learning a different language?

Question

Does anyone know of anything to help learn another language that isnt english and oh yeah thats not expensive or even free?

The language that i would like to learn is latin and im not sure what the right word for egyptian but those are the languages i would like to learn

Answer 1

Here are some ideas many second language learners don't normally realize.

FIRST: Completely eliminate idioms when you speak. We use a LOT of phrases that are not understood in other countries, and they use ones we don't understand. Examples: Get to first base. Flip the switch. Hitch a ride. Hit the road.
Put yourself in the place of a new learner of English and ask yourself if you would really understand the meaning of 'hit the road' when you heard it, or would you litterally try to 'hit the road'?
Even between England and North America, for example 'knock someone up'. In North America it means get someone pregnant. In England it means knock on their door. So you can see how embarrassing it might be should you stumble on an idiom that means something else.

SECOND: Realize that it is not ALWAYS a one-for-one word exchange when translating. Some languages can express an idea in as little as one word compared to a few, and vice-versa.
Hand in hand with this, understanding that the idea being expressed is what's important, not the way it's said. Just because the sentence wasn't constructed the way we would have said it doesn't make it wrong.

THIRD: Pronunciation can be improved by reciting the names of things you see as you walk about, and holding conversations with yourself in the absence of friends to practice with. (Warning! Don't do this in the vacinity of mental institutions.)

LAST: I cheated. I learnt the worlds easiest language first and now I find I understand English better (my native tongue) and I'm in a better position to learn more languages. I've provided a link below to better explain this.

That language was ESPERANTO. It is designed such that you MUST understand sentence structure, which helps to understand other languages. Plus you end up with a multitude of Esperanto friends; oh the burdens we bear.

Not to understate it of course, but listen to and read as much as you possibly can, whenever you can. Immersion, immersion, IMMERSION!

Gxis!

Answer 2

While touring for learning, I have noticed, for example in Egypt, young unlicensed tourist guides, 9 to 15 years of age, who speak more than 3 languages well enough to earn their living. I asked them how could they achieve that though they are illiterate and have never been to school. They said:

1. They had the linguistics fling; interest.

2. They have the ability for consecration and observance.

3. They loved different languages.

4. Necessity is the mother of invention. Earning by languages amongst these people is a legacy inherited over generations. It is the only thing they know. So it became a necessity.

Good luck

Answer 3

I speak English, Esperanto, Spanish, and German, Esperanto was far easier to learn than any of the others, and it opened the world to me. I've had conversations with people from every continent, and every country, and I only had to learn the easiest language on earth to do so.

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If you would like to learn Esperanto, I can suggest a free website:

http://www.lernu.net/.

I'm a member but didn't use lernu to learn it. I had already learned it before lernu went live. Also, you can enroll in a free correspondence course at:

http://esperanto.org.ar/curso_por_email/

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There's a really good site from Radio Deutsche Welle for learning German:

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/0,1595,2548,00.html

It's a site with High Quality MP3 recordings and PDF documents of written work to learn the written language. There are several levels from Beginner to Professional. The courses are far from boring, being based around a cute story about a man who's constant companion is an invisible imp. And best of all, it's free.

have fun.

Answer 4

Egyptian is Arabic,and Arabic is a bit difficult to learn ,yet not impossible.The best way to learn Arabic is to watch one of the Arabic cable channel,it will sound so weird to you in the beginning,but over time you will become used to hearing it and eventually understanding it.Do not try to translate words,it does not work.Just listen.

Answer 5

http://www.fsi-language-courses.com/

don`t forget to check the links on the right too...

p.s. the german course linked by rbwtexan is the best language course available on the net

Answer 6

Look on ebay for the computer/audio disks. They normally come with a a very helpful book, too.

Answer 7

hmm... if you know someone who speaks a diff. language, then ask them to help teach you... if not... then you could sign up for a class at a community college or something, or if you're younger than that, take a school class.

Answer 8

....language exchange - find someone who wants to learn english and have them teach you their language....internet sites abound also

Answer 9

some people say that it costs $5 but for me it's free, its a tutoring program that is free and live

www.tutor.com