Language resources

Since English is not our first language, we will really benefit from dictionaries, on line translation and other resources available. Here is the list we have gathered:

Dictionaries

• Euskalbar: for those of us who use Mozilla Firefox, Euskalbar can translate from Basque to English and vice versa (Elhuyar and Morris).
• HiztegiBar: if you use Internet Explorer or Chrome, this tool will do the same as Euskalbar for you.
• Word Reference: quickly translates between English and Spanish, and gives access to the definition of English terms, synonyms and use of the term in a context.
• The Free Dictionary: contains dictionaries and thesaurus in several languages, it will allow you to check the meaning of English words, synonyms and antonyms, as well as translate them into another language. It also gives examples of the word used in a sentence.
• Cobuild: dictionary and thesaurus in English, it doesn't translate into other languages, but gives examples of how to use the word you look up.
• Urban Dictionary: very useful dictionary if you need to look up slang.
• British National Corpus: a 100 million word collection of samples of written and spoken language from a wide range of sources, designed to represent a wide cross-section of current British English, both spoken and written. In one word: vast.

Spell checking

• Blogger can do the spell checking for you, if you select English on your Settings.
• Most word processors (Open Office Writer, Microsoft Office Word, etc.) have grammar and spell checking tools. Sometimes you have to download a language pack.

On line translation

• Google translate: combined with a grammar and spell checking tool in your word processor afterwards, it can do the trick. Best results are obtained when translating short and simple sentences. It is free, quick and convenient, but don't expect a perfect text.

Pronunciation and intonation

• BBC Learning English: it contains many interesting sections and resources. Check the pronunciation tips and the Better Speaking programme.
• Forvo: if you are not sure how to pronounce a certain word, you can check it up in this guide that contains several languages and thousands of words recorded.
• Cambridge Learners Dictionary: you will be able to listen to how the word is pronounced in the UK and the US.
• Howjsay.com: listen to the word or compound word in British and American English
• Phonetic chart of British English
• Phonetic chart of American English

On line language resources offered by universities

You will find that many universities from English speaking countries offer their students advice and self-learning on line resources on the use of English in the academic environment (our university should take note of that, don't you think?). Check out these, for instance:

• University of Technology Sydney: it offers interesting and clear tips and information on grammar, writing, reading, pronunciation, speaking, lectures, referencing and on line videos. It also gives links to other interesting resources where you can get additional information.
• Harvard College Writing Center: part of Harvard University, it offers useful hints on writing essays and papers.
• Bureau of Study Counsel (Harvard University): it offers a selection of on line resources on many issues related to academic life, including listening, reading, speaking and writing.

If you have any other sources of information that we should add, please leave a comment below, and we will soon update the list.