Language learning software/videos/books?

[Imaginary]

What is the best language learning software for reading comprehension and writing? Or, failing that, what are the best videos and/or books? I would prefer software geared towards the Spanish language, but I am also interested in French and Arabic.

[toasterazzi]

I don't know about the best exactly, but I know a lot of people use and respect the Rosetta Stone software. It's a little too pricey for me, but I've heard it produces good results. 

 

I use Duolingo, which may not go as far in depth as some might want depending on individual needs, but it keeps me sharp.

[gatz]

I'm curious about this too since I have a long commute to work. Is it productive to try and learn languages aurally when you really are more interested in writing/reading?

[Imaginary]

I'm curious about this too since I have a long commute to work. Is it productive to try and learn languages aurally when you really are more interested in writing/reading?

 

That is what I was wondering. Not only is Rosetta Stone too expensive for me (I just can't justify spending that much right now), I have heard it is really geared towards spoken proficiency.

[semicolon2013]

I just started Duolingua as well, both to perfect my french and to begin learning German. It seems excellent, especially since it's free.

 

I personally think it helps to be able to speak the language at least a little when trying to gain reading knowledge, but that might not be the case for everyone.

[smellybug]

There are some great apps as well that just focus on vocab, which I've found useful for improving reading skills.

[moderatedbliss]

There are some great apps as well that just focus on vocab, which I've found useful for improving reading skills.

Which apps are you referring to? 

[Kamisha]

Duolingo is wonderful. I use Rosetta Stone, which is great if you can afford it. 

[smellybug]

Mosa Lingua is good. I use Essentials for "minor" languages.

[klader]

If you want to focus on reading and writing, audio programs can help, but they won't be ideal alone. Programs like Rosetta Stone are good for the traveler who wants to get a good base for conversation to get around, but if you want to read literature or something, you should also consider some good workbooks.

I study French, and I've found that the series Practice Makes Perfect has been helpful for my grammar skills. They have an intermediate version for the core tenants of grammar (the past tenses, the future tense, the conditional tense, and the start of the subjunctive mood), and I also have experience with the advanced grammar version that delves further into the specifics and elaborates on the foundations. Also, the about.com French guide is fabulous, and they have bilingual forums where you can ask specific questions about grammar or language.

French actually has a different literary tense used in formal writing (and maybe Spanish is similar?), so it'd also help to get some practice with that. They have a lot of free French books for Kindle available on Amazon (I'm currently reading Ourika right now, which is fabulous), and it really does help to just read a bit every day and write out new vocab words you learned throughout the day.

I'll also jump on board for Duolingo. It's always good to brush up on your skills with vocab and little tests like that.

Good luck with everything! Learning languages is fun

PS: As far as how learning languages is useful for English/comp/rhetoric, I've found that it really helps me tutor ESL students in my university's writing center, especially if they're French/of a similar romance language. You can relate to them about trying to learn and harness another language, and it gives you a better sense of patience and compassion.

Also, it just spices up your studies.

Edited February 13, 2014 by klader

[MedievalMadness]

I don't know about the best exactly, but I know a lot of people use and respect the Rosetta Stone software. It's a little too pricey for me, but I've heard it produces good results. 

 

I use Duolingo, which may not go as far in depth as some might want depending on individual needs, but it keeps me sharp.

Thanks for the Duolingo recommendation! I needed to brush up on German and this looks like a useful tool.

To everyone else: I use iKnow! and Brainscape for Latin practice. Mostly for vocab. (In case anyone needed to brush up on their Latin.)

[Katia_chan]

Thanks for the Latin rec.  I *love* learning languages, but I kind of suck at it.  And my current choice for grad program wants me to have one modern language, and one ancient one (joys of being a medievalist...), and I'm terrified, because I feel like in 2 years of Latin I don't remember a thing.

 

So, doing all the brushing up...

[MedievalMadness]

Thanks for the Latin rec.  I *love* learning languages, but I kind of suck at it.  And my current choice for grad program wants me to have one modern language, and one ancient one (joys of being a medievalist...), and I'm terrified, because I feel like in 2 years of Latin I don't remember a thing.

 

So, doing all the brushing up...

I would recommend Moreland & Fleischer's 'Latin: An Intensive Course'. It will get you through the grammar more quickly. iKnow! and Brainscape are mostly good for vocab. Also, if you have the time for it, Wheelock's textbook is really the standard. There are some good workbooks out there too.

If you want, we could form a Latin study buddy system! I really need to work on my Latin too.

[Katia_chan]

That would be fantastic.  I graduated in 2012, so my academic resources have sort of dried up, and it's not exactly easy to find a Latin study group.

 

Also, thank you for the course recommendations--I'll take a look at those.  My goal is to at least get a good start on things from now until September, when I can take actual classes again.

[Tweedledumb]

Can I join the Latin party? I've got the Rosetta Stone discs and Lingua Latina workbooks, but I'm really rusty...

[MedievalMadness]

Guys (Gals?): PM me with your emails and we can coordinate something.

[Katia_chan]

Yay, Latin party!

 

...Where else in the world can you say that without getting beaten up, I wonder?

[ArthChauc]

Can I be part of this Medieval/Latin gang? I'm also a Medievalist with two years of rusty Latin, a year of Old English, and a semester of Old French in addition to Hebrew, French, and Spanish. 

 

Long story short: HELP!

[Katia_chan]

The more the merrier (or the more people for me to embarrass myself in front of.)

 

And maybe you can offer some tidbits on old English?  Or we can also work on French together?

 

...I think my "long story" is looking about the same as yours...

[MedievalMadness]

I have a semester of Old English, though that was awhile ago. It could be fun to brush up on that too!

I really haven't done anything with Medieval Latin and would welcome your input. All my translation work has been with Classical text snippets, though I've recently been trying my hand at some of Gerald of Wales (mostly disastrous and slow).

PM me your email too and we can get a group going.

[Tweedledumb]

I have some French background too Katia. I have the Rosetta Stone for that as well.

Edited February 13, 2014 by Tweedledumb

[MedievalMadness]

I have two years of French, but it's incredibly rusty! As in... haven't studied French since ...hmm, 2006? Way rusty. I would love to learn Old French though.