Guest Blogger – Karen Schweitzer – 15 Free Language Learning Podcasts

Have you always wanted to learn a new language but could never find the time in your busy schedule. Language learning podcasts are a great way to learn at your own pace when it is convenient for you. Here are 15 free language podcasts to try out in your spare time:

Multilanguage Podcasts :

LanguagePod101 – The LanguagePod101 offers short and easy podcasts for learning 11 different languages. The podcasts are a good way for language enthusiasts to learn a few minutes each day.

Open Culture - Open Culture features free podcasts for 37 languages. These easy-to-listen-to podcasts feature languages from Arabic to Yiddish. This site also provides a free program for teaching yourself to learn a different language.

Free Language - This free online language learning site offers podcast lessons for language learners. The podcasts listed on the main page are for Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish but throughout the site there are several more.

Radio Lingua Network - The Radio Lingua Network offers free Coffee Break podcasts for French, Spanish, and German language learners. There are also several other one-minute podcasts for other languages. The Coffee Break podcasts are designed for beginners and last from 15 to 20 minutes.

World Languages Podcasting - World Languages Podcasting features conversations in several languages. The free podcasts are the perfect way for learners to refresh their skills or learn a foreign language. Transcripts can be purchased for $1.99.

Language Specific Podcasts :

LearnItalianPod - The LearnItalianPod features podcasts for beginner to advanced Italian language learners. Each episode lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.

Learn Thai Podcast - This podcast features several Thai phrase lessons through audio and video. The podcast that can be listened to on your computer or downloaded to an mp3 player. Learners can also download transcripts of the lessons.

ESL Pod – The ESL Pod is a free English learning podcast that provides phrases and expressions at a slower speed for easier listening and learning. The podcasts explain the expressions and phrases along with how they are used.

DailyFrenchPod – This free podcast, offered by the French Training Service, features hundreds of audio and video lessons. The French learning podcasts last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes and contain fun, easy lessons that can be listened to on the website or downloaded.

Learn to Speak German – The Learn to Speak German blog provides free German lessons from Germany and Switzerland. Lessons cover a wide variety of subjects, including formal to informal phrases, weather, holidays, and much more.

Edufone - Edufone has top-notch Spanish lesson podcasts that are taught by native speakers. Users can browse through the podcasts to find specific lessons for their level of understanding.

CSLPod - The CSLPod offers free Chinese language lessons for beginner to advanced language learners. Lessons focus on grammar usage and provide slower language speed for maximum comprehension.

A Spoonful of Russian - A Spoonful of Russian has audio and video podcasts for anyone interested in learning Russian. The podcasts are delivered through direct conversations on normal, everyday topics. This podcast is a great way to fulfill any curiosity about the Russian language or refresh former skills.

SwedishLingQ - The SwedishLingQ provides free Swedish language podcasts that last anywhere from one to ten minutes. The podcasts cover everything from basic greetings to intermediate conversations.

ArabicPod - This Arabic podcast features language lessons for beginner to advanced learners. Users can search through the podcasts by keyword, difficulty, or level.

Guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online colleges for OnlineColleges.net.

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