Online Language Learning Communities
Websites for Learning and Speaking Foreign Languages with Others
Apr 10, 2009
Learning a new language can’t happen in a vacuum. A language student can read textbooks, listen to audio lessons, watch videos, even take classes. But without regular opportunities to engage with native speakers of the target language, real language learning progress cannot take place.
Immersion, with structured support, is recognized as the single, best method of learning a new language. However, travel to a foreign country or participating in immersion education programs are not always options.
Online language learning communities and language chat rooms have stepped up to fill the gap.
Language Learning Communities Offer Online Courses
Online language learning communities are websites that combine language instruction and online language learning resources with social networking opportunities to help their members learn new languages.
LiveMocha.com offers free language support for and instruction in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Hindi, German, and Mandarin Chinese. Based in Seattle, Washington, LiveMocha claims over one million global members.
Busuu.com currently offers both free and premium (paid) language instruction in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and German. Based in Madrid, Spain, busuu.com includes interactive incentives to encourage members to improve language skills.
MyHappyPlanet.com offers a forum for connecting people who wish to speak with others of a variety of languages, but depends on the site's members to create the language lessons. Membership is free.
italki.com utilizes language partners and language teachers. Based in Shanghai, China, the site offers free downloadable language learning materials and language videos accessible to members.
Phrasebase.com offers a live webcam classroom application for a variety of languages, an online phrasebook intended to support 40 languages, and social networking capabilities.
Online Global Language Chat Rooms
Chat rooms that specialize in connecting speakers of a variety of language tend to be more social than educational in nature. But they serve the purpose of connecting people around the world who want to use or practice either a native or newly learned language, but who may not need or want the instructional components found in the language learning communities.
Babel.com offers an open chat room format in multiple languages. Inviting users to “chat without borders,” there is no predetermined context at Babel.com. Users are invited to carry on discussions, share feelings, make friends, or “simply find love.”
MyLanguageExchange.com uses a structured format to engage small, mixed groups of native speakers of any two target languages. Communication takes place half the time in one language and half the time in the other. The activities are designed to provide practice in vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening comprehension in each language.
Immersion is the best way to learn a new language, however, immersion is not always practical nor accessible. Online language learning communities and global chat rooms are not the same as being immersed in a language all day, but they do offer real time opportunities to engage in live conversation with native speakers and others who want to improve their language skills. And the advantage is that most of these websites offer their services for free.
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