Sunday 2 February 2014

Sunday February 2nd, 2013 For the Love of Language















Do you “Sprechen Sie deutsch?” or “Parlez-vous francais?” Would you like to? Every day at the library, patrons come in to inquire about our language resources and I’m glad to say that we have a lot to offer.  The reasons for learning a new language are varied; as is the amount of that language the student may wish to master, from a few “traveller’s” phrases to full fluency.  Perhaps you are heading south to warm and sunny climates and want to impress the wait staff by being able to order correctly off the menu. For parents with children in French immersion the ability to practice with the kids or help with homework, is a huge motivation.   If you are looking for a new position, the ability to speak another language puts you ahead of the competition. While for many of us the chance to learn another language is a major item on our bucket list.

The library offers an excellent selection of books, with resources in most of the major languages. If you want to translate that letter from your Grandmother or you are a student looking to interpret a work for a school report, our collection of dictionaries and grammar books may be just what you need.  Just need a few words for that dream trip? We also carry a wide range of phrase books.  Some of the best are by Berlitz or DK publishing, either of which should take you around the globe with a minimum of hassle.

For those who wish to learn in an audio format, we carry Cd language learning packs, playaways and downloadable audio books for your computer or tablet.  When you are out for a walk with the dog, at the gym, running errands in the car or at home doing work around the house, you have the perfect opportunity to multi-task and put in a little language practice. The “On the Go” series, produced by Barron’s or the “Teach Yourself” series are particularly well done.

Hooked on French was created to help a child learn the basics of the French language in a fresh and fun way, but it would also be a great resource for families to learn together, with the use of storybooks, workbooks, flashcards and computer learning discs.

If you really wish to master a language, the library offers the Rosetta Stone language packages in French, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.  These are complete learning resources on CD-ROM with accompanying workbooks, charts and user’s guides. The kits are designed to fully immerse a learner in the language and are considered among the best programs available.

Powerspeak is a multimedia language system offered online by the library. Just log in to My Giant Search with your library card and pin and you can begin learning. If you create your own account with Powerspeak, it will track your progress and give you the extra help, if necessary.  Learning this way is easy and enjoyable, and since it’s online it has anytime availability.  TBPL offers Powerspeak in Spanish, French, German, Mandarin and English as a second language for Spanish speakers. 

So once you have learned a few words, how do you continue practicing and improving your skills? The library offers books in a variety of languages, so if you want to read Stephen King in Italian or 50 Shades of Grey in Finnish, we are the place for you.  Our children’s department offers materials in other languages so children can begin their love of language easily and early.

Our folk music or Foreign Film collections will give you a taste of another culture and keeps the sights and sounds fresh.  The music collections produced by Putamaya cover the globe, so even if your only trip is in your imagination, it’s a great way to start.

Lori Kauzlarick

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