Our resources for individual languages
Middle English
pronunciation grammar Chaucer (& sound files)Our online Middle English Lessons give an introduction to Chaucer's English. Listen to an excerpt from the Canterbury Tales. Learn grammar and pronunciation.
German
Our German language FAQ gives basic answers to some questions. What is the difference between German and Dutch? What are German dialects?
Ancient & Koine Greek
alphabet & writing basic phrases help for studentsIntroduction to written Classical Greek for beginners, from the earliest inscriptions to the texts of the Byzantine Greek period. Learn pronunciation, the alphabet, and the difference between codices, papyri and monumental inscriptions. Great for Ancient & New Testament Greek learners.
Modern Greek
alphabet & writingLearn how to write and pronounce Modern Greek online. Alphabet and pronunciation. Compare some of the differences between older written Greek and the modern Dimotiki ("popular") form of the language.
Icelandic
pronunciation grammarThese free introductions to the language of Iceland will get you started with grammar and pronunciation (with sound files).
Italian
pronunciation grammarAn introduction to the Italian language, with brief but informative guides to pronunciation and grammar.
Portuguese
pronunciation grammar basic phrases lessons product reviewsOur lessons site, Portuguese Online (links above), is the web's longest-running and most complete free Portuguese course.
Romance Languages
Our old overview of the Romance language family has short beginner's guides to French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Romanian, Catalan, Galician and Latin. Learn a bit of pronunciation, grammar and basic phrases. Also, compare a dozen cognates & read about Vulgar Latin sound changes.
Our Romance Languages FAQ answers some questions about this language family.
Sardinian
phrases & tipsSome basic information about Sardinian pronunciation & grammar with basic phrases. Learn a tad of this unique Latin-derived language.
Spanish
pronunciation grammar lessons phrasesApproachable (and free!) online Spanish lessons, pronunciation guide and phrases.
Our product reviews for language learners
Italian Language Learning Reviews | If you're looking to buy Italian language books and resources, read these helpful reviews and ratings first!
Japanese Language Learning Reviews | Reviews of recommended Japanese language learning lessons, books, audio CDs, software and other products. Take a look if you're planning to buy any Japanese learning resources. Get solid linguistic advice and product descriptions before you buy!
Portuguese Language Learning Reviews | Reviews and ratings of Portuguese language learning courses, lessons, books, materials, CDs, multimedia software and more. Includes overviews of books, CDs, software, travel products and websites, along with in-depth reviews of individual products. Longtime, highly experienced language learner constantly reviewing new products and giving great recommendations - why not make Native Language your #1 guide to your next language learning purchase?
Ancient Greek Language Learning Reviews | Like the pages above, this page gives recommendations for Ancient Greek language resources, with an overview of what's available and detailed reviews of specific products.
Linguistics resources
Glossary of Grammar Terms in Linguistics | A short dictionary of words with definitions, ranging from the easy stuff of nouns and verbs to more challenging concepts like allomorphs, focus and transitivity. Includes examples from world languages for some terms. From my book, Native Grammar, available below.
Language Family Maps | Maps that detail the geographic location of languages in select language families. Includes an informative overview of each language family.
Linguistics Questions | Answers to certain questions about linguistics, language and individual languages.
Our books and offline linguistics/language learning materials
Native Grammar: How Languages Work | Learn the essentials of grammar and learn how to apply that knowledge to languages the world over, including any language you're studying. Dozens of activities and seven review tests introduce verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, particles and how to put words together. Hone your linguistic skills on this challenging, educational journey!
Portuguese Quick Grammar (A Guide to All the Essentials of Portuguese Grammar) | Portuguese grammar can be tricky, so this handy companion book travels along with you. Easy-to-read explanations, plenty of examples and useful grammar charts. Irregular verbs? Direct & indirect object pronouns? Prepositions? Adjective number & gender agreement? Filler words? No problem! Adapted and expanded from the Portuguese Online QuickGrammar.
Learn to Write Ancient Greek: A Step-by-Step Approach to Writing Classical & Biblical Greek | A workbook that introduces you to all the letters, marks and punctuations you'll need to write Greek. Learn the alphabet, then build syllables, words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs. Activities and space to practice writing and rewriting each letter until you get it just right.
Learn to Write Modern Greek | This workbook is designed based on the model of the Ancient Greek book above, but teaches you to write the modern language. Learn the alphabet, spelling, accents, punctuation, and how to write words and sentences in Greek. Emphasizes practice and provides plenty of writing space.
The Two Ways (Readings in Earliest Christianity Series) | A fresh English translation of the Greek Two Ways with an introduction and commentary. This lost document stands behind the Greek text of three ancient Christian works: Didache, Barnabas and Doctrina. Cross references and appendix are detailed enough for students. Commentary gives original Greek & alternate translations for difficult passages.
