New media technology has made learning foreign languages even easier or more affordable. Three new programmes allow users to search a foreign word bank and translate phrases on moblie phones.

The SkyZone Entertainment Merriam-Webster Spanish-English Dictionary has a bank of 80,000 words and more than 100,000 translations. Verizon Wireless customers can pick up the application for $3.49 per month.

The VOCEL Living Language Programme boasts translations, short readings and audio pronunciation from 20 foreign languages. The application shows flash cards on phone screens to help with lessons. This programme costs $3.99 per month or $9.49 for unlimited usage.

Spanish Anywhere by AppAbove stores more than 1,200 phrases that can be translated in both English and Spanish. Users have access to more than 5,500 words and a verb conjucator. Spanish Anywhere costs $2.99 per month or $9.99 for unlimited usage.