Just fifteen years ago, if you wanted to learn a foreign language, you had to either enroll in courses or go to a country where native speakers of that language lived. All resources were very rare and were concentrated almost exclusively in the hands of teachers. Access to books, records, courses, that is, everything that could be useful for self-study language was limited.

But times are changing!

Now there is an endless ocean of resources for almost every language on earth. Quick search Google for most major languages ​​will return hundreds, if not thousands, of pages about everything you can imagine. Limited information has become unlimited, which in turn has created another problem - how to sift through all this mass of information and find what is most useful?

Google's algorithms, coupled with our desire to tell our friends on social media what we like, have begun to solve this problem and allow the “cream to rise to the top,” as my dad says. However, the amount of information is still far greater than most of us can comprehend.

Livemocha

Livemocha is one of the first free language learning sites I discovered and one that I recommend people sign up for. The site offers a structure for a personalized language learning program complete with lessons, the opportunity to practice with native speakers in the community, and the opportunity to learn according to your needs. own schedule at a convenient time for you.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a brand new learning forum. I started using it to get back to studying. Spanish, after feeling that simply listening to the speech was not enough to resume learning. What I love about Duolingo is how multi-dimensional it is. He throws his tongue at you in a variety of different ways, which keeps it fresh.

LingQ

LingQ is a reading-based language learning program that continues to improve year after year. On LingQ, students select text, including in the form of audio recordings, and then form “links” to new words encountered during the reading process. LingQ great program, and they've created a great video on the home page that demonstrates exactly how to work. Check it out!

Lang-8

Lang-8 is one of the programs that I mostly used when I was studying Turkish language. Lang-8 allows you to submit what you've written for review by native speakers of the language you're learning. And you, in turn, can edit written works those who are studying your native language. I created Text Document, which he kept on his desk for the purpose of collecting all his corrected written work.

Rhinospike

Like Lang-8, Rhinospike is a community. You send text to be recorded by a native speaker of the target language and, in turn, make an audio recording for those trying to learn your language. native language. I used Rhinospike to get some of my journal entries and also to get my free entry. e-book in Spanish and French.

Skype

If you don't yet have your own Skype account, now is the time to create one. This is very useful platform, allowing you to make free calls to anyone around the world from your computer. Calls to regular phones are practically free. Skype is an excellent platform for creating the opportunity to speak in the language you are learning. Skype also did great job, to give you the opportunity to find language partners by creating a language exchange platform called Skype Language Learning, where you can find people to talk to in your target language.

Verbling

I first discovered Verbling while reading Benny Lewis's review on Fluent in 3 Months. Verbling allows you to video chat with native speakers, literally, with the click of a button. Just register and you're good to go. You can practice the language you want to learn with someone anywhere in the world who wants to practice the language with you.

Digital Dialects

Digital Dialects are great. It's not super powerful, but it does contain the basic complex online games that will help any student master basic lexicon and phrases in the target language.

Anki

I believe that word flash cards with text and pictures (flash cards) can be an important component for quickly introducing new vocabulary into your vocabulary. long-term memory. Proper training using flash cards - the topic of my last year's article. Anki is computer program, which uses the algorithm spaced repetitions, making flash card repetition much more effective and efficient than ever before.

Omniglot

I have tried to build a solid list of specialized language learning sites and will continue to develop and expand the dedicated language page here on EDLL. But there's more to come long haul, and several hundred less common languages ​​are still underrepresented. If you are looking for sites to learn less commonly spoken languages ​​or are having difficulty finding languages, please contact alphabetical index Omniglot (A-Z). It is replete with a colossal amount of information and resources, while remaining a one-of-a-kind site.

More resources?

Are there any other resources? Are they more effective? To both questions I would answer - definitely yes. Here are just a few free resources, which I have used and known about, and which I believe can be part of creating a powerful language learning environment - anywhere!

Which free language learning site do you like best? Write in the comments.

Aaron Myers (translation from English)

If you are starting to learn English (or any other language), and if you want to learn how to most effectively learn this language on your own, or you are taking courses or studying with a teacher, but are looking additional ways effective learning foreign languages, I invite you to, where you will receive many useful recommendations on how to increase the effectiveness of learning a foreign language.

Today, a person who does not know English loses a lot of opportunities in life and will generally feel uncomfortable. Learning can often be boring and difficult, but we have selected resources for you that will help you improve your English on your own and at ease.

Here you can complete tasks that will be checked by native speakers. You will also be able to meet and communicate with people from anywhere globe, thereby deepening your knowledge.

By the way, on this site you can learn not only English, but also many other languages.

Great portal for learning in English. You can read articles, listen to music and watch TV series, learning the language in this way. Then you will have to complete tasks that will help you reinforce the words you have learned.

This service will help you learn individual words. A huge advantage of the site is the presence of a mobile version. With this resource you can create your own dictionaries and expand your vocabulary.

If you decide to learn English, then you can’t go without grammar. This service will help you master the structural nuances of sentences with enough interesting tasks. It contains a lot of topics with detailed explanations and exercises.

An English-language chatroulette in which the interlocutor is selected randomly. Here you can not only improve your language skills, but also find new interesting friends.

This service will help improve written speech. Here you can write texts, and a native speaker will read it, correct and explain errors. An excellent resource for those who want to speak a foreign language correctly.

Another one social network oriented towards learning foreign languages. Here you can communicate with people from different countries, get acquainted and improve your knowledge. The resource provides the opportunity to communicate with speakers of more than 100 languages.

Another social network that will help you learn a language. There is one nuance here - many indicate several native languages ​​if they believe that they can speak it well enough. But this does not exclude the possibility that they make mistakes. Therefore, think about it if a person has marked several languages ​​as native ones. Maybe he's just interested in them

An excellent site where you can learn phrases and look at the ones you already know in a new way. The emphasis is on phrases because they are the basis of your communication in the language. This service will help you improve your English communication skills.

This is probably the most serious resource with a lot of materials, lesson plans, assignments and much more. Here you can even prepare for TOEFL and IELTS, which, you see, is quite good.

A service for learning American English, where you can improve your knowledge by viewing various world news on a wide variety of topics. This way you can improve your language skills and learn last news peace.

An affordable and simple service that even provides crosswords, games and quizzes for learning English. Almost all materials can be printed. The sheer number of exercises makes this resource incredibly useful.

We wish you success in learning foreign languages, and in particular English. By the way, reading books and watching films in a foreign language is great way improve your knowledge.

Especially for Habr readers, we have compiled a list of resources and applications that will effectively complement classes with a teacher or self-study.

Vocabulary practice

To speak freely on everyday topics and read newspapers and magazines, a large and rich vocabulary is required. Let's take a look required amount words for different levels. The experience of EnglishDom teachers suggests that this volume is for different levels is:

• Elementary - 300-500 words,
• Pre-intermediate - 700-1000,
• Intermediate - 1500-2000,
• Upper-intermediate - 3000-4000,
• Advanced - 8000,
• Proficient - 10,000 or more.

Even if you know grammar perfectly, but there are unknown words in the sentence, general meaning may be misunderstood or not clear at all. In such situations, dictionaries are useful, where there is not only a translation, but also detailed examples With different meanings words and explanations.

Multitran and Lingvo

pros: very similar to each other and contain separate topics, a large number of examples and links to translation sources.
Minuses: Sometimes there are not the most adequate translations of words added by users.

Merriam Webster

pros: Dictionary in English only. It also contains meanings by topic and area of ​​use of words, examples and links to sources of translations and explanations.
Minuses: lack of Russian, which can be a problem for an entry-level user.

Memorizing words

If a new word is encountered once and you no longer use it, it is quickly forgotten. To transfer words from short-term memory to long-term memory, you will need apps and web services for practicing vocabulary.

Upmind

pros: an application in which words are learned in a game format and supported by pictures, tests and examples from Twitter, short word learning sessions, user-friendly design and tracking of results.
Minuses: no web version or Android app.

pros: the service offers thematic selections of words in the form of sets on the most popular topics. You can create your own sets of words and reinforce words you have already covered. Each word is supported by an associative picture and audio. Practice words with choice exercises correct option, writing and puzzle. For completing vocabulary tasks, as well as other training sessions on the site, users can receive pleasant bonuses in the form of a subscription to conversation club or Skype lessons, as well as a subscription to an online self-paced course.
Minuses: mobile app it will be in the fall, but for now there is mobile version site.

Memrise

pros: The design of the service was invented by the users themselves, as were the examples that help you remember individual words. Everything is supported by student cases, and most importantly, by memes. There are also tasks for choosing the correct answer and tracking your progress in studying. There are applications on Android and iOS.
Minuses: the quality of the examples themselves is not always adequate.

Easy Ten

pros: there are applications on Android and iOS, short sessions of 10 words per day, words are reinforced using cards, transcriptions, examples, pronunciation exercises, tests and the ability to repeat previously learned ones. It’s convenient to track your progress and has a nice system of achievements, as well as a system of gestures for control.
Minuses: The learning system does not guarantee memorization of words, since the user marks them as learned himself.

Live communication

Learning words is not enough. They remain in the passive vocabulary, and to bring them into the active vocabulary, you need to practice living speech.

Social network How do you do

pros: filtering to find friends, it is possible not only to correspond, but also to make calls and video calls.
Minuses: you often come across non-native speakers, and native speakers may ask for payment for communicating with them.

Social network Coeffee

pros: this is a similar service, but here you can still play various games to consolidate English vocabulary and grammar together with other members of the community.
Minuses: There are fewer native speakers.

Youtube

Learn English with Ronnie

pros: Ronnie is a very qualified English teacher, he explains everything in a very accessible, simple, and most importantly fun way.
Minuses: May be difficult for beginner level.

Business English Pod

pros: Business topics (management, finance, economics, law), playlists by category, clear pronunciation.
Minuses: Can also be difficult for beginners.

VOA Learning English

pros: News from clear pronunciation and available subtitled videos for various levels.
Minuses: only American version English

How It Should Have Ended

pros: This is a channel for all fans of famous cinema. There is a lot of humor and fun animation. They speak in simple language With American accent, there are subtitles.
Minuses: May be a bit challenging for beginners.

Classic =3 Compilations

pros: All +100500 fans will love it. This is where the idea of ​​reviewing popular videos and commenting on them came from.
Minuses: already outdated content and specific humor may seem difficult for beginners.

Especially for Habra readers, bonuses for learning English in EnglishDom

Online courses
We are giving you access for a year to the English course for self-study “Online Course”.

To gain access, simply go to .

Individually via Skype
Specialized course "".
Classes take place at any time convenient for you.
Promo code for 15% discount: 3habra15

To apply a promotional code, simply enter it when paying or go to.

Join us!

Applications for mobile phone- a convenient way to learn English anytime, anywhere. They allow you to memorize new words, improve grammar and listening skills. And although they are unlikely to replace full-fledged language classes, they will definitely allow you to turn language learning into a good habit.

Appendix 1. Voxy

The main difference between this application and all others is that it in real time⏰ adapts to your needs and desires. Every day the user receives new training lessons from native speakers. Do you want to learn phrases that can be useful when traveling or at an interview? Please! Do you want to prepare for the exam? Welcome!

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Cost: free
• Updates: periodically

Appendix 2. Duolingo

With this application you can learn not only English, but also other languages! For example, I use it so as not to completely forget Spanish!💃 What's good about Duolingo? Here all skills are trained: written and oral speech(you will be asked to pronounce the phrases you have learned), reading and listening. First, you can take a test and determine your level of knowledge. Well, the wonderful green owl constantly reminds you of your classes, which is an additional motivator.

Interesting: As part of an experiment, Duolingo allows tutors and teachers to create their own virtual classroom.

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Cost: free
• Updates: periodically

Appendix 3. LinguaLeo

One of the most popular applications among Russian users. A free account will allow you to learn new words, hone your spelling skills, watch videos with subtitles, parse song lyrics, etc. Application Feature - individual plan training. The system itself identifies weak and strengths user, takes into account his age, interests and goals. WITH for the most part exercises can be done for free.
There is a motivation system: the user needs to feed Leo the Lion Cub with meatballs every day - complete tasks.

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Cost: free/paid status
• Updates: periodically

Appendix 4. Easy Ten

Excellent vocabulary building app. All words are divided into groups and subgroups, each subgroup contains 5-10 words. Vocabulary is studied using several types of tasks: select a picture for a word, translate it into Russian, write it under dictation, insert missing letters, etc. Every day the application offers the user to learn 10 new words. There is a motivation system: progress is saved in the calendar, there are ratings and awards.

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Updates: periodically

Appendix 5. Memrise

A good helper for expanding your vocabulary is the Memrise application.
Uses the interval memorization method. The user studies the word again and again, at certain intervals. The system identifies words that are difficult for the user and places emphasis on them. Words are voiced by native speakers. Progress is visualized - as you study the word, a cute flower grows.

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Price: free version and paid (PRO) subscription
• Updates: periodically

Appendix 6. Rosetta Stone

If you have not yet heard about the Rosetta Stone training system, then be sure to try this application. The user is learning English, without using your native language. Language learning occurs on an intuitive level. Rosetta Stone is suitable for those who loves associations and pictures. Helps you learn a lot of new vocabulary, basic grammatical structures. There is a good built-in pronunciation assessment program.

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Cost: free version and paid content
• Updates: periodically

Appendix 7. English Grammar in Use Activities

A program from Cambridge University Press that will help improve grammar skills. Use of articles irregular verbs, nouns can be brought to automatism. Suitable for advanced levels.

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Cost: you can try several lessons for free (past, present) / everything else is paid.
• Updates: yes for now

Instagram account: teaching_and_learning_tips

Text: Alexandra Bazhenova-Sorokina

Foreign language skills It has long become a pleasant necessity. This easy way increase your professional value. Not to mention the fact that knowing only English, you can easily travel around the world, forgetting about guides and travel agencies. Thanks to the Internet, today you can learn languages ​​for free (which is more important than ever during a crisis) and without leaving the comfort of your home sofa.

Before we talk about specific online courses, let's warn you: the main problem independent language learning - lack of real practice, that is, communication. No matter how many rules and words you learn, this does not guarantee an adequate understanding of a living person and the ability to easily speak the chosen language. For a Russian person a separate problem is the language barrier, since due to the mentality and characteristics of language teaching in Russian schools we are focused on not making mistakes and speaking correctly. To overcome the language barrier, there is nothing better than joining a speaking club. You can search for a suitable club in your city on the website Study.ru, on VKontakte or with the appropriate cultural centers. However, you can start small - lessons from one of educational online resources, which we will discuss below.

Duolingo

One of the most successful platforms for learning foreign languages. Duolingo works as a website and as a mobile application and allows Russian-speaking users to learn English (American national version). Those who already speak English can switch to French, Italian, Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Irish, Dutch, Danish and Swedish languages. The service methodology is based on mastering certain sets vocabulary and translation thematic materials, plus here you can learn the basics of pronunciation - students will not only have to learn to write in a foreign language, but also repeat individual words and phrases at the computer. Unfortunately, translation can quickly become boring, so it makes sense to combine Duolingo lessons with other audio, video and text resources to maintain interest in the language and diversify the learning process.

LinguaLeo

LinguaLeo - the most popular Russian application, allowing both beginners and advanced users to learn English. Here they use game uniform and there is a lot of choice auxiliary materials, beginning with famous songs and audiobooks to TED and Coursera lectures. The company's symbol - the lion cub Leo - accompanies students from exercise to exercise, and depending on how well the student completes tasks and practices new vocabulary, he is awarded points. The main volume of exercises is available for free, but for an additional amount you can purchase an unlimited number of materials. LinguaLeo will appeal to those who want to practice English and increase their vocabulary, but it is unlikely to be able to replace a full-fledged language course.

German courses
Deutsch Interaktiv

Deutsch Interaktiv - educational initiative German TV channel Deutsche Welle, on whose website there is a separate section that allows you to learn on your own German from zero to level B1 (that is, Pre-Intermediate). The free course includes video and audio materials, slides, texts, exercises and tests. What is important is that enough attention is paid not only to vocabulary, but also to grammar. Students have the opportunity to study independently and at the same time learn about the realities of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Coursera lectures

Many of us have mastered English enough to communicate fluently, but want to improve our language level. Free platform Coursera courses- this is not only an opportunity to learn something new on almost any topic, from basic programming to advanced lectures for microbiologists, but also an ideal way to simultaneously improve three language skills: academic reading, speech perception and, most importantly, writing. If you are planning to enroll in foreign university or want to go for an MBA but are not confident in your English - this is the perfect way to prepare. In addition, you can find language platforms among the courses, although they will most likely be designed for philologists and linguists.

Lessons on YouTube

YouTube is a universal assistant with which you can find an incredible number of video tutorials. Foreign language courses are no exception. It's easy to find here basic lessons Korean , Japanese , French And Spanish. Video tutorials are very convenient to use on entry level or when you want to find answers to certain grammar questions or learn specific vocabulary: the right search will bring up a wide selection of lectures. The problem with YouTube lessons is often that the teacher does not explain the material clearly enough, and, most importantly, even with a brilliant teacher from YouTube there is no opportunity to communicate live, there is no one to hand over homework, so everything you learned during the lesson will have to be practiced on your own.

Educational
podcasts on iTunes

iTunes is the source of a huge number of specialized podcasts for learning foreign languages. Type it into search English name almost any language plus Pod 101 and will be able to expand your vocabulary daily, and courses in basic Hindi, Italian, German or French usually provide the opportunity to practice pronunciation while listening to dialogues and work with new vocabulary. There are also express lessons, for example this course of useful phrases in Arabic. Unfortunately, iTunes podcasts don't always offer their own reinforcement exercises, so, as with YouTube, you'll have to come up with exercises for yourself or look for them on other sites.

Language centre
Cambridge University

Those who want to learn German, Chinese or practice French, Greek or Italian (the last three are part-time courses) can independently use the corresponding application, originally developed in Cambridge to help conduct lessons in these languages ​​at the university. The program consists of cards that help you master vocabulary and grammar at the appropriate language level. The resource can be very useful, but, as its creators warn, it is advisable to combine it with live lessons.

Language classes
University of Iceland

These particular Icelandic lessons are designed for people studying or working in Iceland, but are also suitable for those who have simply always wanted to understand the Sigur Rós language or read the Icelandic sagas in the original. The free course is divided into several stages and gives you the opportunity to understand grammar and vocabulary, as well as follow own successes. For those who want to fully master the program with the help of a personal instructor and learn to speak, there is a paid version.

Busuu

The Busuu platform is designed to explore the most different languages: from German and French to Turkish, Japanese and Polish. The application format is similar to Duolingo: a set of exercises to practice grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary can be completed on a computer or smartphone. Premium program offers special lessons honing your skills, but you can also limit yourself to the basic version. Training program Busuu may seem too difficult if you are starting to learn the language from scratch - students are immediately asked to build phrases, while those who are a little more prepared will quickly get used to the format.