Most of our days are spent talking and writing, as well as reading and listening to things other people have said or written. If, like many Americans, you only understand one language, you’re limited in the number and variety of people you can converse and share ideas with.
Unfortunately, language-learning classes and software are expensive. However, if you know where to look, there are free resources online that can help you learn and expand your current knowledge of other languages and cultures.
1. DuoLingo
Both of these sites offer free lessons in multiple languages and are great for beginners, or those who may have taken a language in high school and want to refresh their knowledge. #2 offers more languages, but #1 is my personal favorite, just because of the step-by-step program that walks you through learning the language of your choice, and the extremely user-friendly site design.
3. Lang-8
If you are an intermediate or advanced student of a language, then you might consider using Lang-8. On this site, you can type in essays, emails, and letters in the language you are learning and have them proofread and critiqued by a native speaker. You can also read the works of others in your first language. Many people use this site to proofread business emails or school essays for grammatical errors that a non-native speaker might not catch.
4. YouTube
Have you ever wanted to learn sign language? The video above is a great introduction to basic signs. ASL is a beautiful language, and gives those who learn it a new way to communicate.
5. Lexicity
Okay, so maybe you have no interest in communicating with other people face to face. Maybe speaking is really hard for you, or you hated your language class in high school. Is there a chance that ancient history might be more your thing? Then try out Lexicity.
This site has reference materials and notes on many ancient languages, from Old English all the way back to Sumerian. Most of these languages are no longer spoken, and are considered “dead languages,” such as Latin. However, when you learn them, you gain the ability to read the words of people who lived and died thousands of years ago.
Learning a new language whether it’s modern or ancient, spoken or signed, opens up worlds of opportunity. There are entire libraries of literature and poetry, songs and speeches, that you can understand best in their original language. Learning a new language can help you make new friendships, or strengthen old ones if you decide to learn with a friend. It also looks very good on a resume if you practice and can gain a level of conversational or fluency in a second language.
If you make use of these sites over summer, and want to pursue a language further, you can talk to the CSU Languages Department, located in Clark C in the fall.
