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Asian & Other Languages

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Farsi [Persian]

  1. Language Courses :
    2.
  2. Language Tools :
    • Dictionaries :
      • Aria Dic
        ‘The Best and Newest English/Farsi Dictionary. Free Searchable English-Farsi and Farsi-English dictionary with more than 600 000 words, full pronunciation of words and Auto-Suggest technology.’
      • Distortional Dictionary
        A blog which tries ‘to find words in languages with similar pronunciation.’ In this case, Persian and English.
      • English Persian Dictionary
        [Babylon]
        ‘Dictionaries and glossaries including the Farajbeik Farsi dictionary, with an enlarged and updated English Farsi glossary with a broad based English vocabulary and definitions in Farsi that do not require the installation of Arabic fonts; a Persian Computer Encyclopedia and a Computer IT Dictionary for Persian.’ Multiple dictionaries covered.
      • Persian Online Dictionary
        Translate both ways, word of the day, top 20 words, random word and story of the day.
      • Dictionary
        Plus Talking Persian - English/Persian Dictionary information.
      • English to Persian Colloquial Dictionary
        ‘Please note that the sentences I have chosen for this dictionary are colloquial Persian to help understand the language in its spoken form.’
      • Persian Online Dictionaries
        Extensive listing of Persian/Other Language universal; dictionaries and a Persian/English Bilingual dictionary.
      • Online English - Persian Dictionary
        There is also a reverse format for this.
    • General Sites & Portals :
    • Grammar
      Includes specific grammar sites, conjugators and sites including a majority of grammar material.
      • Descriptive Grammar of New Persian
        ‘The present work is an academic grammar. It can be considered as a reference book requiring basic knowledge of New Persian.’
      • Persian Verb Conjugator
        ‘Persian Verb Conjugator [PVC] is a conjugator program able to conjugate any verb in any tense of Persian language. However, standard version only supports commonly used tenses.’
  3. Other Resources:
    • Farsi Net
      A site for Farsi speakers - all in Farsi except ‘Tab’ headings. Covers language but you need basic Farsi to use this effectively.
    • Persian Language
      From wikipedia. Covers dialects and close languages, phonology, grammar, vocabulary, orthography, history, examples, notes, further readings and external links [some of which are already included in this listing].
    • Persian [Farsi]
      Includes the alphabet, pronunciations, sample texts and a range of links to various sources.
    • Speak Farsi [Persian] Language Learning
      ‘This page offers links to vendors of Speak Farsi language learning applications and online Speak Farsi language learning courses. Plus, vendors of Speak Farsi language dictionaries, Speak Farsi Vocabulary and Speak Farsi translation products.’ Not Free.
  4. Software specific to this language :
    • Afrazeh
      ‘Afrazeh Computer Co. has released a set of Free Farsi software.’
    • Farsi Software
      A listing of 13 programs, most of which are shareware.

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Hebrew

  1. Language Courses :
    • Foundationstone : Learn Hebrew for Free
      Free activities from the alphabet up. Links to other sites and resources.
    • Hebrew Basic Course
      Provided by the Foreign Services Institute. Downloadable .pdf student text, plus downloadable mp3 tapes for audio presentations.
    • Milingua
      Courses, resources and Free sections. Everything is online.
    • The Online Hebrew Tutorial
      Lessons [with separate appendices], exercise [with answers], resources and a range of information. Download the tutorial.
  2. Language Tools :
    • Dictionaries :
      • Davar - Hebrew Dictionary
        Downloadable, Freeware dictionary.
      • Hebrew Dictionaries
        Links to a range of dictionaries and glossaries. There are also links to Hebrew grammar.
      • Hebrew English Dictionary
        [Babylon]
        Multiple dictionaries in one that ‘contain words, phrases, abbreviations & acronyms. They also include terms from a vast variety of subjects, such as Medicine, Electronics, Zoology, Business, Computers, Religion, etc., and feature both the American and British forms of spelling.’
      • Milon : English Hebrew Dictionary
        Gain either images or a definition [or both !]
    • Grammar
      Includes specific grammar sites, conjugators and sites including a majority of grammar material.
      • Online Hebrew Grammar [Babel]
        Multiple pages covering pronunciation, vocabulary expressions and a range of grammatical areas. Select from the ‘Other Languages’ menu at the top left.
      • Learn Hebrew Verbs
        Select a verb, select verb root, gender, tense and singular/plural. Graphics and text in the presentation. Extensive list of verbs provided.
    • Vocabulary :
      • Hebrew Vocabulary Guide
        Has extensive audio files for all sections. Presented in Hebrew but with English translations either direct or on mouse over.
      • Learn Hebrew
        ‘It has been my goal to create a site that would help you learn new Hebrew words easily. There are 46 learning topics to choose from with over 1 700 Hebrew words and phrases.’
  3. Other Resources:
  4. Software specific to this language :
    • At Home with Hebrew
      Free download that allows you to develop beginner skills with the Hebrew language.
    • FoundationStone
      ‘A[n] application and support materials designed to allow the most efficient learning of its Hebrew vocabulary. The “Online Hebrew Tutorial” [see above] is available as part of the download.’ Not for very young children.

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Hindi

  1. Hindi Language Courses :
    • Hindi
      Slow to load. Provides 69 lessons in 4 units with a fee now of US$5.50 per unit [US schools get them for Free]. You can buy CDs.
    • Hindi : An Active Introduction
      Downloadable .pdf student text from Foreign Service Institute Language Courses
    • Hindi Language
      ‘Find some useful resources to help you to understand the Hindi Language better.’ Basic vocabulary, language facts, grammar, phrases and more.
    • Hindi Lesson - Ukindia
      A variety of lessons. Download the first 20 as a zip file.
  2. Language Tools :
    • Dictionaries :
      • Digital Dictionaries of South Asia
        [A Dictionary of Urdu, Classical Hindi and English]
        Brings incredible responses with full information on each response [e.g. happiness elicited 154 responses]. There is also help with fonts related to various Asian characters and diacritics.
      • Eng-Roman Script Hindi Dictionary
        Also has a speaking version from the same site. 15 500 words.
      • Hindi Electronic Dictionary
        Includes transcription rules.
      • Hindustani/English Dictionary
      • Shabdkosh English Hindi Dictionary
        ‘This website debuted as an attempt to provide users with easy access to an English Hindi dictionary. This dictionary site provides facility to search in English as well as in Hindi. For English searches, standard interface is provided. For Hindi searches, we provide several keyboard layouts that you can use.’
      • Word AnyWhere
        Includes a both a selection of phrases translated and access to an English/Hindi/English/Telugu translation, providing translation, form of speech and meaning[s].
    • General Sites & Portals :
      • new !Free Hindi Lessons and Courses
        ‘We have gathered together here a number of Free language lessons and language courses for those learning Hindi, along with some other Hindi language resources, such as Hindi online newspapers, Hindi dictionaries, Hindi internet radio sites, and other sources relevant to the student of Hindi.’
      • Hindi Alphabet
        Discover the alphabet with movies using Real Player. Covers the vowels and then the consonants and finally the numbers.
      • Hindi Language Resources on the Web
      • Phrase base - Hindi
        An online forum where you can pose questions, get answers, find resources and much more.
  3. Other Resources:
    • Hindi
      A wealth of information from wikipedia. Includes etymology, history, vocabulary, dialects, phonology, writing system, grammar, literature, common phrases, “Hinglish”, references and an extensive listing of external links to courses, resources and more.
    • Hindi Kids
      ‘Our mission is to create a series that kids and parents would enjoy and at the same time learn about their language and heritage. Our aim is to teach children in a fun way and hold a young mind's attention so that they can learn naturally.’ Materials are Fee-based
    • Hindi Links
      Links for language, dictionaries, culture, news, software and more.
    • Learn Hindi Blogs
      Done via Google.
    • Learn to Speak Hindi
      [Language Exchange via Email, Text Chat and Voice Chat]
      ‘Learn Hindi online by practicing with a native speaker who is learning your language. Write or s peak Hindi online to improve grammar or conversation. A language exchange complements other forms of learning such as classroom, cultural immersion and multimedia, because you get to practice all that you have learned with native speakers in a safe and supportive environment.’
      As with any Pen Pal process, take care and ensure safeguards are in place.
    • Super Hindi Websites
      ‘This site is designed for educators and students of Hindi and the culture of India. Many sites link to others.’
  4. Software specific to this language :
    • Baraha
      ‘A transliteration based application which converts ‘Indian language text written in English’ to their own respective scripts.’
    • Phonetic Hindi Writer, The
      ‘Allows you to type in Hindi without having to remember a new keyboard layout [no font installation required as it uses the built in Indic language support provided by Windows]. It works in all applications that support Unicode - including Internet Explorer, FireFox, Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, Notepad, Explorer,’ etc..

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Tagalog

  1. Tagalog Language Courses :
    2.
  2. Language Tools :
    • Dictionaries :
    • General Sites & Portals :
      • Tagalog Tools
        ‘This page provides you with a number of Tagalog language tools to help you in learning the language.’
      • Viloria.com Pinoy Podcast
        ‘Learn to speak Tagalog [for Free !] and get stories from the Philippines.’

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Thai

  1. Thai Language Courses :
    • Introduction to Thai
      Covering grammar, numerals, the alphabet, the tone system and history of the language’s development, this provides a good introduction.
    • Learning Thai the Easy Way
      Check the main menu at the left for the extensive range of Free resources which are available, from the Alphabet, grammar, listening resources, reading resources and more.
    • Learn Thai Podcast
      ‘Learn the Thai language with our audio lessons.’ Now also has videocasts. Comes highly recommended.
    • Thai
      Not a formal course but useful for visitors and as a starting point. Done via a conversation format. Also has some Thai proverbs.
    • Thai Basic Course
      Provided by the Foreign Services Institute. Downloadable .pdf student text, plus downloadable mp3 tapes for audio presentations. Two Volumes with the student text. There is also an introduction to Thai phonology using 19 tapes [mp3].
    • Thai Home Page
      A vast array of information that goes way beyond just the language.
    • Thai-Language.com
      ‘Your Internet resource for learning the Thai language. Here you’ll find 12 571 audio clips, over 30 505 dictionary entries [all of them transliterated and featuring hot-link anywhere technology], 750 images and illustrations, message boards, and a fun world-wide community of folks who are interested in Thai language, culture, and travel.’
  2. Language Tools :
    • Dictionaries :
      • English Thai Dictionary
        [Babylon]
        Uses ‘a selection of general English Thai Dictionaries and glossaries with a rich and general vocabulary that offer a wide-ranged vocabulary and well written, detailed translations. A first rate resource for the user interested in the Thai language.’
      • Thai Language : Internet Dictionary
        Enter Thai or English Terms, use the various options and find the word[s] you are after. You can also search on transliteration.
      • Universal Dictionary
        [English - Thai - English]
        Enter the word and then choose from the options.
    • General Sites & Portals :
      • Farang Thai
        ‘The Farang Thai® shop stocks : Thai learners books, audio CD’s and DVDs. Farang Thai® is Australia’s largest dedicated Thai language shop !’
      • Free Thai Lessons and Courses
        ‘We have gathered together here a number of Free language lessons and language courses for those learning Thai, along with some other Thai language resources, such as Thai online newspapers, Thai dictionaries, Thai internet radio sites, and other sources relevant to the student of Thai. Most of these sites will be in English.’
      • Langhub
        ‘Your source for mp3 audio and mp4 video files for learning to speak and write Thai and English. The lessons are written for expats, travelers, businessmen and those who are simply learning a second language.’
      • Reference Information and Tables
        Covers the alphabet, tones, spelling, pronunciation, grammar, writing N& typing and more. Part of larger Thai Language site.
      • Thaifocus
        While much of the site is to do with actually visiting Thailand and making the relevant arrangements, there is a large section on ‘Culture & People’ as well as sections on geography, flora & fauna, weather & climate and Thai media.
      • Thai Language
        See Thai characters and numerals, use a Thai dictionary and other resources.
      • Thai Language Information
        ‘Contains main Thai language features, such as Thai alphabet, Thai pronunciation rules, Thai grammar and more. If needed, the input method is also described.’ Links to a range of tools.
      • Thai Language Page
        Contains links to pages listing programs, alphabet information, technological resources, Cds and books, survival phrases and more. Some sections have audio.
    • Grammar
      Includes specific grammar sites, conjugators and sites including a majority of grammar material.
      • Thai Grammar [1]
        Check not only the material on the home page for this but also the links under Grammar on the upper left-hand column.
      • Thai Grammar [2]
        A series of links to sites covering Thai Grammar.
      • Thai Principles [Grammar]
        Covers grammar from Sentence Structure to Comparative & Superlative formats.
    • Vocabulary :
      • Five Free Vocabulary Lessons
        ‘Click on the lesson number that you would like to try from the list.’ New, expanded site said to be coming soon.
      • Hear Thai Survival Phrases
        ‘The Basic Thai Phrases and the Thai Phrases for Meeting and Greeting will lead you to the Thai Dialog at the end, which shows how these Thai survival phrases are used in conversational Thai. Single click on the phrase to hear the Thai pronunciation spoken by a native Thai speaker.’
      • Online Phrase Book
        [Lingvosoft]
        Select Thai from the selection in the ‘To’ box. ‘Featuring the natural voice of native-speakers, the … application includes about 3 000 frequently used phrases, organized into 15 major topics, with several options for practising each phrase.’
  3. Software specific to this language :
    • AbcThai for Windows
      A text editor with translation assistance. Other assorted Javascript applets for Thai from the same site. Freeware.
    • Mog Software
      Includes a Virtual Thai Keyboard, Thai-English-Thai Dictionary and ThaiMemorisator. Freeware.
    • ThaiTrainer 111

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Vietnamese

  1. Vietnamese Language Courses :
    • 20 Lessons
      Two versions depending on the age of your computer and browser.
    • Learning Vietnamese Online
      ‘Links to web sites that offer language activities, online lessons, and resources for learners of Vietnamese language.’
    • Vietnamese Basic Course
      Provided by the Foreign Services Institute. Downloadable .pdf student text, plus downloadable mp3 tapes for audio presentations. Two Volumes with the student text. There is also an Guide to Pronunciation using 8 tapes [mp3].
    • Vietnamese Online
      Has a series of 15 lessons used for learning Vietnamese.
  2. Language Tools :
    • Dictionaries :
      • Dictionaries for Vietnamese
        A range of dictionaries linking Vietnamese with other languages. There are also support materials for using the dictionaries.
      • LVTD …
        [An English ←→ Vietnamese Dictionary for Windows]
        Downloadable Free program.
      • Nôm Lookup
        Allows for links between Vietnamese and several other languages and provides multiple responses including ideograms, meanings and more.
      • Vdict : Vietnamese/English/French Dictionary
        ‘Look up in all dictionaries simultaneously, browse for words, use wildcards, suggests options if spelling is not accurate, audio pronunciation for English words’ and much more.
      • Vietnamese Dictionary
        [Babylon]
        ‘Provides a broad based vocabulary and concise translations. It is a considerable language resource representing a reliable tool for Vietnamese speakers to approach the English language. Wonderfully animated providing phonetics and Part of Speech’
    • General Sites & Portals :
      • new !Free Vietnamese Lessons and Courses
        ‘We have gathered together here a number of Free language lessons and language courses for those learning Vietnamese, along with some other Vietnamese language resources, such as Vietnamese online newspapers, Vietnamese dictionaries, Vietnamese internet radio sites, and other sources relevant to the student of Vietnamese.’
      • Vietnamese
        From wikipedia. Covers history, sounds, grammar, vocabulary, writing system, references, further readings and external links.
      • Vietnamese Language
        ‘Here are some fun articles and resources to help you read or speak Vietnamese. This section includes an interesting list of Vietnamese proverbs, introduction to Vietnamese fonts you can use on your computer, and resources for learning the Vietnamese language.’
      • Vietnamese Language Tools
  3. Other Resources:

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Sign Language

  1. American Sign Language :
    • ASL Fingerspelling
    • ASL SLanT [Sign Language Teacher]
      Based on American Sign Language. It provides a download or online program which can help develop finger signing.
    • Basic Guide to ASL, A
      ‘American Sign Language terms to help those who are trying to communicate with a person who signs, but does not hear … this dictionary has both animated and text definitions. The text definitions also have letter or number sign images to aid in visualizing the sign’.
    • Learning American Sign Language [ASL]
      [And Signed English (SE)]
      Similar to Auslan. Find out what it is like. Annotated links to information but more importantly, lessons.
  2. Auslan - Australian Sign Language :
    • Auslan Sites
      Link to sites through this page.
    • Australian Sign Language
      General information about Auslan and most importantly links to direct you to where you can learn.
    • Sign Swap
      ‘This site allows you to browse, search, view and save images of Auslan Signs, or upload ones you’ve created yourself to share with others.’ Words and phrases are grouped under specific headings. Each has a graphic and full description on how to create the sign.
    • What is Auslan ?
      Gives background information as well as some lessons.
  3. General Sites & Portals :
    • Braille
      US based links which provide a range of information.
    • Deaf Culture and Sign Languages of the Global Village
      ‘Deaf communities are extremely tightly-knit worlds. Sign language can be efficient and people who come from different regions of the world are able to communicate using signs. Information on sign languages all over the world, and links to many informative sites, provide a window into deaf culture.’
    • Handspeak
      Use hand signs to talk to each other. More than 3 000 signs.

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