.net/ - Another language learning community which has an online dictionary and a communication tool. Also offers to meet native speakers IRL.

http://www.livemocha.com/ - I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR JAPANESE AT LEAST. I tried this site with Japanese and didn't like it because of the structure for Japanese but might prove useful in other languages. Has free lessons you can take with members uploading things like sound clips to help pronunciation and text files to help members, is also a language learning community.

http://www.freelang.net/ - Online dictionary and translation tools.

http://www.foreignword.com/Tools/dictsrch.htm - More online dictionaries and translation services, personally a lot better than freelang. Also has a service to find language links.

http://www.babbel.com/ - for use with Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian only. Comes with multimedia tools for learning each language with another community to meet other learners.

http://www.transparent.com/ - Comes with many materials and tools to help you learn.. With software, articles, games etc you can find something useful to learn the language of your choice.

http://www.openculture.com/2006/10/foreign_languag.html - Has access to podcasts in 37 different languages.

http://www.sharedtalk.com/ - matches you with language partners where you can use voice or text chat to enhance your knowledge in your language. Also gives you tools to help you learn your language.

http://www.digitaldialects.com/index.htm - 58 different games to play to help you learn the language of your choice.

There are other things you'll need to help you along your way:

Skype: www.skype.com this is the best voice and video messaging system, you can use this to chat with people you know are learning your language or native speakers.

Livestation: www.livestation.com brings you TV channels from around the world that will let you listen to TV in the language you want (good for listening practice).

itunes: If you have itunes, you can change the location on your itunes and go to podcasts, you can listen to podcasts in the language of your choice. Also good for listening.

Magazines: go to newsagents and there might be magazines designed to help people learning languages by rating each article on how difficult it is to read in that language. (Can also read articles online via google if you're brave enough).

End

This is all I can think of for the moment there was other ideas in my mind I wanted to put down, but it's nearly 5am and I've forgotten them.. Depending on what happens to this topic I will update later .. maybe.

Hope this helps a few of you, i've done my good deed for the misc since I've signed up now.

inb4tl;dr.

[CanUbAnKai]

I wanna be fluent in English since I plan on moving to the USA eventually, I reckon being on forums/talking to people thru Skype, MSN and ish is good enough for now, also I attend Uni and all of the classes I take are in English. Any tips?

Your English seems pretty good written, I would just say at the level your at keep it up.

Also check out www.lang-8.com for any written help you need.

I would say before you go to USA you'll need practice listening to and speaking English, so I would say watch TV in English, especially all those U.S sitcoms it will help. Also check out www.italki.com you might find some English natives willing to talk to you on skype giving you more practice.

[AlkalineAcid]

I started teaching myself French after a holiday in France this summer. Learned it for 5 years in school but felt a bit like OP on the subject. I'm reading French novels now and just started watching Two and a Half Men in French today. Will check your links out OP. Repped.

I wanna be fluent in English since I plan on moving to the USA eventually, I reckon being on forums/talking to people thru Skype, MSN and ish is good enough for now, also I attend Uni and all of the classes I take are in English. Any tips?

No tips, I think you're doing everything you can!

[stonefacekilla]

i learnt english and german at school, didnt really know anything when finished. Only way to learn properly is to go and spend time in the countries where your target language is the native langauage.

however, im in luxembourg right now and trying to learn french, i have a very busy lifestyle (upto 80 hours work + gym + other hobbies + wife) and i have found rosetta stone for french to be perfect to listen to on ipod on way to work by train. Really is one of the better ones i think, plus you can download it from certain sites so it doesnt cost anything (can be expensive to buy)

i figure if i listen to this on the train then practice bits here and there when out and about in the city, i should learn fairly quick

[stonefacekilla]

I wanna be fluent in English since I plan on moving to the USA eventually, I reckon being on forums/talking to people thru Skype, MSN and ish is good enough for now, also I attend Uni and all of the classes I take are in English. Any tips?

you are obviously past the basic steps judging by your post, but for a noob, i strongly recommend getting post-it notes and sticking them on every object in your house with whatever the meaning is in the language you want to learn. Then when you use the object, say the world out loud or try to put it in the context of a sentence in this language.

[CanUbAnKai]

you are obviously past the basic steps judging by your post, but for a noob, i strongly recommend getting post-it notes and sticking them on every object in your house with whatever the meaning is in the language you want to learn. Then when you use the object, say the world out loud or try to put it in the context of a sentence in this language.

This is helpful, but I have a feeling he's at the stage now where he knows all the items.

[Ilovemyamazingboo]

Your English seems pretty good written, I would just say at the level your at keep it up.

Also check out www.lang-8.com for any written help you need.

I would say before you go to USA you'll need practice listening to and speaking English, so I would say watch TV in English, especially all those U.S sitcoms it will help. Also check out www.italki.com you might find some English natives willing to talk to you on skype giving you more practice.

lulz thanks for the tip brah, I probably picked the wrong time to find some US natives to get on and to talk to, all I see is Asians talking about robots dominating their society and **** lol mind = blown

If any of you misc brahs just wanna chat daily and get to know each other would appreciate (no homo)

[stonefacekilla]

lulz thanks for the tip brah, I probably picked the wrong time to find some US natives to get on and to talk to, all I see is Asians talking about robots dominating their society and **** lol mind = blown

If any of you misc brahs just wanna chat daily and get to know each other would appreciate (no homo)

if you have no english friends, talk to cleverbot
http://www.cleverbot.com/

but dont listen to him, hes a *******

[Ilovemyamazingboo]

if you have no english friends, talk to cleverbot
http://www.cleverbot.com/

but dont listen to him, hes a *******

I got plenty and talk to some quite a lot, but the more you know the better I guess. I haven't always been like this, but I feel like socializing and meeting new people all the time.

[pointbreaker]

u mad, OP?