Language learning software?

Sabre

I've been taking French while I've been in college, and having realized that not only do I suck at actually speaking the language, it isn't exactly the language I wanted to take while at school. However, I don't want to lose all proficiency that I do have after I graduate. Can anyone recommend any good programs that will let me practice my (written, at least) skills, and maybe to pick up a second language as well? I really wanted to take Arabic, but unfortunately I could not fit it into my schedule. Any suggestions on that front as well?

MoSiAc

Theres a website, I believe still around called mango.com It offers free lessons in a bunch of different languages. They are pretty basic but I think they have speaking, listening, and writing lessons so it should help some.

Also I have heard that Rosetta Stone is supposed to be the best language learning tool. I have the Japanese edition and it has listening, speaking, and writing, and a hefty price tag.

Specularity

Thanatos edit: Seriously?

Sabre

Holy crap that's a lot of sources to check out. I'm sure that ought to be enough to keep me going, thanks guys.

BEAST!

MoSiAc wrote: »

Also I have heard that Rosetta Stone is supposed to be the best language learning tool. I have the Japanese edition and it has listening, speaking, and writing, and a hefty price tag.

i would agree with this, Rosetta Stone is easily the best way to learn a language....it is amazing what it can do

it IS a bit pricey though, you can buy the full version for a lot of money, or buy the online version that is exactly the same except it's through a web interface, and you pay for like 3 months at a time for that

if you can afford it, it's your best option i would say

Kate of Lokys

Specularity wrote: »

Why pay for the professional instructional knowledge compiled by others when you can just pirate it on the intarweb!

Because this is Penny Arcade, and we don't advocate that here.

To the OP: the best way to learn or retain a language is to use it. I'm sure there are French message boards out there; why not find a couple of those, and start posting?

Specularity

Sorry guys, I thought those sources were all freeware. I absolutely advocate paying for the instruction and sources you'd be using!

matisyahu

there's a language learning social network at www.lang-8.com

the interface is a little clunky but it's a good place to find a language learning penpal or something like that

GrinninBarrett

The FSI language courses the US government uses are all online and are entirely free. I've only looked at a few of them, it's worth a little investigating at least. The links on that site are good, too.

I'd also recommend you find a decent French podcast (check the iTunes store, a lot of language podcasts are free) and listen to those. They're good for keeping your listening skills sharp.

saggio

The Pimsleur tapes are pretty good too, although they can be expensive. But you ought to be able to find them at your local library, or even at your University's library.