Independent Study Resources

Here are a variety of links to support independent studies.

DISCLAIMER: Web sites listed on this page are presented as a service to our students and the general public. Please note that for those external sites, outside of the DLIFLC.EDU domain, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center does not provide any kind of support. DLIFLC doesn't endorse any of the listed sites. Views and positions expressed on any of the external sites are representative of their respective organizations and do not represent the position of DLIFLC in any way.

STUDY STRATEGIES/LEARNING STYLES

• Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire
  
• Study guides, strategies, skills, tips and habits for learners and students in 30 languages.
  
  

Independent Reading

• Language Learning Strategies: An Update by Rebecca Oxford click here
  
  
• Language Learning Strategies around the World: Cross-Cultural Perspectives click here
  

GRAMMAR

• The Blue Book of English Grammar & Punctuation
  
  
• The Tongue Untied - A Guide to Grammar, Punctuation and Style
  
  
• English Language Guide - Definitions and Explanations of English Grammar Terms
  
  
• Grammar Bytes! - English grammar Terms, Exercises and Tips
  
  
• The Grammar Girl - Quick Tips for Better Writing
  
  
• Motivated Grammar - A Blog about Evolution of Grammar Rules, Style and Logic
  
  

Independent Reading

• The History of the English Language
  
  
• The Syntax of Natural Language
  
  
• Explaining English Grammar by George Yule - Oxford Handbook for English Teachers

CULTURE

Country & Regional Profiles:

• DLIFLC Field Support Modules - phrase books with MP3 files covering most common military situations, plus in-depth cultural references.
  
  
• University of Military Intelligence Library
  
  
• DA-Intel Information Services (INTELINK)- Open Source Country Profiles (CAC login)
  
  
• U.S. State Department
  
  
• CIA World Fact Book
  
  
• BBC Country Profiles
  
  

Culture Centers:

• TRADOC Culture Center (requires CAC login)
  
  
• USAF Culture and Language Center
  
  
• USMC Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning
  
  

Unified Combatant Commands:

• United States Africa Command - USAFRICOM

• United States Central Command - USCENTCOM

• United States European Command - USEUCOM

• United States Pacific Command - USPACOM

• United States Northern Command - USNORTHCOM

• United States Southern Command - USSOUTHCOM

Independent Reading:

• Combined Arms Research Library Cultural Awareness
  
  
• CAC Commanders Cultural Awareness Reading List
  
  
• Geert Hofstede™ Cultural Dimensions

ONLINE LANGUAGE LEARNING RESOURCES

• DLIFLC Products - web resources page that includes, among others, culture and area studies materials, country familirazitation materials with language phrase books, and online reading and listening lessons for independent learners. 

• Operational Language and Culture site - includes game-based, mission centered language and culture training on a variety of platforms (desktop, web-based, iPhone / iPod). 3D virtual scenarios allow users to practice skills in contextualized environments.
  
  
• SCOLA (note: log in required) - news re-broadcast service covering dozens of countries and languages. The weekly “Insta-Class” feature provides 5-minute news videos with text, translation, and a quiz.
  
  
• JLU (note: .mil, .gov & DOD account users only) - this mega-site has ILR level 0+ to 4 listening and reading products, plus exercises and glossaries. There are also proficiency assessments and references.
  
  
• Flashcard Program - the free, basic, civilian version of the Rapid Rote flashcard program on Before You Know It site.
  
  
• AF portal (note: military users only) - a companion site to JLU, this site has ILR level 0+ to 4 listening and reading products, plus exercises and glossaries. There are also proficiency assessments and references.
  
  
• Webreader - a free online flashcard site with a special feature; a “web reader” that allows you to read foreign language web sites by translating any word you select on the page.
  
  
• ILR scale – language skill level descriptions and more useful information on language assessment as defined by the Interagency Language Roundtable
  
  
• ILR sample speaking videos

Cognitive Development Exercises (Brain Fitness)

• Scientifically Designed Brain Games at Lumosity
• Brain Teasers, Riddles, Trivia and Exercises at Braingle 
• Brain Health and Fitness Tips
• Brain Health and Fitness Reading List
• Brain Health and Fitness: Factors Influencing Performance