Learning a language for free
You’ll need to spend time to learn a new language, but you don’t have to spend money
Learning a second (or third, or fourth) language can be a great career move, and it’s one that doesn’t have to cost you money. Sure, you’ll likely pay for foreign language classes where the information is presented to you in a simple, easy-to-follow course format, but if you’re willing to do a little legwork, you can save yourself money and study a new language for free from home.
Free language learning resources
Please note: While we have checked the following links, Snagajob does not control their content. The following is an overview of the content and services available at the time this article was written.
Best All Around: FreeLanguage.org
FreeLanguage.org is an excellent resource for comprehensive language learning. They offer tools, games, forums, podcasts and reviews of other language resources online – all for free! You can get started from their home page by selecting a tool that interests you or the language you want to learn. Each language has an extensive page listing free resources you can access both on and off of the Free Language site.
Reading: Lingro.com
The internet is brimming with foreign language websites just waiting for you to use them as a learning tool, but even veteran second-language speaker can find a page of words intimidating – there’s so much to read, so many words to understand and cultural references to learn. That’s where Lingro comes in. Go to Lingro.com and type in the address of your foreign language page; Lingro will reload it – except now you can click any word on the page and Lingro will explain it for you.
Vocabulary: Quizlet.com
Vocabulary games and tests to help you quickly pick up the fundamentals of almost any language!
Translation: Google Translate
With over 50 languages available, Google Translate can quickly translate any page into the language of your choice. Hover the mouse over any piece of text and Google Translate will show you the information in the original language so you can compare what you know with what you’re learning. Keep in mind it’s an automated translation, so there will be some hiccups, but overall it’s very useful.
Language Learning Community: Palabea.net and Busuu.com
Palabea and Busuu are both free online language communities that encourage speakers of different languages to connect and share their skills to increase other members’ language comprehension. This is a great online way to find a friend to practice your language skills with!
No matter which language you are trying to learn, chances are there are free resources for you to use online. It will take more time to put it all together yourself, but investing your time can pay you back with a new marketable job skill.
