01.23.2019

In Support of Furloughed Government Language Learners

In support of furloughed government language learners:

We know that our students are hardworking, resilient individuals and we want you to know you’re not alone. Moreover, we are all in this together.

Also, we know that you are not permitted to study with us until your agency’s funding is reestablished.

Thus, we have curated these online language learning platforms that will be extremely helpful as you continue to develop your language skills and be ready to return to your studies at Diplomatic Language Services.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment. Please know that at DLS we’re a team and we certainly don’t want any furloughed government language learners to feel alone. So, please evaluate the resources below if you wish to continue language training on your own terms.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Resources

DLIFLC LSKs – Include modules compiled of texts, audios, and translations for over 3,000 topic-based mission-related phrases. Modules are available here.

DLIFLC Headstart2 – Includes 80-100 hours of instruction, interactive tasks, language-specific pronunciation guides, cultural familiarization, and orientation modules. Tools are available here.

GLOSS – Lessons are designed to provide independent learners with topic-specific lessons, thus improving reading and listening proficiencies. Lessons are available here.

Foreigncy – Learning objects to practice reading and listening with authentic content in Urdu, Mandarin, and Farsi for free. Also, exclusive paid content is available for purchase in Russian, Arabic, and Hebrew. Available here.

Duolingo – Learn or practice language by playing various games such as matching translations, unscrambling words/phrases, translating sentences. Mobile apps are available on iOS + Android. Web version available here.

busuu – Presents language via flashcards, each of which has target language text, natively spoken audio, and relevant images. Mobile apps are available on iOS + Android. Web version available here.

Mango Languages – Uses “Intuitive Language Learning” to simulate the way in which people learn language when they are in-country. Hence, courses focus on real-life language content, giving users the language tools needed for specific situations, eliminating unnecessary fluff. Mobile apps are available on iOS + Android. Web version available here.

HiNative – Q&A platform designed for asking questions about language and culture topics to native speakers to create a “global community” for language learners online. Mobile apps are available on iOS + Android. Web version available here.

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