what is a good site to go to to learn french online by your self?

February 23rd, 2010

i want to learn french but i cant at skool so i want to learn on the internet so whats a good site to look at to learn by my self. i want to learn to speak french in complete sentences but i really want to do it on the internet

http://www.french-linguistics.co.uk/dictionary/ hope this helps! :D

How difficult is learning German for a native English speaker?

February 20th, 2010

I’m looking to possibly take an introductory course in German. I know they are both Germanic languages and have some words in common so I was wondering how easy it is to pick up. Thanks in advance

German is a very difficult language. The fact that English and German are both Germanic languages will be of little help, as the German grammar is very complex, with particularities that do not exist in English.

The fact that some words are similar is of no help at all. So what: father is vater, mother is mutter. Big help!

However, I do advise you to take an introductory course. You will not be able to speak the language, but it will open your mind to another world.

What Are The Benefits Of Me Learing German As Opposed To Me Learning Italian?

February 20th, 2010

I am considering either german gcse or an italian gcse. What would be better, and what would seem more prestigious when i get on to a-level.

hey,

I’m Italian but studied German..

To be honest German is one of the most difficult European languages, it’s really hard and complicated. I’m not saying Italian is easy, it is certainly harder than English but still easier than German.

As a matter of fact German will probably be more useful to you during your life as it is the most important language in the European Union after English and French. While Italian is a little less important(=useful).

So, if you are willing to spend a lot of time and energy on a language then go for German. If you think you don’t have time or energy enough then try Italian. It’s still more difficult than English but it will take away a little less effort.

And, IMO, Italian sounds FAR better than German.

how can i learn french online for free?

February 20th, 2010

i really want to learn french and im wondering what website can help me for free.. help please.. thanks!

Hi,

For online learning, I suggest you try WIZiQ’s Virtual Classroom, http://www.wiziq.com/Member/Tags.aspx . It’s very easy to find the suitable teacher and request a session. Just write the topic you are interested and the teacher list is ready. Btw, registration and the whole features are definitely free.

Best Wishes,

Saltuk

What’s the best school for learning Italian in Italy, if I’m a beginner going for four weeks?

February 17th, 2010

I’m an American and am prepared to spend the month of June anywhere in Italy, learning basic Italian. I’ve never taken a class in Italian before. I’m open to living in any city but would probably prefer someplace like Florence, Siena, or Bologna. Rome would also be ok.

I have rated a number of schools and I reckon the best place is the Dante Alighieri school in Mondavio. There are a couple of other great places that I have checked out :

http://www.my-italy-piedmont-marche-and-more.com/learn-italian.html

You need to be careful though as I first studied Italian in Florence and learnt nothing – huge classes and in a city where everyone spoke English. In Mondavio virtually no one speaks English so you are forced to speak Italian and the school is fantastic. It will definitely remain forever with you as an experience of a lifetime.

Where does an American, English speaking, but learning German, go to find job resources in Germany?

February 17th, 2010

I am an English speaking, American, I am learning german, I live in Germany and am looking for work. I moved here recently and have limited information for English speaking employment opportunities. Any info or web information would be appreciated.

Why don’t you try to contact your local "Arbeitsamt". They should be able to tell you whether there are any jobs available or who else you could ask for an English speaking job.

Where can I learn Quebecois French online?

February 17th, 2010

For someone who knows zero French, what are some good websites with basic Quebecois French instruction? I do not wish to confuse myself with Parisian French when learning. It could be anything from a free website with lots of basics to a pay course. I was hoping by now an online course with audio and video would be available, but it’s hard to sort out those with Parisian emphasis. If online isn’t possible, recommend some good Quebecois books for an absolute beginner. I’m an adult (25), in the USA if that skews your answers any.

My advice is that if you know ZERO French, not to start learning Quebec French as a reference.

The problem is that there exists Standard Quebec French which is practically the same as European French (Parisian French is not Standard French by the way – they have an accent and A LOT of expressions of their own), but most foreigners will quickly fall into trap of learning and speaking colloquial Quebec French right away, which is NOT a good language reference.

Start by learning Standard French (online, audio softwares, classes) but you’ll have to make double the efforts if you come to Quebec not to give into slang all the time. I say start learning the slang (what we call the ”joual” here) once you feel comfortable in standard French. Because if you only learn colloquial Quebec French, you won’t have a hard time understanding French speakers from other countries, but you might have trouble communicating.

You Can Learn a Language Today!

February 6th, 2010

“I have a tin ear. I have never been any good at languages.”

You throw the dictionary on your deck chair in despair, wondering how you are going to order tropical drinks on your next vacation to Mexico. Don’t worry – the waiter speaks English.

But you still wanted to learn a language because you always thought it would be fun to communicate with someone in a language other than English. You believe that you can’t because:

1. You never learned it as a child and you have heard that only children can learn languages well.

2. Your Spanish teacher threw an eraser at you and called you “tonto” in front of the class.

3. You can’t even remember all the words to your favorite song, never mind whole strings of words in a new language!

Don’t worry! There’s hope yet!

Current research shows that adults learn languages just fine. Children do pick up a more authentic accent, but adults can get everything needed to express themselves in a new language. Besides, that cute little accent will make you sexier and more exotic!

So go online and buy yourself that C.D. program you heard advertized. Listen to the drills in your car back and forth to work. When you come home, watch a movie in the language you are trying to learn – without the subtitles – so you can get the hang of how it all sounds in real life. And finally, make a friend or buddy who speaks the language you are trying to learn. Maybe you can teach them English or trade something else they need. It’s fun and free! In the end, nothing can stop you from learning the language of your dreams!

So go ahead, do it and when you do, take your new language skills to a place around the corner or around the world. You’ll be glad that you did!

Maryann Woods-Murphy
http://www.articlesbase.com/languages-articles/you-can-learn-a-language-today-216073.html

Take the Children to Live in Spain: It’s a Winner

February 1st, 2010

Every winter, in the midst of bleak weather conditions, the dream of starting a new life in Spain becomes a major topic of conversation for many UK residents. Conversely, the subject is again highlighted when summer holidays are taken in the warm, embracing climate offered by Spain. However, while uprooting the family and moving to Spain can be an exciting and stimulating change, it might not all be plain sailing. It takes determination and commitment to ensure the whole family put down roots in their new surroundings, while concerns about children adapting to a new lifestyle can undermine the move.

Selecting the right location for your home in Spain plays a major part in the early assimilation of the adopted homeland, but the selection process can be a long and sometimes difficult task. After researching such factors as area, locality, shopping and leisure facilities, environment, culture and particularly schools, it is an excellent idea to make a couple of research visits to your chosen area. Once you have settled on the right location, the first stage of the move culminates in a ‘For Sale’ sign being erected at your home, whilst simultaneously securing a property in Spain. Packing containers with your belongings, paying the final bills and saying ‘adios’ to friends and family leads to the purchase of one-way ticket. While the desire, drive and eventually the decision to adopt a new life in Spain is taken by parents, children generally readily accept the change.

Difficulty adapting to a new Spanish home can be overcome in the initial phase by familiar home comforts; simple pleasures like home cooked food and satellite TV assist the settling down process. Furthermore, any concerns about the quality of schools can be quickly discounted, as many schools are new, and all have excellent facilities and teaching standards are high. Entry to schools is straightforward for all EU citizens and where sizeable ex-pat communities reside, schools provide initial language learning to facilitate early integration.

Pre-school children adapt quickly to their new surroundings, whilst those of primary school age willingly mix with children of different nationalities and soon learn to join in playground games. Young children have an innate ability to mimic; this helps with the starter stage of language learning and their confidence grows very quickly so they simply absorb the Spanish language and adopt Spanish mannerisms. However, older children might initially find the change difficult and parental encouragement is important in the early weeks and months.

Home sickness and missing friends come to the forefront when the smallest thing goes wrong. The phrase “why did we come here” is often heard in the early days, but presenting a loving, close family unit helps to dispel children’s concerns; prompting them to slot easily into the different climate and routines, while the new sensation of flexibility and freedom soon overcomes such reservations and integration soon moves at a rapid pace.

For all ages, the year round warmer climate and longer days allows children to engage in outdoor activities such as tennis, golf, basketball and swimming – especially when they can enjoy the healthy benefits in a safe environment. Joining the family on outings means the TV can remain switched off; computer games gather dust and soon become outdated, while every weekend, leisure trips can bring a new adventure; be it to the beach, inland towns or mountain walks. The senses are stimulated by new experiences and these pleasures become associated with the new area and country for parents and children alike.

If you are considering relocating to Spain, it is essential to research the move thoroughly, and choosing a knowledgeable and reliable Spanish property agent can help to alleviate the stresses associated with relocation to Spain. Ultimately, taking that huge step and relocating to Spain can ensure your childrens’ happiness and wellbeing. Before long they will become both multi-lingual and multi-cultural, and both they and you will quickly come to refer to Spain as ‘home’.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.

Andrew Regan

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/take-the-children-to-live-in-spain-its-a-winner-107136.html

What is the best book you can recommend for learning Italian??

February 1st, 2010

I have the Italian Now Vol. 1 and Italian Verb Drills, is there anything better out there?

http://www.ultimatelanguagestore.com/inc/sdetail/35421

i tried i didnt pick it up well