5 Free Resources For Learning Languages

Although there are millions of resources to access online for learning languages, sometimes it can be overwhelming knowing the right ones to use! In my experience, I find that although it is important to have a varied number of resources for learning a language – it’s also important to have your own routine with resources that you commit to using.

Through trial and error, I have found the perfect resources that work for my style of learning. These are the 5 best free resources available that I have used in my language-learning journey.

1.   Duolingo

You may have seen it already, the big neon green owl coming after those neglecting their daily Spanish lessons. While this owl may seem a little threatening, it is a very friendly companion and a great motivator! Duolingo is one of the best beginner-friendly platforms out there, and it is a fantastic website and mobile app for trying different languages to find the right one for you.

It offers bite-sized lessons that can be taken anywhere and anytime whether on your daily commute or during your lunch break. It is definitely the best resource for beginners.

2.   YouTube

YouTube is the best. Whether it is for learning how to bake cookies, watching documentaries, or just for laughing at funny cat videos, it has so much to offer. This also makes it a brilliant resource for language learning as you can immerse yourself in Spanish while watching a make-up vlog, or through French film reviews.

There are also many channels offering free lessons with their videos that are worth watching!

3.   Anki

Anki is one of my favourite tools for studying a language. It is a flashcard app that you can make your own vocabulary decks with, and its algorithm is tailored to your progress. It used spaced repetition to make sure you do not forget a word, so after you have memorised it, it may show it to you every week, month or even year if you have learned it well.

4.   WordReference.com

WordReference is a fantastic online dictionary for languages. It tells you the type of word you have searched, and gives you examples of it in context.

5.   Podcasts

There are many free podcasts to access on the internet whether through YouTube, Spotify or other websites. I personally love InnerFrench which has a great website full of resources, podcast transcriptions and also a YouTube channel with other lessons.

While these resources have greatly helped me, you might find that they are not for you. Don’t fret because everyone learns differently, and it takes experimentation and time to make a language-learning routine that suits you. Find what works for you and stick to it!

Bronte Smith