Language Resources
Michigan State University Center for Language Education and Research (CLEAR)
The Michigan State University Center for Language Education and Research (CLEAR) strives to promote and support the teaching and learning of foreign languages. The majority of CLEAR's products are available free of charge. This includes web applications for language learning and teaching, CD-ROMs, and a variety of downloadable PDF publications. Some products, such as language learning software, workbooks, and videos, are available for a modest cost. Proceeds from the sale of these products go toward further materials development at CLEAR.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Arabic: BBC Languages Arabic
Provided by the BBC, this resource for learning Arabic provides basic phrases, a guide to Arabic, as well as learning tips about how to learn a new language. Each situation is taught using sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 8, 2012
Babel: Learn Arabic
This site provides a short series of beginner level lessons on speaking and writing Modern Standard Arabic. There are also mp3-formatted sound bytes of the words to help with pronunciation.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
BBC Languages
Free audio and video language courses in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, Chinese, and other languages. Includes essential everyday phrases and other language tips for 40 languages. This is a very useful site for anyone wanting to have a quick grasp of language fundamentals or wanting to refresh their language skills.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
BBC Languages: Quick Fixes for Other Languages
Provided by the BBC, this resource helps users learn essential phrases in over thirty languages, including Dutch, Russian, and Turkish. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Brazil: Easy Portuguese
This website provides a grammar guide for beginner and intermediate level Brazilian Portuguese, along with lists of common vocabulary, useful phrases, and quizzes of use to a traveler. There is also a pronunciation guide and audio examples of the words and phrases.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Chinese: BBC Languages Chinese
Provided by the BBC, this resource for learning Chinese provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Czech: Local Lingo
Local Lingo was established with the goal of creating an online community and a resource for those interested in the Czech Republic. The Czech language resource offers an audio pronunciation guide, grammar overview, phrases, vocabulary and online exercises.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
eLanguageSchool
This site provides detailed lessons and information on vocabulary and phrases, as well as grammar, and includes follow-up practices and exercises for further learning. The languages covered are Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Some languages have more resources than others.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: April 12, 2012
Ethnologue.com
This electronic version of "Ethnologue: Languages of the World" has an online database with a list of languages spoken in each country and their specific geographical location. The website also has links to the the International Academic Bookstore as well as other reference material.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Foreign Language Teaching Forum
Includes a list for foreign language educators to discuss various aspects of foreign language teaching. All postings are archived in a database which allows the user to search for messages by entering the author, date, subject thread, and/or key words. In addition, it also provides a list of web resources on foreign language teaching.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
French: BBC Languages French
Provided by the BBC, this resource for learning French provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
German: BBC Languages German
Provided by the BBC, this resource for learning German provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Greek: BBC Languages Greek
Provided by the BBC, this resource for learning Greek provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Italian: BBC Languages Italian
Provided by the BBC, this resource for learning Italian provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Languages For Work – Work Talk French
A tool provided by the BBC, this site provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people use in their everyday lives. French tests, worksheets, and resources are available along with a phrase of the day. Appropriate learning tools are provided for beginners up to more advanced speakers.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 8, 2012
Languages For Work – Work Talk German
A tool provided by the BBC, Work Talk Germany provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Languages For Work – Work Talk Spanish
A tool provided by the BBC, Work Talk Spanish provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Spanish Proficiency Exercises
Developed by UT-CIBER at University of Texas at Austin, Spanish Proficiency Exercises contains various materials used for practicing and assessing Spanish language attainment. Includes specialized sections for different levels of difficult, grammar lessons, a glossary, and video clips with audio.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Spanish: BBC Languages Spanish
Provided by the BBC, this resource for learning Spanish provides videos, snapshots, activities, and phrases that people in sales, hotel/catering, travel/tourism, and engineering use in their everyday work lives. Each situation is taught using images and sound bites of real people conversing. Audio needs Real Player to function.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Spanish: Businessspanish.com
Businessspanish.com offers sections with lessons, verbs, dialogs, travel, vocabulary, grammar, and audio tools to assist one in learning Spanish. Users are given basic grammar instructions, which in turn are applied to common business terms and concepts. Short exercises utilizing the new knowledge are available with answers and translations available.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Swedish: Introduction to Swedish
Presented by the Stockholm School of Economics, this website not only provides introductory lessons in basic to intermediate Swedish, but also provides users with useful audio files, language comparisons, and helpful historical and cultural context to help one better understand the language. The website is designed for users with no prior knowledge of Swedish, and provides useful vocabulary as well as explains the basic grammatical structure of the language.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Translation Vocabulary Wiki
A vocabulary exchange wiki with growing sections in French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese and games to facilitate learning. Examples of topics covered include numbers, months, time, transport and travel. Website is free; some features require registration
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012
Voice of America Pronunciation Guide
Voice of America pronunciation guide presents the pronunciation of government officials and other newsworthy organizations/individuals around the world in both written and in audio format. It is possible to search the guide by country, by keyword, or by browsing the list.
Last reviewed by globalEDGE on: February 6, 2012