This guide shows you where and how to find information in the library about languages. If you need assistance, please feel free to ask a Library staff member or e-mail a Reference Librarian at ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.
1.What key words will help me find information about languages?
In PamCat, try using the name of the language you wish to learn (ex. Japanese, German, Spanish, French, etc.) together with the key word “language.” You can also use key words like "vocabulary" or "writing."
You may also want to browse subjects. When you're using PamCat, choose BROWSE and type in [Name of language] language. This will allow you to browse narrower subjects related to learning a language. For example, to browse subjects relating to learning French, type in "French language."
2.Where can I find print and audiovisual resources on learning languages in the library?
Language titles are shelved according to their Dewey Decimal Classification number in the non-fiction shelves at the following locations:
Call No.
Subject Heading
420
English and Old English
430
German and Germanic languages
440
French and related Romance languages
450
Italian, Romanian, and Rhaeto-Romanic languages
460
Spanish and Portuguese
470
Latin and other Italic languages
480
Classical Greek and other Hellenic languages
491
East Indo-European & Celtic languages
492
Afro-Asiatic languages; Semitic
493
Non-Semitic Afro-Asiatic languages
494
Ural-Altaic, Paleo-Siberian, Dravidian
495
Languages of East & Southeast Asia
496
African languages
497
North American native languages
498
South American native languages
499
Miscellaneous languages
Keep in mind that Juvenile non-fiction is not separated from the Adult non-fiction, if you have a specific age-related or reading level need.
When you are doing research, make sure that you search in the reference area, too. These books cannot be checked out, but there is a lot of valuable information available for you to photocopy or add to notes. Some reference books you might consider include the following titles (links to PamCat will open in a separate window):
Your library may not have all these resources available, but there will be books, audiobooks, and DVDs that you can check out — when in doubt, just ask a Library staff member or e-mail a Reference Librarian at ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.
3.What are some good internet sites about languages?
There are a variety of excellent resources available on the Internet, including the following sites (links will open in a separate window):
BBC Languages is a web portal for anyone interested in learning or improving any of the 36 languages on the site. Includes language courses, foreign language television, learning games, and an area devoted to foreign language teachers and tutors.
Improve and practice English on the Internet for free at Bell English Online, "the Internet's premier multimedia website for learning the English language." Free registration is required.
Forvo is the largest pronunciation guide in the world. Ask for a word or name, and another user will pronounce it for you. You can also help others by recording your pronunciations in your own language.
Livemocha is an online language learning community, offering free and paid online language courses in 35 languages to more than 6 million members from over 200 countries around the world.
At My Happy Planet, you can send and receive messages with native speakers around the world, learn about cultures and languages through lessons created by My Happy Planet members, and watch videos uploaded by members in multiple languages.
This guide was created as a resource for those who want to learn Japanese grammar. The explanations are focused on how to make sense of the grammar from a Japanese point of view.
UniLang is an online language community that unites language lovers from all over the world. Includes print and audiovisual resources on dozens of languages.
You can search any or all of the sites listed above with the Languages Google Search box.
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You may also want to check out the resources at the Internet Public Library. These websites will provide you with reliable information.
As always, if you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to ask a Library staff member, or email us at Ask a Librarian!
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compiled by the PRL Reference and Training Department (2011)
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