Web-Based Resources for the University of Richmond Community
The University subscribes to the basic level of Mango Languages, which teaches ‘survival’ skills in a great variety of languages. Once you have created a profile on the University site, you can use the mobile app. To access Mango Languages, go to http://library.richmond.edu > Research Databases > M.
U.S. Government Resources
The U.S. government has a long history of supporting the learning of languages other than English through both materials development grants and by running its own programs for language learning. Older materials it has developed (usually audio and text) are available through Audio-Forum; look for materials labeled FSI (Foreign Service Institute).
An important source for materials–particularly for less-commonly-taught languages–is the website of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. You may need to create an account, but most materials are not restricted to government personnel. Beginners will be particularly interested in the materials–particularly the cultural materials and the Headstart2 lessons under ‘Basic Skills’. GLOSS is a searchable database of 7000 reading and listening lessons based on authentic materials. (Note: Levels on this site use the government’s ILR scale. A 1 on this scale is the equivalent of intermediate on the ACTFL scale, i.e., a 1 meets the COM 2 requirement at the University of Richmond.) Weekly Training Events are designed to help more advanced learners maintain their skills. Rapport includes six to eight hours of military language and cultural training.
Web-Based Resources
There are numerous web-based language learning resources available. Many are free; others are available by subscription. Take advantage of free trials to determine which resources work best for you.
- LangMedia Resources for World Languages, created by the Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, is a superb collection of resources for the study of languages and cultures geared specifically to independent learners.
- The Center for Open Educational Resources and Language Learning has developed a number of free resources for languages and cultures. Go to the tab Materials > Languages to see what’s available. Full first-year courses in French and German are available.
- The BBC Languages site offers a variety of materials for a number of languages. The materials are very good, but not all are available outside of Britain.
- DuoLingo is a game-based system for French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish that also encourages crowd-sourced translations of world news. Surprisingly addictive, DuoLingo is a fun way to begin learning a language, but it is best used with other resources. (There is a free mobile app, too.)
- Yabla is a subscription-based online language learning system for Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish that is based on authentic video material. The cost is approximately $10/month. Yabla is particularly good for improving listening comprehension.
- Transparent Language Online is a subscription-based online language learning system. The cost ranges from $17 – $30/month. This program is remarkable for the number of languages available.
Apps
- DuoLingo (free)
- uTalk
- MindSnacks
- Earworms