Learning a language live online means free podcasts, radio, games and internet communities, which makes it...

So why is Online the new classroom? Not so long ago we used to learn languages the traditional way - using books, dictionaries and where? Well, for me it was third row from the back with a teacher at the front showing off his verb memorization. We thought we knew French until the substitute from France came one day and we couldn't understand a single word he said. Not only that but another big problem presented itself in our path to learning success - few opportunities to actually utilize what we'd learnt.

That barrier has now been removed with millions of people learning a new language through the internet. Not only are there endless ammounts of resources to choose from, but also millions of people surfing the web who want to practice their language skills.

By tapping into this huge stream of resources we can dramatically speed up our learning process because it allows us to do one fundamental thing when it comes to language learning - practice.

This page is designed to be a general guide to some of the best online language learning resources. If you're looking for resources for a specific language, please use our Language Index to find your desired language. There you'll find internet resources specific to that language.

Free or Subscription Language Lesson Podcasts

Do you have an ipod or mp3 player and itunes? Do you know about podcasts? These are regular audio feeds that you can subscribe to on itunes, or simply download whenever you want.

For example, Praxis Language has spawned ChinesePod & SpanishPod & FrenchPod and ItalianPod. They are all relatively new sites, based on the high popularity of ipod and itunes.

At first they were free, just to get the ball rolling, but now are still quite affordable, depending on what kind of access you want to the extra learning resources online. Meanwhile, the affordable, downloadable 10 minute language lessons are highly interactive and versatile, easy to listen to, and extremely practical for every-day vocabulary. The beginner lessons are in English between two bilingual speakers. The intermediate lessons are the same two but one explains in English and the other explains in the target language. Advanced is completely in the target language. In addition, the sites have a community feel as you can post questions about the language and recieve answers by other users of the site.

We're watching them closely, with baited breath, to see what language they come out with next!

Here's what some LanguagePodders have to say:

"It is the first time in years that I am truly learning.I am able to fit the learning into my schedule. Many thanks."

"I simply love SpanishPod. Keep up the good work!"

"This is a great way to learn. I love the flexibility of the material presented. The podcasts are so listenable and the extra learning tools for the dialogues are extremely helpful."

"Very high quality lessons -- interesting, contemporary, relevant."

Following closely along the lines of Praxis is the "101" dynamic series of language learning podcasts: ArabicPod101, GermanPod101, ItalianPod101, JapanesePod101.com, RussianPod101.com.

Language Immersion

Rosetta Stone

Covering 30 languages Rosetta Stone is an excellent immersion language learning programme - a real must for anyone serious about learning a language. Rosetta Stone uses the unique Dynamic Immersion method, which uses the computer to recreate the world around you. You therefore learn just as a child would - by interacting with objects, things and people.

Rosetta Stone online is available on a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription, accesible through your internet connection. You can also buy the software, which is more expensive, but it means you have the course permanently.

If used regularly, the course is excellent value for money. Click below for a FREE DEMO.

Online Community Learning

On the internet you have access to millions of fellow language learners. All you need is a safe and suitable place to practice your language skills with them.

Live Mocha

If you're looking for FREE, live interaction, with anybody at anytime, Live Mocha is the perfect site for you. You can sign up for free, and begin your interchange with other language learners there, for free, immediately. As they say, it's "the social way to learn a language".

Along similar lines, but covering loads more languages, TT4YOU.com delivers you connection with native speakers of over 100 different languages all over the world, and their site provides translation tools aswell as a world clock so that you don't wake your language tutor up at 5am in the morning!

Games & Exercises

BBC Languages

The free BBC conline ourses offer a wide range of languages to choose from, and great interactive games and exercises to engage the mind in.

Learn through the Radio

Listening to the radio can also be a great aid in tuning your ear to the sounds and rhythms of your new language. Many have found that doing this will later minimize how strong one's accent turns out to be, when speaking.

Here are some recommended sites, for tuning your ear to your chosen language on the web, via radio: The Virtual Exchange provides radio in Spanish, Finnish, Swedish and English. Multilingual Books provides radio in a WIDE range of languages. Have a look, and lend an ear!

Live Language Practice

If you're looking for LIVE telephony (via Skype) with native speakers (in English, German or Japanese), for a reasonable price, we recommend "Lets Talk Online".

Help Others Live & Learn

Have you used online resources to learn a language? if so we'd love to hear about them. We're always keen to find out about useful online language resources.

Please e-mail us with your findings using the form below.