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Learning a New Language: Available Options at Your Local Library

Posted on: August 14, 2018

learning a new language

 

If you’re interested in learning a new language, go to your local library’s website to access free, online resources. Each library in the Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley offers access to programs that teach the key components of language: vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture. One of the following three options will be available to you at your library:

  1. Mango Languages provides a self-paced learning program that teaches languages through relevant and topical dialogue for improving proficiency in another language. Their unique methodology features content and exercises crafted by expert linguists and language teachers that help learners to understand, construct, and create conversations in the real world. This program can be accessed through the following libraries: Burnaby Public Library, Fraser Valley Regional Library, North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver District Public Library, Port Moody Public Library, and the West Vancouver Memorial Library. All you need is your library card (which is also free) to login.
  2. Rosetta Stone Language Learning is a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software published by Rosetta Stone Inc. The software uses images, text, and sound to teach words and grammar by spaced repetition, without translation. Rosetta Stone calls its approach Dynamic Immersion™. This program can be accessed through the Surrey Public Library with your library card.
  3. Pronunciator is a set of webpages, audio and video files, and mobile apps for learning any of 87 languages. Explanations are available in 50 languages. In each lesson (drop-down menus) students have to learn words in order, and can click to repeat when needed. The software can listen and score pronunciation, and students can record their voice, and compare it to the lesson. Some languages have grammar lessons as well as vocabulary. The “Main course” has “Core Vocabulary” with 100 categories from beginner to intermediate, Powerful Phrases with 50 travel categories, and 100 verbs conjugated. Some languages have audio downloads of songs, with lyrics, called ProRadio. Some languages have videos with subtitles which let learners loop any phrase in the video. The recorded voices are native speakers of each language. This program can be accessed through the Vancouver Public Library, and the Richmond Public Library with your library card.

In addition, each library offers in-person English Conversation groups that are free and can be joined on a drop-in basis. Head to your library in person, or online, to find more information. Learning a new language has never been easier. Good luck.