TechTrends: Learn to parlez-vous Francais for free!

Have you ever wanted to learn a new language?  I speak French ‘un peu’ and it’s always been a goal of mine to become fluent, and maybe pick up a little Spanish too.

But with programs like Rosetta Stone averaging around $300 and formal lessons even higher, I didn’t think I’d be able to find a way to make it work.  Then I found Livemocha.

Livemocha.com is a great website that uses the idea of social media to help you learn a new language for free.  There are almost 40 languages available to choose from, and levels from beginner to advanced.  There are four sections to each lesson:  Learn, Review, Write, and Speak.  You go through lessons, perform writing exercises, and have the opportunity to speak lessons into your webcam.  Then you can choose from other livemocha members who are native speakers to review your work.  You can do the same for someone learning your language as well.  Just like other social media sites, you set up a profile and make friends,  but you can also live chat with others to practice your skills.

If serious study is what you’re looking for, there is a pay option where you can connect with actual expert teachers for language instruction.  Either way, livemocha.com is a great way to learn something new and maybe make a few international friends in the process!