Friday, March 6, 2020
The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages
The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages Textbooks only contain what can fit between two covers.Videos come to an end.Even your favorite language teacher eventually runs out of breath and stops talking.All your standard learning resources are finite.But realizing the limitations of your language learning tools doesnt have to fill you with existential dread.You can enjoy unlimited learning resources forever! Because language learning blogs exist.Blogs offer a huge array of material for anyone learning any language at any proficiency level, making them a flexible and awesome learning option.Below, well look at more than 25 diverse blogs for language learning. Well also link you to additional resources depending on what language youre learningâ"all in all, were talking well over a hundred blog recommendations with something for everyone.So bookmark, get comfortable and enjoy. Why Use Blogs to Learn a Language?Blogs often offer huge amounts of learning material in their archives. This means that even if the latest posts don t suit your learning needs, all you have to do is peruse the archives to find lots of material that might be more appropriate for your current level or goals.Plus, since new posts usually are added often, blogs are a self-replenishing resource. Youll never run out of material again!Finally, blogs are typically free. You can use as many as you like, mix and match or just look around to see which you like best without spending a dime. Some of the content offered by blogs is just as high-quality as textbooks and courses. This makes blogs the deal of the century.Types of Blogs You Can Use to Learn a LanguageGeneral Learner/Multilingual BlogsGeneral learner and/or multilingual blogs usually focus on learning languages in general. Common posts include information like learning tips and tricks, general resources and information on different languages.Language-specific Learner BlogsLanguage-specific learner blogs focus on helping you learn one particular language. These typically offer vo cabulary lists, posts on specific grammar rules and information on resources to learn the target language.Authentic BlogsAuthentic blogs are those blogs that are intended for native speakers of the language in which theyre written. For language learners, authentic blogs serve as terrific real-world reading practice.For best results, mix and match using all of the above. In the list below, well cover all three of these blog types, including learner and authentic blogs for 10 different languages.The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning LanguagesGeneral and Multilingual Learning BlogsLanguage TsarLanguage Tsar is run by a world traveler who has studied 10 languages. As such, posts cover travel, general language learning tips, differences between languages and more. For instance, any language student can benefit from How to learn better pronunciation in 7 steps! while some will benefit from more specific posts like How different is Russian from Ukrainian?Plus, if youre looking for re ading practice in your target language, Language Tsar also offers posts in Catalan, Dutch, French, German, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian.FluentU Language and Culture BlogsYes, youre reading a language learning blog right now! Pretty meta, when you think about it. And FluentU blogs have a lot to offer language learners. There are frequently new posts on topics ranging from resources to learning tips to the latest language learning technology. For instance, you might enjoy our post on virtual reality language learning.In addition to the General Learner blog, which youre currently reading, FluentU offers a number of other blogs dedicated to specific languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. An additional blog helps anyone learning business English.There are even blogs designed to help speakers of Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish learn Engl ish. And, if you happen to be a teacher, you might like the General Educator blog or blogs dedicated to educators of specific languages.Why, yes, that is a lot of helpful language blogs. Thank you for noticing!Subscribe to our weekly newsletter using the field at the bottom of the page and well send you free weekly updates with links to all the latest posts, along with information about exciting new FluentU features.If youre a FluentU user, its even better, because we make flashcard sets that correspond to blog posts for our video learning program. FluentU takes real-world videos (think news, commercials, movie trailers, music videos and vlogs) and turns them into personalized language learning lessons. Flashcard sets from vocabulary-based posts are focused around specific themes, but pull material from videos all across the platform so you can see words and phrases in authentic contexts.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download th e FluentU app from the iTunes store or from the Google Play store to access material on your Android and iOS devices.The LinguistThe Linguist is run by Steve Kaufmann, who claims to speak a jealousy-inducing 16 languages. While the website also promotes some learning products you can buy, the blog routinely posts helpful free information. Some posts focus on providing guidance for learning specific languages, but most focus on tips that you can apply when studying any language. For instance, the post on how to learn vocabulary fast offers some helpful personal insight on vocabulary acquisition.Many of the posts mention LingQ, Steves own program, a platform that focuses on bringing authentic materials into the language learning experience. LingQ also offers tracking features and ways to socialize with a language learning community for support and information.Lindsay Does LanguagesLindsay Does Languages is targeted at inspiring independent language learners + online teachers. And with so much great material out there, who wouldnt want to be an independent language learner? Lindsay herself is an avid language learner and teacher.There are usually a few new blog posts each month. Most posts focus on lessons you can apply across languages, like how to stay motivated. However, there are also a number of beginner-level posts for specific languages, such as 9 Reasons to Learn Swedish (spoiler alert: for greater ease in acquiring pickled herring did not make the list).Fluent LanguageFounded by a native German speaker who has studied at least six languages, Fluent Language offers courses, toolkits and a podcast. But lets get to the good stuff: the blog.New posts are added about once a week. Some posts focus on specific language advice, like 9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning German, but most focus on more general topics that can apply to any language learner, such as Network Your Way to Better Language Skills and a Better Life.In addition to the blogs above and below, you can find more general blogs for language learning here, and more general, multilingual and language-specific blogs here.ArabicThe Arabic LearnerIf youre looking for a great Arabic blog, The Arabic Learner is a good place to start. While it sadly hasnt been updated in a while, there are plenty of older posts to help you learn Arabic. Topics include resources (like apps and classes) and tips and tricks for interacting, maintaining your enthusiasm and learning effectively. For instance, Arabic vocabulary how to increase it will give you tips for learning more words.7iber7iber is an Arabic organization based out of Jordan that focuses on multimedia journalism. Because different laws apply to news organizations and blogs, there has been some debate as to 7ibers status, but whatever you call it, its a great tool for Arabic students.7iber produces original content covering news and current events, so reading the blog is a helpful way to learn about culture along with practicing your language skills. Plus, some articles are also available in English. For instance, this Arabic article about cyber crime law is also available in English.Looking for more Arabic reading material? Heres a list of 15 Arabic blogs that starts with bilingual blogs and increases in difficulty.ChineseHacking ChineseThe Hacking Chinese blog is terrific for anyone looking to learn the language. The blog features challenges, games, resources and learning strategies to help students get the most out of their study time. There are even some particularly unique posts that you wont find elsewhere, like this one in which the narrator plays a Chinese video game while describing it in English to help viewers understand whats going on.If youre learning Chinese, there are more great Chinese learning blogs out there.Sina blogSina blog is a Chinese blogging service run by a large Chinese technology company. A number of different bloggers use this platform, so blogs cover a huge array of topics , including entertainment, sports, history, food, education, fashion, parenting and so much more.One blogger Chinese students might want to follow is Chinese actress/director Xu Jinglei, who China Daily once reported was the worlds most popular blogger, though shes no longer adding new posts. Astrologically-minded learners might also enjoy reading their daily horoscope in Chinese.There are plenty more authentic Chinese blogs available for learners, including some that are conveniently bilingual.FrenchFrench TodayIn addition to their French audiobooks and audio lessons for learners, French Today offers a variety of articles on both French vocab and grammar as well as French culture. Posts are divided into helpful categories for easy navigation. The blog is updated every week and you can subscribe to a newsletter to be notified of new articles.While posts are written by multiple bloggers, a good number are by Camille and Olivier, the founders of the French Today products and site, so there are sometimes tie-ins with specific lessons or books. You can access the blog and peruse their collection of audiobooks here.And dont worry about running out of material. More great French learning blogs are readily available for learners.Le Monde (The World)There are lots of great authentic French blogs out there, but if youre looking to stay up-to-date on the latest news, Le Mondes blogs might be your blog soulmate.Le Monde is a daily newspaper based out of Paris. There website offers a section specifically dedicated to blogs. Every day, several posts related to news and culture appear on this page. For instance, science-minded French students might like this article about an astronomical event.Here are some more incredible blogs on a variety of subjects for advanced learners, and learners of all levels can benefit from checking out more French news resources.GermanGerman is easy!If you love yourself some German blogs, this is one youll want to add to your arsenal (pe rhaps daily, even).The website address might be a bit misleading because it isnt updated daily, but new posts do appear every few days. Most of these posts are word of the day-style posts. But dont be fooled! You wont get a new vocabulary word and a simple definition. Instead, each post offers plenty of information on the word, its possible meanings, related words, several example sentences and even audio examples. For instance, this post on treten (to tread) will provide you with an in-depth discussion of the verb.You can check out more blogs for German learners here.Mit Vergnügen (My Pleasure)If authentic German blogs are more your speed, Mit Vergnügen may, in fact, be your pleasure.Mit Vergnügen focuses on events and culture in Berlin, including nightlife, restaurants, theater, music and more. This gives you the opportunity to practice your German while learning about all the coolest things and places in Berlin. For instance, German students traveling solo to Berlin might like this post on bars where you can drink alone.And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots more blogs in German that are perfect for learners.ItalianCyber ItalianItalian blogs and gelato are impossible to resist. And while gelato may taste better, Italian blogs offer way more learning opportunities. Take, for instance, Cyber Italian.Cyber Italian is updated about once a week, providing listening exercises, dual-language readings, cultural information, grammar rules and more. For instance, this post offers some brief geographic information, maps and a quiz in Italian.Csaba dalla Zorza (Csaba from Zorza)Csaba dalla Zorza is a lifestyle blog dedicated to food. Italian food is amazing, so reading about Italian food in Italian is next-level awesome.Blog posts cover travel, kitchen items, food trends and recipesâ"yes, recipes. For instance, you might want to read this post on New Years recipes for festive treats that youll want to enjoy way more than once a year (with a side of language learning, of course).Here are some more cool Italian blogs (both authentic and learning-based) for your enjoyment.JapaneseTofuguIn the world of Japanese learning blogs, Tofugu reigns supreme. Tofugu is dedicated to discussing the Japanese language and culture.Language-related posts cover topics like resources, translators, study techniques and more. One helpful post for independent learners is 12 Ways to Answer Your Own Questions About Japanese, which provides some helpful ideas for how to find answers if you dont have a teacher.Check out more top-rated Japanese learning blogs, and youll be well on your way to fluency.??????? (Doing Nothing)Authentic Japanese blogs are a great way to strengthen your reading skills like youre in training for a language sumo match.??????? is a personal blog that focuses on the writers life in a small, rural town. Not only will this help you practice your reading skills, it will familiarize you with everyday vocabulary and teach you about small-town life in Japan. For instance, this post discusses the weather and the writers work, lunch and cat.More Japanese blogs about travel, food, culture and lifestyle await you.KoreanLearn Korean through K-POPWhen you need a fun Korean blog, Learn Korean through K-POP will always fit the bill.Learn Korean through K-POP is a blog dedicated entirely to helping you learn a language with the international music phenomenon. Each post contains a video of a song and then breaks down the lyrics one line at a time, sharing the Korean and its English translation. Theres even a quiz at the end to help you see how much you learned. For instance, if you want to improve your Korean with a danceable beat, you might look at the post on Bad Boy by Red Velvet.If and when you decide to venture outside of K-pop in your learning experience, there are a variety of quality Korean learning blogs available to teach you the language.?? (Heopop)Authentic Korean bloggers also provide a great learni ng tool to Korean learners. ?? is one addicting option.?? is most known for antics and stunts. Posts often relate to general topics. The blog also contains video content, so you can get both reading and listening practice. Do note, however, that you need to log in to access this content.PortugueseStreet Smart BrazilPortuguese blogs like Street Smart Brazil are just the thing you need to take your Portuguese skills to the next level.Street Smart Brazils main focus is Portuguese lessons, but their blog offers up some unbeatable free learning content. There are usually one or two posts per month, and they focus on useful topics like vocabulary, phrases and culture. For instance, if you enjoy a good beverage, you might want to read the post Heres How to Order Your Soft Drink in Brazil.Check out other Portuguese learning blogs to cover even more of the language.O Antagonista (The Antagonist)If you like your Brazilian bloggers to teach you language skills while serving up the latest n ews, O Antagonista has your back.O Antagonista is a news blog created by two journalists from Brazil. The blog covers current events, politics, culture and more. For instance, Portuguese students might like to read this brief article about a politician saying that Rio de Janeiro wasnt ready for Carnival.Best of all, there are several new posts each day, so youll never run out of content (unless youre a super fast reader).Check out more excellent Brazilian bloggers here.RussianExplore RussianRussian learning blogs are as beautiful as new fallen snow, and Explore Russian is no exception.Explore Russian combines video and text for a well-rounded learning experience. While it hasnt been updated recently, its archives are home to plenty of great learning material. Posts include on-location videos, word lists, grammar lessons and more. For instance, in Russian Cases on the Street, the host asks everyday Russians to explain Russian cases. The blog post also comes with a helpful list of examples.If you want more of the crème de la Kremlin of Russian learning blogs, look no further than this list.??????? ????????? (Alexei Navalny)Though controversial, Alexei Navalny is one of the most well-known Russian bloggers. Navalny is a prominent lawyer and political activist who has been critical of Putin. His blog, to which new posts are added almost daily, focuses primarily on politics and corruption, so its a helpful way to learn more about political conflict in Russia while you brush up on your reading skills. One article Russian students may enjoy is this one that discusses a historical photo and how it relates to current situations.Heres a variety of blogs for further reading to teach you about the Russian language and culture.SpanishLearn Spanish a little at a time!This is one of the most approachable Spanish learning blogs out there.Its a Tumblr that focuses primarily on resharing brief posts that will be useful to Spanish learners. These include posts on vo cabulary, expressions, learning tips and more. While its updated less consistently, youll find some great posts if you scroll through the archives. For instance, the post New Years Resolutions in Spanish is a fun and festive way to learn vocabulary related to changes you might want to make in your life.If you think this blog looks pretty awesome for your Spanish studies, theres plenty more where that came from.Vivir al Máximo (Live to the Limit)Sure, there are plenty of authentic Spanish blogs, but few are quite like Vivir al Máximo. Vivir al Máximo is a blog out of Spain dedicated to living life to the fullest. Posts cover entrepreneurship, travel, work, self-help topics and more. For instance, Spanish learners might enjoy a post that discusses some of the adventures the author has enjoyed along with why hes tired of traveling.Here are a few more blogs in Spanish for your reading practice and enjoyment.These 25 blogs will keep you rolling in language learning resources!
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