15 Language Learning Resources
at Your Fingertips
13. Explore a foreign language magazine
If the offerings at your local library don't satisfy your thirst
for exposure to foreign language media, there are other ways to
access foreign language magazines. MIT Libraries lists newspapers and magazines for 8 different languages and provides links to online editions.
There are innumerable foreign language magazines on specialty topics,
from business to geography, from skiing to child-rearing. Here are
some links to a variety of magazines in French
and to several in German.
You can search the web for foreign language magazines on specialty
topics.
Alternatively, you could subscribe
to your very own foreign magazine. Some magazines can be read
online, but a print version offers unique advantages. You can find
advertisements for familiar products but perhaps displayed in an
unfamiliar way. You'll see advertisements for cultural products
you've never seen before. Flipping through the print edition allows
you to become acquainted with cultural peculiarities. Reading foreign
language magazines in your field of interest is an excellent
way to expand your ability to converse about something that you
hold dear.
14. Locate heritage events in your area
Universities typically have international student clubs on campus
that represent various ethnic backgrounds and cultures. Arab, Caribbean,
Hindu, Iranian, Latino, Polish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and so many
other student organizations abound on university campuses. Many
such groups regularly organize campus events that raise awareness
and appreciation of their respective cultures.
In addition, many communities have heritage groups beyond the university
that preserve and teach others about the traditions of their homeland.
Members are often immigrants or first-, second-, or third-generation
descendants of immigrants. The groups usually meet on a regular
basis. They plan and sponsor special events that honor folk traditions,
such as regional dances and costumes, observe important holidays
and celebrations, such as German Oktoberfest, Chinese and Iranian
New Year, and region-specific Christmas customs. These groups sometimes
arrange festivals and dinners, they offer language classes, and
organize get-togethers of various kinds.
Both community and university heritage groups provide venues for
establishing cultural contacts and practicing your language skills.
15. Listen to foreign language music
Ever have the experience of not remembering what you ate for breakfast,
but being able to recall the lyrics of a song you last heard 10
years ago? Music is an excellent memory aid for language learners.
Hearing and learning sung lyrics can improve vocabulary and pronunciation
and can reinforce proper use of structures.
You can browse our compilations of German
language music and Spanish
language music, search for CDs of international music at amazon.com
or alibris.com,
or you can listen to live audio from international radio broadcasts.
Mike's Radio World
and Radio Locator list
radio stations around the world with free streaming audio.
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See also specific language pages for additional resources:
Arabic - French - German - Italian - Japanese - Spanish
