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A Collection Of Online Resources
beginners ... upwards
SpanishPrograms.com -- Free Interactive, On-Line, Spanish Language Lessons
Introduction
This website about Lanzarote would not be complete without a reference to the language of the island - Spanish.
I have been learning Spanish on and off for some years and would describe myself as a learner of 'intermediate' standard (I have an understanding of the basics but still have a lot to learn). I visit various language learning facilities on the internet to further my knowledge and I thought it would be useful (for my visitors and myself) if I were to list some of the sites which I have found to be most useful.
During a learning session, I find it useful to convert one of the websites which I visit into my homepage* - ringing the changes as necessary - and I can recommend this as a very useful practice. It enables one to start a new session where the last one finished.
Some of the websites which we will visit require us to become a member by entering a username and password. This is well worth doing as it will give us access to a lot of free teaching material.
"Flashcards" are now used extensively on the Internet and many of the sites we visit will be using this technique. If you do not have this facility, you will be invited to download the program when you attempt to access these cards.
Language For Travellers & Early Learners
If you are interested in learning just enough to "get by" whilst on holiday or travelling, you will find the following sites useful:
Study Courses
Hopefully, however, you will be concerned to undertake a course of study (free or otherwise) - and it does not have to be boring these days. Far from it! The "net" is making it easier and easier (and more enjoyable too). You can go at your own pace.
Good places to begin are:
Do You Need To Type In Spanish But Lack A Spanish Keyboard? Try This!
A useful tool has now appeared on the scene which enables anyone who does not have a Spanish keyboard to easily type the Spanish accents and other Spanish characters. It is the first time I have come across this facility. It will prove very useful if you are learning the language and need to type in Spanish. Go to http://spanish.typeit.org and try it for yourself.
Tips On Learning A Language
Read the free on-line copy of this e-book by Ricardo González (founder and executive director of Bilingual America).
The Numbers
On this website the numbers are illustrated in sound and writing using flash cards. These are supplemented with a game to test what you have learned.
The Verbs
Learning the correct conjugation of Spanish verbs is important. At first sight, it seems overwhelming. The verbs come in different tenses, voices and moods. Sounds complicated, but not to worry. There is a pattern to the conjugation of most verbs and (once you become familiar with the pattern) it is not as difficult as you might think.
Lawra Lawless provides a good explanation, as does the "Study Spanish" company.
Quiz Tree - test your knowledge of the Spanish verbs.
Games
Test your learning so far with these translation games, activities & quizzes.
Quiz Tree - free interactive quizzes.
Aids To Memory
The "Linkword Languages" company has developed a unique way of learning languages - and it works. My wife and I have tried it. We can fully recommend it.
Flashcards
This website has developed an excellent set of flashcards. It displays cards dealing with lots of Spanish words and phrases. Sound accompanies the flash cards and you can hear the spoken words and phrases.
It also deals with the Spanish alphabet.
Dictionaries, Translations, Vocabularies
There are now a number of dictionaries and translators on the internet. Some of those I like to visit include:
Reading
The way in which I like to keep in touch with the language is to read novels written in Spanish. At first, this practice involves looking up lots of words in the dictionary, but - with the passage of time - this becomes less and less necessary. The great thing about this way of keeping in touch is that it is very enjoyable. Like the reading of all good novels, one can't wait to pick up the book again to read the next developments.
Another favourite of mine is to read the Teletext on Spanish TV.
News
Reading & Listening
The "Spanish Company's" media channels are designed to help you "fine tune" both your understanding and speaking skills in a fun and entertaining way. After listening to a recording, you are encouraged to consult a vocabulary guide and then repeat the recording aloud (slightly after the speaker).
Radio & TV
Visit this website to listen to Spanish radio and television channels.
Live radio.
Video Clips
Clips from the BBC languages programmes:
Other Resources
Other resources which you might consult include:
*[ Visit a webpage .. then click Tools (top of screen) > Internet Options > General > Home page > Use Current ]
