The resources available to aid in our learning of foreign languages has changed since the good ol’ days. I remember starting out with the Berlitz Language Course records - not that I’m old enough to have purchased it new, I got it used for nothing because someone else didn’t want it anymore. Now, instead of records we have CDs containing not only text and audio, but also pictures and videos.

Rosetta Stone is one computer program that is popular, and Pimsleur is a popular audio course. There are also programs from Berlitz, their company being over 125 years old.

There are also many free resources available. For example, Youtube has a variety of different vloggers that make videos primarily in Spanish, and some made with the express intent to serve the student of Spanish language. Ben and Marina Diez, who are a couple in Spain, make videos and pod casts in Spanish directed at the student. But forget the typical lesson material, Ben y Marina have pod casts on things like MySpace, the ethics of tazing, and summers in Madrid. .

There are also a wide variety of internet radio stations available. No longer do you need a shortwave radio to be able to hear what is broadcasting in Mexico, or even Spain. They include talk shows and music of all types. All you need is a high speed connection, some speakers, and a search engine. Check out this list of Spanish radio stations to help you learn every day, spoken Spanish.

Still, with all the courses available, languages can be very difficult to learn without someone to interact with. Find someone to call on the phone, or the meet with in person on a regular basis to practice what you’ve learned. For Spanish, you can visit the forum at Notes In Spanish and practice what you’ve learned and get feedback from others.

Posted by Bonnie under books, english, languages, learning, spanish