Need a hand?
Check out the tools and resources we've compiled here!
This page will be updated regularly as we find more helpful things for language learning. Make sure to check back often!
***Disclaimer: SVCC was NOT sponsored to reccommend any of the resources here. They are compiled here for your consideration to use if you choose to.***
The tools and resources presented here are meant to help a variety of learners and language users. Each are recommended on the basis of:
A) Being comprehensive and from a credible source
B) Being new, up-to-date, and/or something unexpected
C) Being free and accessible to many different levels or types of language users
D) Standing on its own as a tool instead of a course, app, subscription, account, etc.
1) Conversation topics
Need something to talk about? This site has a list of great topics and questions to choose from! Check it out here!
2) Flash cards
Make flashcards for yourself to study vocab with Anki or Quizlet! Check out their features to see what will work best for you!
3) Dual-Language Subtitles for Netflix
This chrome extension allows you to have subtitles in two different languages while watching something on Netflix! For example, if you're studying Korean, you can have English and Korean subtitles at the same time. Check it out here!
4) Hanzisize
This chrome extension allows you to change the font size of text you see online in. If you find something hard to read because the script/characters/words are too small, then this will help you read it more easily! Check it out here!
5) Papago
This is another online translation tool you can use besides google translate to help you understand texts! It works especially well for Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. Check it out here!
Please DO NOT use translation tools for official assignments, classes, etc. Doing so is considered cheating and against Academic Codes of Conduct.
6) Forvo
Forvo is a pronunciation dictionary for a variety of languages. When you search up a word, you'll find multiple examples of how to pronounce it organized by where the speaker comes from, which means that you'll get to hear regional variations as well. Check it out here!
7) EPL
The Edmonton Public Library has many fantastic resources and books for learning a language. Sign up for a free library card and check out some books today!
8) Word Reference
Word Reference is a great tool which acts as a dictionary for English bilingual users. Check it out here!
More to come in the future!
1) YouGlish
YouGlish is site that helps you search up words and their pronunciation in natural conversation. Search up a word and you'll get hundreds of examples to follow and practice with. It will also give you a transcript of what is being spoken so you can read along! Check it out here!
2) Lextutor
This site has several functions that help you practice and analyze vocabulary.
The Vocabprofile lets you enter a piece of text and shows you which vocabulary belongs to which frequency bands (K1, K2, AWL, etc.) so you can test its comprehension difficulty.
The Concordancer lets you examples of vocabulary used in context. That way you can learn when and where to use a certain word or phrase.
The List Learn Function lets you create vocabulary lists based on the frequency bands and lists. It also uses the concordancer to give you examples of vocabulary used in context.
Check out the guide here to learn how to use these functions!
3) Graded Readers for Adults
These sites provide Beginner to Advanced versions of classic literature and other books for adult ESL learners to read. Some also include worksheets, audio discs, etc. with the book to help improve vocabulary and reading comprehension! For a guide to the reading levels used, click here!
Pearson:
Victoria University of Wellington (Free!)
Oxford University Press (Some Free!)
Townsend Press (Mostly Digital Download)
More to come in the future!
1) Lextutor
This site has several functions that help you practice vocabulary.
The Concordancer lets you search up examples of vocabulary used in context. That way you can learn when and where to use a certain word or phrase.
The List Learn function lets you create vocabulary lists based on the Londsdale list of vocabulary. It also uses the concordancer to give you examples of vocabulary used in context.
Check out the guide here to learn how to use these functions!
2) Coffee Break French
Coffee Break French has tons of free podcasts for different levels of language learners. Each podcast is about an interesting topic and will help you practice listening and recognizing grammar. Check it out here!
3) Dictionnaire des Francophone
This is an easy to use French dictionary. Check it out here!
4) L'Orbs Conjugaison
This is a conjugation dictionary for French verbs. Search up a verb and you'll get a list of every possible conjugation for it. Check it out here!
More to come in the future!
1) Lextutor
Lextutor's Concordancer lets you search up examples of vocabulary used in context. That way you can learn when and where to use a certain word or phrase. Check out the guide here to learn how to use it!
2) Spanish Alphabet
This site aims to help you learn the Spanish alphabet, including how to pronounce each letters as well intonation. Check it out here!
3) Spanish Readings
This site compiles beginner level texts in Spanish for you to practice reading. It also includes audio files to follow along with and some grammar lessons. Check it out here!
4) Coffee Break Spanish
Coffee Break Spanish has tons of free podcasts for different levels of language learners. Each podcast is about an interesting topic and will help you practice listening and recognizing grammar. Check it out here!
More to come in the future!
1) CC-Canto
CC-Canto offers a Cantonese to English dictionary for learners. You can also search up words in English, jyutping, pinyin, & zhuyin! It is still an development, but it is a fantastic free resource for searching up words. Check it out here!
2) Cantonese 101
This site compiles many resources for learning Cantonese. It includes vocabulary & phrases list, as well as a dictionary with pronunciation examples. The site also offers lessons, but they are a paid resource.
More to come in the future!
1) Inkah
This extension for Chrome and Firefox allows you to see the meaning of words and phrases used in web articles, blog posts, etc. It also gives you access to dual language subtitles in Netflix as well as the pinyin readings of Chinese characters and words. Check it out here!
2) Hacking Chinese
This fantastic website has tons of free helpful articles and resources for learning Mandarin. You can also take its courses for more practice in the language! Check it out here!
3) MDBG Dictionary
This online dictionary lets you look up words in English, pinyin, and Chinese characters. Other tools the site offers includes helpful quizzes, and a way to search up every character in a Chinese text. Check it out here!
This site also offers a translation tool for short texts. Please DO NOT use the translation tool for official assignments, classes, etc. Doing so is considered cheating and against Academic Codes of Conduct.
4) Coffee Break Mandarin Chinese
Coffee Break Chinese has tons of free podcasts for different levels of language learners. Each podcast is about an interesting topic and will help you practice listening and recognizing grammar. Check it out here!
More to come in the future!
1) Japan Foundation Toronto Library Card
The Japan Foundation Toronto allows you borrow digital manga and other books to learn Japanese for free when you sign up for their library card! Check it out here!
2) Grammar Guide and Database
This site contains an extensive list of grammar items to help you learn Japanese. It also has some guides to help you learn kana. Check it out here!
The organization also hosts a lot of cultural events and learning opportunities, make sure to check out their main page here!
3) Kanji, Vocabulary, & Grammar Flashcards
Thinking about making flashcards to help you improve your Japanese? You can check out this archive of material based on past Japanese Language Proficiency Tests to help you make your own! You can also find some practice tests to help you study. Check it out here!
*There is also an option to pay to access ready-made cards
4) Rikai-kun Chrome Extension
With this free extension, you can see the furigana and the meaning of Kanji used in web articles, blogs, etc. Check it out here!
5) Yomi-chan Chrome Extension
With this free extension, you can see the furigana and the meaning of Kanji used in web articles, blogs, etc. It also has a function that lets you create flash cards with Anki, as well as the function to incorporate more dictionaries. Check out this extension here!
6) OJAD Prosody Tutor
This tool allows you to insert text and see the pitch accent(s) and rhythm of a sentence or phrase. It will also read back what you wrote and you can follow along to practice speaking more fluently. Check it out here!
7) Pronunciation and Pitch Accent Lessons
Dogen's Youtube channel is a great place for learning pronunciation and getting a grasp on pitch accent. Check it out here!
9) Example Sentence Dictionary
This dictionary lets you search up words and find authentic example sentences used in real writing and speech. Check it out here!
10) Japanese Name Dictionary
Japanese names can be tough to figure out. Whether its the reading or the kanji, this dictionary will help you to find the one you're looking for. It also gives you multiple results based on how common they are. Check it out here!
11) Modern vs. Old Japanese Kanji Chart
This handy chart contains the modern vs. old counterparts of kanji used in Japanese. If you're having trouble recognizing a kanji while reading, this could be a handy tool to make use of! Check it out here!
12) Hirogaru
The Hirogaru site contains lots of beginner-friendly articles that help you learn Japanese based on your interests like manga! Check it out here!
13) Irasutoya
If you need illustrations and graphics for your Japanese presentations, then Irasutoya is the perfect place for you! Check it out here!
14) Number Memorization Game
Looking for a fun way to learn Japanese numbers? This site will help you to learn them in no time! Check it out here!
15) Kanji Worksheets
These two sites lets you create kanji work sheets for yourself to print out and practice writing! Check it out here and here!
More to come in the future!
1) Inkah
This extension for Chrome and Firefox allows you to see the meaning of words and phrases used in web articles, blog posts, etc. It also gives you access to dual language subtitles in Netflix as well as English readings of Korean characters and words. Check it out here!
2) How to Study Korean
This site compiles resources for learning Korean grammar and vocabulary. It has several units for learning Korean and also provides additional material to help you practice. Check it out here!
3) Naver Dictionary
This is a popular dictionary for native speakers searching up Korean words in other languages. It also includes example sentences in each entry so you can see the word used in context. Check it out here!
4) 90 Day Korean
This site compiles a ton of different resources for learning Korean. It is sure to help you with any need you may have! Check it out here!
More to come in the future!
