Learning a language in the Summer
Foreign languages discussion, revision, exam and homework help.
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Learning a language in the SummerI'm thinking of learning a language in the summer after my GCSEs. I will probably have a Grade B in GCSE French (might be an A as I'm A* in reading but C in listening) by the time August comes. What languages are relatively easy to learn being as I'm not an A* student. What services are available to me which are free? I.E not Rosetta Stone. I'm thinking Italien as I'm going there for my holidays
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerItalian or Spanish would be a good place to start, they're more similar in structure to French than a language like German for example. The best way to learn a language is to have some contact with native speakers, if that is not possible then there are some good CD-ROMS available. I realise that this will probably not be free, however there are cheaper options than Rosetta Stone. Also if you are interested in grammar then www.languagesonline.org.uk is an excellent free resource, though if you are a GCSE student you have probably come across it already! Good luck with whatever you decide to do - learning a language is really rewarding!
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerI could find some Italian people in the MFL section, right?(Original post by kf289)
Italian or Spanish would be a good place to start, they're more similar in structure to French than a language like German for example. The best way to learn a language is to have some contact with native speakers, if that is not possible then there are some good CD-ROMS available. I realise that this will probably not be free, however there are cheaper options than Rosetta Stone. Also if you are interested in grammar then www.languagesonline.org.uk is an excellent free resource, though if you are a GCSE student you have probably come across it already! Good luck with whatever you decide to do - learning a language is really rewarding!Last edited by multiplexing-gamer; 06-05-2012 at 20:44. -
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerItalian would be a good choice, since it has an awful lot of things in common with French. Spanish wouldn't be too difficult either. Your best bet would be to see if there are any language societies near you, such as one your local university or library. It probably won't be free (you'll probably have to pay a small membership fee), but might find some experienced/native speakers there you can practice with.(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
I'm thinking of learning a language in the summer after my GCSEs. I will probably have a Grade B in GCSE French (might be an A as I'm A* in reading but C in listening) by the time August comes. What languages are relatively easy to learn being as I'm not an A* student. What services are available to me which are free? I.E not Rosetta Stone. I'm thinking Italien as I'm going there for my holidays
Thanks
This is what I did when I picked up Japanese at GCSE - just went along to some of Liverpool's language exchanges and picked it up that way.
www.languagesonline.org.uk has some excellent resources online, plus it covers a range of levels, from beginners up until A Level. It was my bible during my GCSE and A Level studies. www.wordreference.com is also pretty good once you get in the swing of things. Penpals wouldn't be a bad idea either!
Finally, depending how how you go about it, Rosetta Stone can be free...
I don't recommend it as a program though. It's ridiculously overrated.
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerIf you pirate it, dont you need the headset? Where can I find 'pen pals'? I think it's a great idea(Original post by Lamperouge)
Italian would be a good choice, since it has an awful lot of things in common with French. Spanish wouldn't be too difficult either. Your best bet would be to see if there are any language societies near you, such as one your local university or library. It probably won't be free (you'll probably have to pay a small membership fee), but might find some experienced/native speakers there you can practice with.
This is what I did when I picked up Japanese at GCSE - just went along to some of Liverpool's language exchanges and picked it up that way.
www.languagesonline.org.uk has some excellent resources online, plus it covers a range of levels, from beginners up until A Level. It was my bible during my GCSE and A Level studies. www.wordreference.com is also pretty good once you get in the swing of things. Penpals wouldn't be a bad idea either!
Finally, depending how how you go about it, Rosetta Stone can be free... I don't recommend it as a program though. It's ridiculously overrated.
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerPiracy? What piracy? I mentioned no such thing.(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
If you pirate it, dont you need the headset? Where can I find 'pen pals'? I think it's a great idea
As for getting a penpal, I've found a good few on here - http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/. I've been using this website for about seven years now, and I even met some of the penpals I made on here during my year abroad in Valencia. Very handy little website, and I've had no problems with it.
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerThank you that website is great. How long does it take for people to reply to you?(Original post by Lamperouge)
Piracy? What piracy? I mentioned no such thing.
As for getting a penpal, I've found a good few on here - http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/. I've been using this website for about seven years now, and I even met some of the penpals I made on here during my year abroad in Valencia. Very handy little website, and I've had no problems with it.
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerFree Italian course.(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
...?
(Other languages also available.) -
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerI wish I could give you rep for that. That website's amazing.
It took around a day for people to start writing to me, so not long. I get emails once every two days or so with requests.(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
Thank you that website is great. How long does it take for people to reply to you? -
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerI gave him some for you(Original post by Lamperouge)
I wish I could give you rep for that. That website's amazing.
It took around a day for people to start writing to me, so not long. I get emails once every two days or so with requests.
I sent somebody a "HI!" and they replied with a "HI!", how do I reply to them with a message without being a member? Will they have to send the first message? -
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerI'd say Italian would be a good choice and once you know that it's really easy to learn Spanish (I do Italian, Spanish and French A level)
and have to say French is my least favourite it's harder in terms of speaking it and grammatically. The best way to learn a language is obviously to go to the country if not look go on websites they have loads of free stuff. -
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerItalian, then, as you are going there for your holidays.(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
I think I will do that by having a french pen pal, but I want to learn another language to add to my CV -
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Re: Learning a language in the SummerDo you think with a basic grasp of Italian, I could add it to my CV?(Original post by gemnomnom)
Italian, then, as you are going there for your holidays.
