Language is one of the most important parts of any culture. It is the way by which people communicate with one another, build relationships, and create a sense of community. There are roughly 6,500 spoken languages in the world today, and each is unique in a number of ways.
Learning a new language can be daunting, but it allows you to understand ideas and thoughts that may be different from your own culture. You can learn customs and how people interact in a given society. Language helps preserve cultures, but it also allows us to learn about others and spread ideas quickly.
Below are some resources to help you on your way to learning a new language.
- Library Resources
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Transparent Language www.aclib.us/Transparent
This a wonderful resource available to all library card holders who want to take they're language learning to the next level. Transparent offers courses and exams that cover speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Access courses at home or on the go for 100+ languages. You can access it for free with your Alachua County Library District card. Login with your library card. Use your email to set up your user ID and set a unique password.
KidSpeak www.aclib.us/Transparent
This program allows young learners to explore a new language with their cartoon "friend" and his or her pet. They'll broaden their horizons as they work their way through fun and engaging activities with KidSpeak. Kidspeak is offered for the following languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Conversational English
Our award-winning Conversational English program matches English language learners with conversation partners. This program also hosts social mixers, an oral history program, and an art show for English language learners and their families. You can now join our remote Conversation Club. To see all current Conversational English events check the events calendar. For more information about the Library District's Conversational English program and to be placed on the waiting list for a partner, email us at literacy@aclib.us or visit the library's Literacy page.
Learning Express: www.aclib.us/LearningExpress
This resource has prep courses and practice tests for the TOEFL. Some resources are in Spanish. Sign in with your library card. Create an account with an email and password to keep track of your progress.
Tutor.com: www.aclib.us/Tutor.com
Tutor.com can be used by anyone but is best for K-12 students. They offer some practice tests, but the big deal is live homework help, as well as the ability to submit writing for feedback. Log in with your library card number. Create an account with an email and password to track your progress.
- Community Resources
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Alachua County offers some great resources for people interested in learning a new language, many of which are FREE. Both Catholic Charities and English Partners at University City Church of Christ offer free English classes via Zoom and in person for beginning and intermediate learners. Did you know the Florida Literacy Coalition offers free online Conversational English classes too?
Some low cost options are available through Alachua County Public Schools ESOL, the English Language Institute at UF, and Santa Fe College. To find out more info on all free and paid English classes check out the library's Literacy page under ESOL-English Classes.
Don't forget to check out the many items the library offers for check out that are popular with our adult English Language Learners or our collection of adult Bilingual Dictionaries. The library also offers a collection of items in Spanish and Chinese. Here are a few of our favorites:
468.6 800 ALLENDE 2022
This sweeping novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea tells the epic story of Violeta del Valle, a woman whose life spans one hundred years and bears witness to the greatest upheavals of the twentieth century.
English the American Way by Sheila Murtha
428.34 MUR 2019
Written as a guide for people who already have a basic understanding of English and want to improve their ability to speak it the way it is spoken in the United States.
Hindi English Visual Bilingual Dictionary
491.43321 HIN 2019
Labeled pictures provide a wide range of everyday terms from the telephone to human anatomy in English and Hindi.
¿Debo Compartir mi Helado? (Should I Share My Ice Cream?) by Mo Willems
J468.6 E BEGIN WILLEMS 2015
Everyone loves Elephant and Piggie...right? Well what if Elephant wouldn't share his ice cream with you? Would you still love him? Gerald the elephant has a big decision to make, but will he make it in time?
Teach Me Everyday English Vol. 1 by Judy Mahoney
J428.3421 MAH 2008
This book presents a musical journey through the day with Marie and her family to learn English with songs, common expressions, colors, numbers, the alphabet, and more.
Oso Pardo, Oso Pardo...¿Qu Ves Ahi? (Brown Bear, Brown Bear...What do You See?) by Bill Martin
J468.6 E MARTIN, B 1998
In a question and answer game, a teacher and her group see a variety of animals, each one a different color. A classic children's book in any language.