By Khalida Sarwari
Here’s a chance to put a dent in the ol’ bucket list, at least the goal of mastering a new language. The Santa Clara County Library District is offering its patrons free access to an interactive language learning service, putting residents one step closer to answering “oui” next time they’re asked, “Parlez-vous Francais?”
The Rosetta Stone program is the newest addition to the library district’s virtual library, offering residents with a library district card access to 30 different language courses. The program offers an immersion method wherein courses are available at different proficiency levels and structured around core lessons that help build reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
The lessons focus on refining grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills through quizzes, challenges and illustrative images, with lessons progressing from basic to complex. An interactive voice comparison component that allows students to learn proper word articulation, cadence and pronunciation is included in the course.
With Santa Clara County having one of the highest percentages of residents born in a foreign country–more than half the population over age 5 speaks a language other than English at home–residents who want to learn a new language or enhance one they are learning could benefit from the program, said Mike Wasserman, Santa Clara County supervisor and vice chair of the Joint Powers Authority.
“Most people already know some basic words in a foreign language such as bonjour, ciao or hola,” said Wasserman. “With this free new resource, everyone will have a chance to go one, two or even three steps further in their language development.”
Among the people who could find the program most beneficial are English as a Second Language students looking to improve their English skills, students that are currently enrolled in foreign language courses, or travelers who want to learn a few words before embarking on a business trip or vacation.
The Rosetta Stone program is available on the library’s main website at sccl.org. Patrons can begin language courses by clicking on “research.” For more information, visitsccl.org/About/Joining/Get-a-Library-Card. (The Los Gatos Library is not part of the county library system.)
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Los Gatos, Saratoga: Want to learn a foreign language? Just visit a county library branch
