Best websites for learning a foreign language

Livemocha.com has 5 million users in 200 countries. Basic lessons in 30 languages are free. For $20 a month, students can submit up to eight voice recordings to a native-speaking tutor, who will provide feedback within 24 hours.

Babbel.com offers a free trial lesson as well as paid instruction in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish for $12 a month (or $6.65 a month with a 90-day commitment). Besides learning “extended” grammar and vocabulary, users can communicate via private or public chats.

BBC.com/languages provides “varying levels” of instruction for 36 languages free of charge. Lessons range from audio and video courses to “Quick Fixes.” Beginners’ courses (available in French, Spanish, German, and Italian) last for 12 weeks and feature weekly e-mail tips.

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Source: The New York Times