Language Resources
This section of globalEDGE provides a number of language course syllabi focused on the business vocabulary for a given language. Syllabi are provided by a variety of community colleges and universities, and include languages such as Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this resource for learning Arabic provides basic phrases, a guide to Arabic, as well as tips on how to learn a new language. Each situation is taught using sound bites of real people conversing.
Babbel is an interactive resource that allows users to learn languages through online coursework prepared by professional linguists and educators. This site allows users to choose their native language in order to provide learning methods that will best suit their needs. Registration and access to the first lesson of each course are free, but fees apply to gain full access to the site.
The languages section of the BBC website provides free audio and video language courses in a number of languages. Each language contains a basic guide which includes facts, key phrases, and the alphabet of that language. The language pages provide a variety of information about where to find specific language courses, vocabulary, and news related to the language itself. A testing tool also allows users to determine their proficiency level in a particular language.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this resource for learning Chinese provides guides about pronunciation, writing Chinese characters, and essential phrases. The "real Chinese" section provides users with online lessons on what to say in a variety of situations such as introducing yourself or finding and booking a hotel. Each one of these lessons is taught using images and sound bites of real conversation.
Speak Chinese teaches the Chinese language through conversational lessons focusing on traveling and working in China. The site contains a list of popular words as well as translations for Chinese allegories, idioms, dialogues, and menu items.
Local Lingo was established with the goal of creating an online community and a resource for those interested in learning Czech. Its website offers an audio pronunciation guide and grammar overview as well as lists of useful Czech phrases and vocabulary. Also provided are language tests and exercises to test a user's translation, comprehension, listening, and vocabulary recognition skills. Furthermore it supplies resources regarding Czech translators, tutors, and learning books.
eLanguageSchool provides detailed lessons about the history of certain languages, vocabulary and phrases, and the grammar of that language. The site also includes language videos, as well as follow-up practices and exercises for further learning,. Some languages have more resources than others.
This electronic version of Ethnologue: Languages of the World is an online database with lists of languages spoken in each country and their specific geographical location. The site also includes information on the development and endangerment of languages around the world.
Foreigncy is a language resource site that teaches users vocabulary through reading articles about current events in a given language. The site is targeted at advanced language learners who wish to maintain and improve their language skills. Flashcards and pronunciations are included on the site to aid learning the new language, and quizzes follow each lesson to test comprehension. Fees vary based on the length of membership purchased.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this resource provides interactive lessons about basic french phrases, vocabulary, and grammar to help users learn how to speak the language. The site provides videos and audio clips with each lesson to help users listen and pronounce words properly. A test is also available on the main page to help users evaluate their comprehension of the language. Audio from the lessons can be downloaded in MP3 format.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this resource for learning German provides users with free online lessons, a guide to the language, and links to German media sites. Each online lesson offers options to learn vocabulary or phrases by watching a video, reading a transcript, or listening to audio. A test provided on the homepage additionally allows users to determine their comprehension level of the language.
Grammarly is a writing service that provides users with grammar, spelling, and punctuation assistance. Grammarly can be installed in browser, and will offer edits as the user types to improve clarity and accuracy in writing. Grammarly has a free version and requires registration with email.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this resource for learning Greek provides users with helpful resources to learn the basics of the Greek language. A guide to Greek, online lessons, and interactive games are all available on the homepage of the site, along with external links to other Greek courses online. Each online lesson on this site allows users to learn a basic Greek phrase, its pronunciation, its meaning, and the English translation of the phrase.
The Business Hindi Resource Guide is designed for students applying for jobs and internships in India by providing them with cultural and linguistic tools in order to successfully adapt to the socio-business environment in India. The guide provides various modules covering topics including socio-cultural etiquette, conversations in socio-business situations, business culture etiquette, sample business documents, and a glossary of Hindi business terms.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this website for learning Italian provides users with numerous resources such as online courses, a guide to the language, and a comprehension test. The online lessons are provided in video format and cover topics including Italian vocabulary, phrases, and grammar with interactive options such as games and exercises. The site also provides external links to Italian media sources and other online courses.
Learn A Language, partnered with Visual Link Languages and the US Institute of Languages, provides interactive audio and visual learning tools on a language's grammar, vocabulary, and useful phrases. The site also provides planned lesson structures, games, and activities.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this resource for learning Portuguese provides users with helpful learning tools such as a guide to Portuguese, links to news written in the language, and interactive online lessons. The online lessons cover basic phrases in Portuguese along with the culture of Brazil, and allow users to make use of audio, videos, games, and learning exercises to gain a better understanding of the language.
Easy Portuguese provides a grammar guide for beginner and intermediate level Brazilian Portuguese, along with lists of common vocabulary and useful phrases for business travelers. There is also a pronunciation guide and audio examples of the words and phrases.
Developed by the University of Texas at Austin, the Spanish Proficiency Exercises contain various materials used for practicing and assessing Spanish language attainment. These exercises are sorted by difficulty and include grammar lessons, a glossary, a downloadable podcast, and video clips with audio.
Provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), this resource for learning Spanish provides free online courses along with a number of other resources to help users learn the language. The online lessons include helpful aids such as audio, games, and exercises to help with the memorization of phrases. A guide to the Spanish language as well as information about vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation are also available on this website.
The Mixxer is a free langue learning resource that allows users to be paired up, via Skype, with a native speaker who attempting to learn the user's native language. In addition, the resource provides language lessons for users attempting to learn English, Spanish, French, German, or Chinese. Use of The Mixxer requires a free registration.
The 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 region, by keyword, or by browsing the list.