Two Estonian crosswords sites to test your knowledge and have fun too!

Two Estonian crosswords sites to test your knowledge and have fun too!
#1 LASTEKAS Over 200 of FREE interactive and colorful crosswords on various subjects in Estonian! You will love the art and the exercises! (Requires Adobe Flash)	Link
#2 DELFI Interactive crosswords from DELFI!	Link

5 Best FREE Estonian language on-line dictionary resources

There is no shortage of Estonian/English vocabularies on the Web. Just type it in Google and the list pops out. With all of the available selection, however, there are few resources that stand out and that are worth mentioning. So here you go:

#1 Estonian language institute

http://en.eki.ee/keelekogud.html

This is the best resource available on the internet for various Estonian language vocabularies and dictionaries including: synonyms, antonyms, Estonian vocabularies to and from English, Norwegian and Russian . It includes hard to find explanatory dictionary that makes it easy to get detailed description of words in Estonian. That dictionary also includes most important forms (nimetav, omastav and osastav) that are must know. The use of explanatory dictionary is highly recommended for those of you, who already have basic language skills. Sure, it takes a little work to decipher the meaning of the word. But don't miss the opportunity to scoop up some additional words on the way! Translations just got a lot more exciting!

#2 Keeleveeb

Keeleveeb is a collection of many Estonian dictionaries all in one place. There are all sorts of dictionaries available for all tastes, specialties and some really cool dictionaries you would probably not expect to see. Very convenient! Thanks Keeleveeb!

http://translate.google.com

#3 Google translate

While translations of sentences are far from perfect and at times are plain wrong, this resource will be able to provide you with a rough idea about what the sentence (or a webpage) is all about. Single word translations are relatively accurate. The app is also available for your Android device.

#4 aare

http://aare.edu.ee/dictionary.html

aare.edu.ee is a very basic Estonian/English and English/Estonian dictionary available in English and Estonian. What's cool about this resource is that it provides partial matches based on your input. This in turn provides a broader overview of what other words are available along with the one you entered.

#5 e-teatmik (IT handbook)

http://vallaste.ee

While this is not exactly a dictionary, for those involved in IT, this handbook will prove to be an invaluable resource. How do you say "cloud computing" or "help desk" in Estonian? How about "3-D graphics" or an "LCD"? It is likely not what you might've thought! Enjoy this excellent handbook!

Estonian TOP 10 of all times - music that will surely keep you engaged!

Here, I present to you some of the best Estonian POP compositions of all times (in my opinion, of course) with lyrics attached. These are fun to listen to and train your susceptibility to the language. Enjoy and feel free to comment with some of your favorites too! Challenge? Attempt to write down the lyrics yourself first by listening to the songs, then translate the lyrics! For those who want to go far a beyond - learn the lyrics. So if you are ready to start this party, let's get it rolling!

DJ TT feat. Jaan Lehepuu - Suveöö Summer Night		Lyrics in Video
Kuldne Trio - Chiri-Biri-Binn Chiri-Biri-Binn		Lyrics
2 Quick Start - Kingitus Gift		Lyrics
2 Quick Start - Neiu Mustas Kleidis Lady in black (dress)		Lyrics
Code one - Sind ma vältida ei suutnud I could not stop you		Lyrics
Nancy-Mul luba loota I am allowed to hope		No Lyrics
Ott Lepland - Kuula Listen		Lyrics
Cool D & Renata - Lõpulaul (Estonian/Russian) High School Graduation Song		Lyrics
Cherryland - Mind sa ei saa It's me, who you can't		Lyrics
Niki - Liisa Lisa		Lyrics

Five Estonian TV shows that will keep you glued to your TV screens and help you practice Estonian language.

Five Estonian TV shows that will keep you glued to your TV screens and help you practice Estonian language.
The following TV shows caught my attention and were not only educational, but also very entertaining and interesting. The word interesting is the key here, because it will keep your motivation going. Enjoy my list of the top rated TV programs in Estonian language:
#1 THE SCHOOL: TRYING OUT (KOOLIPROOV) Along with the TV show participants, get a glimpse of the Estonian undergraduate degree programs in various universities and colleges in Estonia. Especially recommended for those of you who are planning to come study here!	Link
#2 STREET RIDERS (TÄNAVARISTLEJAD) Entertaining TV show / Game Show that quizzes its participants on specifics of the Estonian automobile traffic laws. Very interesting and thought provoking!	Link
#3 THE JOB SEEKER (TÖÖOTSIJA) TV show that will give you a glimpse into the Estonian job market and way to look for a job if you happen to live here or looking to move and make Estonia your new home. Experience the interviewing process with the show participants! Very entertaining and exciting!	Link
#4 CAPITAL (KAPITAL) Is it really worth fixing your old stuff? Interested in knowing ways to save money when booking a hotel, buying a car or whatever? And much more about the subject of how to keep your money where it belongs (in your pocket, of course!) I present you this entertaining set of TV shows from Estonia. Knock yourself out with a long list of Capital shows available!	Link
#5 EYEWITNESS (PEALTNÄGIJA) Estonia’s investigative TV show. Has some high profile and international investigations for your enjoyment and at your fingertips! Enjoy it all!	Link

Four FREE coolest Estonian language distance learning resources

This list contains some very useful on-line e-learning Estonian language resources!
#1 KeeleKlikk is an excellent FREE entertaining resource for Russian and English-speaking beginners. This resource will get you up to the level from 0 to A2. Estonian language proficiency levels are outlined on the official website of the National examinations and qualifications center and oriented mostly towards the Russian-speaking community in Estonia. The classes are very entertaining and contain Estonian humor, which is very simple to comprehend.	Link
#2 EESTI KEEL JA MEEL The hat tip goes to the creators of the FREE program "Estonian Language and Mind". Available in nine languages, the videos are entertaining and the language interaction is as close to reality as you can get on the video. Once registered, you will get an email with a log-in and password in an instant! The level of the language proficiency and accentless pronunciation of the role playing French guy in the video raised my eyebrows. Is he seriously French? If yes, then WOW!	Link
#3 ONENESS CITY Great place to start for English speaking beginners. Covers ordinary everyday situations. Contains various exercises, chat, and even a gameplay. Plug yourself in!	Link
#4 EFANT Efant is FREE! It helps to prepare for Estonian language exams. The resource contains lots of exercises and testing materials with various levels of complexity. The resource is designed to get you up to speed and verify your comprehension of the language. Highly recommended!	Link

Motivation behind learning a foreign language

I believe, that strong motivation is paramount component in learning and retaining gathered information. In my view, this is especially true when starting to learn a foreign language. Many courses and methods available on the market today that I came across while learning to speak Estonian language are orbiting around the same old methods and ways that were ineffective for me for years. The purpose of this blog is to gather the most effective resources (internet gems) and material for learning the Estonian language quickly and effectively. However, please note that I am not a professional language teacher at all. In fact, I am currently learning the Estonian language myself. The purpose of this blog is to share my experiences in learning, share resources available out there and help others to get up to speed. The motivational approach that seems to work for me is described in this excellent language resource by Ilya Frank (text is in Russian, so feel free to run it through a translator)

Read this resource first. It should help you gather understanding of the importance of motivation and will ease the difficulty when jump starting your studies.

•  How to master a foreign language. Advices of the polyglot and the teacher.