Materials and software
This section of the website is divided into 3 main parts:
1. advice on selecting materials and software for language learning,
2. products to buy, and
The products to buy section also contains:
- multi-lingual proofing tools
- multi-lingual wordprocessors
- multi-lingual speech recognition/dictation software
Translation software and dictionaries are found in other sections of the website.
Advice on Selecting Materials
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of materials available for learning languages. Modern materials and software such as CD ROMs, DVDs, cassettes, and videos, provide colour, variety and sources of authentic input (examples of real language used by native speakers). Traditional materials are mainly text-based and tend to focus more on reading and writing skills e.g. course books, work books, text books, graded readers, and grammar exercises - these can also be very useful. All these materials are designed for language learners, but we should not forget that there is a huge amount of authentic material designed for native speakers which can be used for advanced learners, and adapted for those who are less proficient: books, magazines, newspapers, games, music, films, radio, and tv.
When selecting materials for language learning you should try to find those that match your:
- language level e.g. advanced level
- age group e.g. adult
- reason for learning the language e.g. to improve your letter writing ability
- preferred approach e.g. like to do repetitive exercises
- mode of learning e.g. self-study
- price range e.g. £15 to £25
- equipment available e.g. using Windows 95+
Look for attractive materials, which you find interesting, colourful and useful. They should be clearly laid out and well-structured. Borrow materials from a friend or a library first, if you can, to make sure that you can get on with them. You can also ask your teacher or fill in a short online form to use our advisory service.
You can also consult the CILT resources library . Another possibility is the Hull CALL software database.
Global Office - an enhancement to Microsoft Office for 100+ languages
Global Writer - a word processor with a wide range of languages
Microsoft Office Proofing Tools - allows users to proof documents in 50+ languages
CD ROMs and DVDs from Eurotalk for learners of most languages and all levels
Selected Products
Beginners |
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Our Price: £14.99 |
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Learn another language the way you learnt your own. You learnt your own language naturally and enjoyably: now you can learn Mandarin in the same way. There's no books and no writing, and you will achieve confidence - in hours. With the "Michel Thomas Method" you learn the language in small steps, building it up yourself to produce ever more complicated sentences. |
Beginners |
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Earworms |
Our Price: £11.99 |
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Beginners |
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RRP: £25.91 |
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Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours, but click on the image for our latest price and availability |
Beginners |
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RRP: £34.95 |
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Containing 4 CDs of useful material, this brand new course provides a solid introduction to the world's most spoken language. This course is available shortly in a 4-CD format covering key phrases from this dynamic and historic language. It is produced with native speakers so you are able to acquire words, sounds and intonations needed to communicate effectively in Mandarin. |
Intermediate |
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Rosetta Stone |
RRP: £169.00 |
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Rosetta Stone Language Learning Software CD ROM Features
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All levels |
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Also available on CD |
RRP: £249.90 |
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Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours, but click on the image for our latest price and availability |
Children |
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Eurotalk |
RRP: £14.99 |
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Features
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LINKS (in alphabetical order)
Bamboo
Helper
Helps students read Chinese text files by showing the correct pronunciation,
the location of word breaks, etc. Requires a Chinese display
system such as MS-Windows 3.1 Chinese Edition, ETen Chinese System
or TwinBridge Big5 system.V1.02 (shareware), C. McEvilly 1993.
Bowdoin - language programs, literature, culture, radio, newspapers and magazines, dictionaries, software, travel & geography, television, general links
Cantonese.sheik.co.uk - learn Cantonese Online: With Tests, Games, Grammar and online dictionaries
Chinasite.com- many links and information about China, the Chinese and the language: Mandarin, Cantonese and Minnan. Many resources: music, films, courses, fashion, food, games, grammar, holidays, magazines, materials, newspapers, radio, sports, study abroad and tv.
CLAS: Chinese Learning Alternative Site - C L A S offers you supplementary learning material on Chinese language and original articles on what's happening today in Chinese language and Chinese culture
China Tour - China, travel, news and information, with a link to Survival Chinese: Chinese phrases for travelers, Chinese language learning for English speakers, etc
The Chinese Outpost - learn Chinese Online: Free Beginner's 'Introduction to Mandarin' Tutorial with information about China, Chinese courses, grammar and materials
Chinese Pod - with free daily podcasts, lesson review and guidance from experts.
Chinese Radical Exam
A study aid and test for beginners that covers 108 of the most common
radicals (demo version). It also teaches and tests 48 Pian Pang
(12 in demo) - common radicals that take on a different shape when
they are found in a character. The test covers English meaning and/or
pronunciation (including audio), and the user can select PinYin
or Practical Tone Spelling for input. It's a polished, useful Windows
program (and doesn't require any Chinese font to be installed).
V2.1 (shareware), M. Bosley 1995.
Chinese Software Web Site Downloadable KuaiXue software for learning Chinese.
Clavisinica- Software designed to help Chinese learners to read
DingDang
Write
Simple Chinese WP for Windows with entry via PinYin, CangJie, QuWei,
LianXiang or QuanPin methods, using GuoBiao file format (or can
save as bitmap graphics file). There is a speech facility (although
the sound quality is poor in the shareware file) which may be downloaded
separately to read any GB file aloud. (shareware), Y. Ding 1999.
Dr Do Chinese Multimedia Language Trainer Multimedia games alongside drills, flash cards and listening comprehension. You can use your own vocabulary list or the selection provided, and the program tracks your performance so exercises can be restricted to words that need further training. Displays more than 7,000 Chinese characters and has support for Unicode and Microsoft's Global Input Method Editor. Includes sound files for ten chapters of the "Practical Chinese Reader"; the rest can be downloaded separately. (Windows 95 and above)(shareware), ThinkRed 2000.
Global Office - an enhancement to Microsoft Office 97/2000 for 100+ languages
Global Writer - a word processor with a wide range of languages
HyperChina software
IGCS - Internet Guide For Chinese Studies
Learning Chinese Online - many links and directories to Chinese learning aids, courses, dictionaries, grammar and materials
Learning of Chinese - EAA links
Mandarin123 - includes your ultimate guide to learning Chinese with most useful resources online. All learning materials or activities on this site are marked with proper level (Basic, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) for your convenience
Mandarin Book Online - one of the leading chinese-english websites, offering an outstsanding array of tools and services for chinese and english language and cultural studies
NJStar Chinese WP for Windows 95/NT Very comprehensive Chinese word processor with proper formatting features. Support for thousands of character sets and many entry methods; reads and writes GB, Big5 and HZ. Includes extensive dictionary and features such as conversion from Chinese to Pinyin text (with tone marks). The more expensive registered versions have extra fonts.(shareware), Hongbo Data Systems 1997.
mandarintools.com - a collection of web pages to assist people in learning and using the Chinese language
Real Chinese - a lively introduction to Mandarin Chinese in 10 short parts, with recordings, useful phrases, tips on pronunciation, grammar, cultural notes and a short test
SSAT Chinese network The Chinese Network exists to provide a 'virtual staffroom' for Mandarin teachers and to encourage the exchange of ideas, expertise and news, as well as materials and resources
Super Chinese Websites - numerous links that can be helpful in learning chinese and about the culture
Teach Yourself Courses - over 1 million people buy these courses each year!