Options for Language Learning

Local "gentle tech" guru for seniors, Bridget Agabra, provides trusted, personal technology service and training for seniors, and the tech challenged. Bridget's new monthly Q & A column will explore different topics to help the tech challenged feel less challenged. 

Dear Bridget, 

I have a friend practicing Spanish on her phone using a cartoon app but I’d like to use something on my regular computer because it has a bigger screen. What do you recommend?

I bet that they are using Duolingo, a cute app that uses cute and colorful cartoon characters to teach reading, writing, speech, and comprehension. There is actually a website version, as well. Go to Duolingo.com to get started. After you finish your first lesson, they’ll ask you to create a free profile account so you can come back and continue from that lesson. You can do a certain amount of study each day for free, or pay for more access time, if you choose. No credit card necessary.

If you have a King County Library card handy, there are also other free online language learning programs:

1. Go to kcls.org on your computer then tap or click Online Library. It will open a Formats list.
2. From the Formats list, click or tap Education and Training to open a list of learning options.
3. From that list, here are three language programs to explore. Follow the individual instructions for each one after clicking or tapping it.

• Mango – Simple, without pictures, but includes culture and grammar hints.
• Rosetta Stone – 30 languages to learn; uses spoken, listening , comprehension. You will need to create a free Rosetta Stone account to save your progress.
• GCF Learnfree –Short and basic, Spanish only.

Videos

Don’t forget you can search for language videos on YouTube. Choose videos about learning the language or just videos in other languages to get familiar with native speaker accents.

Do you have questions about your phone, computer, online accounts or other tech issues you’d like to see answered in future editions of Northwest Prime Time? Email Bridget at QandA@GentleTechhelp.com.

Bridget Agabra tells us: "Starting with dial phones and manual typewriters through building my own computers to using smartphones and tablets and virtual reality headsets  – I have transitioned with the changes in technology. I understand firsthand how many times you have had to relearn how to write a letter or make a call!  Seeing a client’s relief when a problem is fixed, or a smile when learning a fun tip is personally fulfilling. A joy as well as a business!" Bridget offers free workshops through the King County Library System (they are always listed at the Northwest Prime Time Calendar of Events under "Senior Events"). 

Do you have questions about your phone, computer, online accounts or other tech issues you’d like to see answered in future editions of Northwest Prime Time? Email Bridget at QandA@GentleTechhelp.com. Bridget Agabra, of Issaquah-based GentleTechHelp.com, provides trusted, personal technology service and training for seniors, and the tech-challenged. In addition to her email (QandA@GentleTechhelp.com) Bridget can also be reached by phone: 425-246-1192.