World Languages

(Many of these websites and their descriptions are from the Librarian's Internet Index, "websites you can trust") http://lii.org

 

Spanish              French              German              ASL

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE DICTIONARIES

 

Dictionary of Spanish Translate words to-and-from English and Spanish.

Ethnologue: Languages of the World Find information about the 6,800 main languages plus 41,000 alternate names and dialects languages by the many peoples of the world, organized by maps and charts, with descriptions and other helpful data.

Hmong-English Dictionary An online dictionary, which translates common Hmong, words to English. Arranged alphabetically, by the Hmong word. Click on the word, and have it translated to English.

Spanish-English On-line Dictionary Translate (with definitions provided) from English to Spanish. This is part of Travlang's Translating Dictionaries, which has dictionaries for many languages.

World Reference: Online German, Spanish, French and Italian Dictionaries A dictionary publisher provides dictionaries from several of the world's languages. Translates both directions.

Foreign Language Dictionary Multi-lingual translating dictionary (German/English-English German, French/English-English/French, Spanish/English-English/Spanish, Italian/English-English/Italian).

 

 

VARIOUS LANGUAGES

 

BBC: Languages
Resources for learning French, German, Spanish, and Italian, including sound files, vocabulary lists, quizzes, and cultural notes. Also includes limited resources for other languages such as Welsh, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/

 

 

SPANISH LANGUAGE

 

Learn Spanish
Each lesson in this tutorial includes a cultural lesson in English and Spanish, practice exercises, and a test. Words in the lessons and the cultural files are linked to sound files. Includes links to Spanish-language newspapers, radio stations, and language schools. Also provides a list of the top ten phrases that don't translate well and a random idiom generator.
URL: http://www.studyspanish.com/

 

REACH: Recursos Para la Enseñanza y el Aprendizaje de las Culturas Hispanas
The objectives of this site are to "help in the teaching of Spanish and Hispanic cultures to bilingual Latino students," and to help Spanish-speaking students and the general public gain a greater appreciation of Hispanic language and culture. Features several teaching modules on subjects such as Latinos in the United States and Andean culture. In English and Spanish. A project of the National Foreign Language Center (NFLC), based at the University of Maryland.

 

 

SPAIN

 

Si, Spain
Information on Spanish current affairs and its historical, linguistic and cultural development. This searchable directory, from the Spanish Foreign Ministry in Canada, has excellent resources on Spain. Categories include: Geography, History, Language and Culture, Politics, Foreign Affairs, Economy, Health, Education, Travel, Spanish Language Courses, Other Web Sites on Spain, and much more.
URL: http://www.sispain.org/

 

Discover Spain
This travel site covers popular vacation spots, sightseeing destinations, regional events, arts and culture, nature reserves, and beaches, as well as lodging, restaurants, and transportation services. Addresses practical concerns such as entry requirements, money exchange, communications (e.g., postal service, Internet access), and public holidays. Also includes information about language schools. Searchable.
URL: http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/

 

Spain: A Country Study
Contains a historical overview, and information on the geography, economy, government, transportation and telecommunications, foreign relations, national security, languages, religions, and people and society of Spain. Includes a glossary, a bibliography, and statistical tables. Searchable. "Completed [in] December 1988." A part of the Web site Country Studies, from the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress.
URL: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/estoc.html

 

Spain, the United States, and the American Frontier: Historias Paralelas
Reflecting the different perspectives of Spain and the United States, this site contains material which documents the history of Spanish expansion in North America through the South, the Southwest, and north to Alaska. Digital collections of texts, manuscripts, letters, maps, prints, photographs, films, and early edition books can be viewed online. Available in English and Spanish, the site is a collaboration of the Library of Congress and The National Library of Spain.
URL: http://international.loc.gov/intldl/eshtml/

 

España
Designed for tourists and travelers headed for Spain. Includes information on events, the arts, food, nature, sports, beaches, and more. Available in several languages. Searchable.
URL: http://spain.info/TourSpain/Home?Language=en

 

 

MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA

 

U.S.-Mexican War (1846-1848)
This site presents the history of the war including its prelude, aftermath, and legacy. The timeline helps place the period in context from Hernan Cortes' conquest of the Aztecs to Mexican independence from Spain to Texas' independence. A discussion forum and related resources are provided. All resources are available in English and Spanish.
URL: http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/

 

U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features: Hispanic Heritage Month
Facts and statistics about Hispanics and Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), which "celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean." From the U.S. Census Bureau.
URL: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/007173.html

 

Mexico/Central America for Visitors
A searchable, annotated directory for a wide range of topics about Mexico and Central America. Some of the areas include geography, politics and government, immigration, doing business in Latin America, current events, art, crafts, Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), history, holidays, culture, religion, and more. There are a few links to sites in Spanish. An About.com site.
URL: http://gomexico.about.com/

 

The World Factbook: Mexico
Key facts, maps, statistics, demographics, and a nutshell history of Mexico. From "The World Factbook," published by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
URL: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html

 

Nicaragua: A Country Study
Contains a historical overview, and information on the geography, economy, government, transportation and telecommunications, foreign relations, national security, languages, religions, and people and society of Nicaragua. Includes a glossary, a bibliography, and statistical tables. Searchable. "Completed [in] December 1993." A part of the Web site Country Studies, from the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress.
URL: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/nitoc.html

 

Country Profile: Honduras
Profile of Honduras, including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events, and information about Honduran leaders and media. Site also includes links to related news stories and audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1225416.stm
 

Country Profile: Guatemala
This news site provides an overview of Guatemala, including a brief history, profile of leaders, timeline of key events, and description of local media. Features news stories, audio files, and links to related sites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1215758.stm

 

Honduras: A Country Study
Contains a historical overview, and information on the geography, economy, government, transportation and telecommunications, foreign relations, national security, languages, religions, and people and society of Honduras. Includes a glossary, a bibliography, and statistical tables. Searchable. "Completed [in] December 1993." A part of the Web site Country Studies, from the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress.
URL: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/hntoc.html

 

Country Profile: Costa Rica
Profile of Costa Rica, including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events, and information about Costa Rican leaders and media. Site also includes links to related news stories and audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1166587.stm

Country Profile: El Salvador
Profile of the Central American country of El Salvador, including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events, and information about leaders and media. Site also includes links to related news stories, and audio of the national anthem and some news stories. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1220684.stm

 

Country Profile: Panama
Profile of Panama, including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events, and information about Panamanian leaders and media. Site also includes links to related news stories and audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1229332.stm
 

Country Profile: Belize
Profile of Belize (formerly known as British Honduras), including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events, and information about leaders and media. Site also includes audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1211472.stm

 

 

SOUTH AMERICA

 

Cultures of the Andes/ Culturas de los Andes
Music, photos, poems, and stories from the Andes mountain region of South America, which includes artists from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile. Information is variously provided in English, Spanish, and the Quechua indian language.
URL: http://www.andes.org/

 

The World Factbook: Argentina
Key facts, maps, statistics, demographics, and a nutshell history of Argentina. From "The World Factbook," published annually by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
URL: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ar.html

 

Paraguay: A Country Study
Contains a historical overview, and information on the geography, economy, government, transportation and telecommunications, foreign relations, national security, languages, religions, and people and society of Paraguay. Includes a glossary, a bibliography, and statistical tables. Searchable. "Completed [in] December 1988." A part of the Web site Country Studies, from the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress.
URL: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/pytoc.html

 

Country Briefings: Brazil
Background articles and news about economics and politics in Brazil. Provides economic data, political and economic outlook, details about the political and economic structure of the country, and news about Brazilian political leaders, rain forests, business, and more. Note: Some articles (marked as premium content) only available to subscribers. From the website for The Economist magazine.
URL: http://www.economist.com/countries/Brazil/

 

Brazil
Part of the Country Studies/Area Handbook series "describing and analyzing [Brazil's] political, economic, social, and national security systems and institutions, and examining the interrelationships of those systems and the ways they are shaped by cultural factors." Research completed April 1997. Searchable , can limit your search to one or more countries. From the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress.
URL: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/brtoc.html
 

Country Profile: Guyana
Profile of "the only English-speaking country in South America," including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events, and information about leaders and media. Site also includes links to related news stories and audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1211325.stm

 

Country Profile: Ecuador
This news site provides "an overview of Ecuador including key facts, political leaders, and notes on the media." Features a brief history and timeline of key events dating from 1450. Includes news stories, audio and video files, and links to related sites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1212882.stm

 

Country Profile: Venezuela
This news site provides an overview of Venezuela, including a brief history, profile of leaders, timeline of key events, and description of local media. Features news stories, audio and video files, and links to related sites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1229345.stm

 

Country Profile: Uruguay
Profile of Uruguay, including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events back to 1516, and information about Uruguayan leaders and media. Site also includes links to related news stories and audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1229360.stm

 

Country Profile: Bolivia
This news site provides an overview of Bolivia, including a brief history, profile of leaders, timeline of key events, and description of local media. Features news stories, background on political issues, and links to related sites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1210487.stm

 

Discover Peru
Information about the culture and history of Peru from Pre-Incan times through the present day. Includes statistics, geographical and tourist information, directories, and over 2,300 photographs. There are maps of ecological regions, railroads, bird watching, and a detailed, searchable map of Lima (works in IE only). Available in several languages.
URL: http://www.inkatour.com/

Country Profile: Peru
This news site provides an overview of Peru, including a brief history, profile of leaders, timeline of key events, and description of local media. Features news stories, audio files, and links to related sites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1224656.stm

 

Country Profile: Surinam
Profile of Surinam (formerly known as Dutch Guiana), including demographic facts, historical overview, timeline of key events back to 1498, and information about leaders and media. Site also includes audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1211306.stm

 

Country Profile: Colombia
This news site provides an overview of Colombia, including a brief history, profile of leaders, timeline of key events, and description of local media. Features news stories, background on political issues, and links to related sites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1212798.stm

 

Regions and Territories: French Guiana
Profile of this "region of France on the north-east coast of South America." Includes demographic facts, historical overview, and brief listings of leaders and media outlets. Also includes links to related news stories. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/3516572.stm

 

Country Profile: Chile 
Provides an overview of the country's political history, statistics, leader profiles, information about media outlets, a chronology of key events, and related news stories and links. Also includes audio of the national anthem. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1222764.stm

 

 

FRENCH LANGUAGE

 

Language and Culture: An Introduction to Human Communication - The title of this site describes the tutorial developed by Professor Dennis O'Neil of Palomar College. Links and a glossary are also provided below:

 

Helio Organizations: Great sight for pronunciation, orthography and grammar.

 

Paris: This site is excellent for viewing Paris monuments.

 

Paris Curiosities: Another superior site for monuments and features of Paris such as book stalls and bakeries.

 

Palomar's Language Stats: Statistics about how many people speak what language are included in this site.

 

Cortland College: Voyage virtual. Click on cities and see photos of area and local cuisine.

 

BonJour de France: French language sight with games and lessons for all levels except exploratory

.

Thinkquest: Test numbers and other fun quizzes.

 

Avenue France: This site begins by playing la vie en rose.

 

Paris Sights: Photos on line of Paris sights.