I came across a very neat online language learning tool a few weeks ago, but I didn't bookmark it and now I can't find it again. Basically it worked like this: you choose a preset text or story (I think they were mostly fables and fairy tales), your native language, and the foreign language you're trying to practice. Then it shows the text of the story with a few of your native words replaced with their foreign equivalents, letting you learn them in context.
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posted by pont
on May 25, 2012 -
4 answers
My informal English is boring! I'd like to make it more interesting by incorporating new and/or local (to Philadelphia) linguistic features to it.
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posted by Deathalicious
on May 22, 2012 -
17 answers
Do you know of any story based language instruction books? I have a vague memory from when I was a kid (late 70's/early 80's) of reading book that was the story of an american boy going to visit france. The book starts out in english, and adds french words to the story as the boy in the story encounters them. If I remember correctly, the last chapter is entirely in french.
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posted by billyfleetwood
on May 20, 2012 -
8 answers
[Language Processiong / Grammar Question] With a pattern of noun infinitive adjective noun verb infinitive, can the second noun ever be the subject of the verb? Bonus question (below the fold): In the second case does the adverb of the verb always determine the sentiment of the second noun?
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posted by Nanukthedog
on May 20, 2012 -
6 answers
I am female. I have a unisex name. My male partners have always had unmistakably male names. Why, then, have new acquaintances continually called my male partners by my name?!
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posted by thrasher
on May 18, 2012 -
34 answers
Do you know any good videos for young children to learn a little Russian?
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posted by spbmp
on May 17, 2012 -
9 answers
Can anybody help me find TV shows/documentaries/podcasts/literature on doctors and hospitals in Brazilian Portuguese?
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posted by tvdveer
on May 16, 2012 -
3 answers
I'm looking for lyrics (in Russian/Cyrillic) to
this song. I'm not familiar enough with russian to do more than pick out a few words. I don't want the English lyrics, I would like to figure that part out myself. :) Any help at all would be appreciated.
posted by subarctic_guy
on May 11, 2012 -
2 answers
Do we cry over spilt milk or spilled milk? My spell checker says the latter but I remember the former.
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posted by patheral
on May 9, 2012 -
31 answers
When did the use of contractions become common in American English and/or when did the absence of contractions become an (accurate or not) shorthand for outdated diction?
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posted by Admiral Haddock
on May 9, 2012 -
8 answers
Help me find the name of a unique language acquisition method that I've heard about but can't quite identify.
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posted by RapcityinBlue
on May 7, 2012 -
3 answers
When, where and how did the word 'sucks' become somewhat inoffensive, mainstream-- a word that can be said on prime time television? Was there at tv show? Is it generational? Or is my perception regional and based on my cohort?
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posted by sandmanwv
on May 4, 2012 -
43 answers
Have you successfully learned Spanish while working and without travel? What was your process?
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posted by abdulf
on May 1, 2012 -
9 answers
My dad speaks fluent Spanish (and English). I am third-year student of Spanish. Mom and dad know some French. My younger brother (13 years old) only knows English. We all like good plots, good music, and good cinematography. Please suggest some non-English language movies, documentaries, TV series, etc. that we would all enjoy. Bonus points if it's available through Netflix streaming or DVD.
posted by gray17
on Apr 25, 2012 -
15 answers
"That's retarded." Offensive, or not offensive?
Also, if offensive, help me come up with an alternative to my life/work philosophy, which is "Don't Be Retarded."
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posted by eleyna
on Apr 25, 2012 -
85 answers
I got a summer job interview over Skype! Tell me what to expect. The twist: it's in American Sign Language.
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posted by Conspire
on Apr 24, 2012 -
7 answers
My son has become fascinated with non-standard plurals in English, and I need more examples to feed him.
Can you think of more like: Foot --> Feet; Goose --> Geese; Mouse --> Mice. What I'm
not looking for is inside:
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posted by anastasiav
on Apr 22, 2012 -
20 answers
English language friends: Why do we use the word “different” when it doesn’t appear to be necessary?
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posted by bryon
on Apr 17, 2012 -
18 answers
Question about French election 2012 slogan: Prendre le pouvoir! (Hollande) Does it mean We can take it? Or Take it, we can! ???
posted by sparkle55
on Apr 17, 2012 -
14 answers
Is there a usable generic language or set of instructions for giving directions? Regardless of country language or dialect. Directions that are simple, direct and unambiguous. Ie the way to the bank is up the road for five minutes and then go down to my right. Is that up a hill? Down a hill after turning right? How far up the road do i go? Until i start coming down again? Thank you.
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posted by terminus
on Apr 13, 2012 -
16 answers
Found myself head-over-heels in love with my friend. Our interactions have gotten exceedingly flirtatious. Is she in love, too? What's your opinion? Details after the jump.
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posted by thatgirl1985
on Apr 3, 2012 -
39 answers
I'm curious to what
this sign says and I don't even know whether it's Arabic or Persian. It was posted among hipsterish events posters on a busy Montreal street. Anyone?
posted by zadcat
on Apr 1, 2012 -
1 answer
How do I obtain newer Foreign Service Institute language learning coursework and education materials?
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posted by andendau
on Mar 31, 2012 -
3 answers
I am an English speaker learning Russian. I am also interested in the recent protest movements in and around Moscow. Where are the forums/twitter accounts/facebook accounts/blogs where opinions are being formed? They will be used as a resource in learning the language and understanding contemporary russian politics.
posted by 221bbs
on Mar 31, 2012 -
6 answers
Can I trust a web browser's language preference setting to determine whether to provide Spanish-language content to Latino immigrants to the U.S.? (NB: This isn't a technical question, it's a social question.)
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posted by waldo
on Mar 31, 2012 -
10 answers
My dear Egyptian friend calls me "Yah Soosah" and "Yah Habibti." What does this mean? I'm pretty sure these are terms of endearment, but what do they mean? She said "yah soosah" is an old Egyptian word. Help me figure out the meaning of my new pet names. Thank you!!! : )
posted by thatgirl1985
on Mar 26, 2012 -
13 answers
What are some English words that contain a prefix, but the root is either not a word or is substantially unrelated to the prefixed word?
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posted by Geppp
on Mar 23, 2012 -
36 answers
A
cinephile is someone who loves movies, but a
cineaste is someone who uses her love of movies to inform and inspire her own filmmaking. Do other disciplines have a similar term?
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posted by beautifulstuff
on Mar 22, 2012 -
10 answers
Can you recommend passages I can memorize in Spanish, French, Italian, German, or Russian?
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posted by kristi
on Mar 15, 2012 -
12 answers
In Iraqi culture, does any whole number between 20 and 50 have special significance or associations (positive or negative)?
posted by kalapierson
on Mar 10, 2012 -
2 answers
How can I overcome my introversion, social anxiety and supposed language barrier and bond with my SO's friends and family?
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posted by ohmy
on Mar 6, 2012 -
14 answers
Batman is a Superhero. I just know he is. But now I'm having an argument with a friend over whether he's technically a Superhero. Details of the argument within.
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posted by madred
on Mar 3, 2012 -
60 answers
What does a candidate having a research program "that complements the department's existing strengths" really mean in a job announcement?
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posted by SandiBeech
on Feb 26, 2012 -
14 answers
Help me sort out the best way to approach language preservation, as an academic interest and as a guideline for volunteer work.
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posted by mammary16
on Feb 21, 2012 -
16 answers
Calling Bluesologists and/or Language Historians: Want interpretations of the meaning of a song, or more specifically, a specific phrase used in that song.
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posted by mreleganza
on Feb 21, 2012 -
5 answers
Is there a technical terminology that could describe different styles of popular singing, in the same way that linguists might describe accents? Try your hand at a couple of examples inside.
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posted by Admiral Haddock
on Feb 17, 2012 -
4 answers
ShotInTheDarkfilter: I need the names of the top 60 or so most common languages in each of those languages.
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posted by tempythethird
on Feb 16, 2012 -
7 answers
