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Language Learning Resources: Recommended Resources
Learning a New Language
Whether you're preparing for a semester abroad or deployment overseas, brushing up your skills as an ESL practitioner, or just want to be able to say "I speak Swahili," there are many reasons and methods to learn a new language or two. Taking classes through VT's Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures or at the Language and Culture Institute are two available options. If you're looking for something less formal, consider working with one of the resources listed below.
Online language resources from VT Libraries
- Rosetta StoneRosetta Stone offers online instruction in 25 languages, including English as a second language. Always start with the Login with CAS link, where you'll create a personal profile to track your progress. Mobile app versions are available as well (after the app is installed, start with the above link in your browser).
Other Formats from VT Libraries
If you want to learn on the go or don't want to depend on internet access, the Virginia Tech Libraries have a large collection of language learning CDs. You can find the list of our collection of Pimsleur CDs here. Or, if you prefer, you can see the listing of our available CDs by language:
Chinese (Mandarin), French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish
Other Online Language options
The Blacksburg Public Library, part of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library (MFRL) system, offers access to Mango Languages and DuoLingo software to anyone with an MFRL library card and log in. To get this library card, take a proof of residence (lease, bill with address on it, etc) to the closest library branch. Once you're a member, you can go to MFRL.org 24/7 to use Mango or DuoLingo. On the MFRL home page, mouse over the heading "eLibrary," then click on the link for "Learning" in the dropdown menu.
Then click on the link for Mango Languages or DuoLingo, log in with your MFRL username and password, and start learning!
- Māori Language Resource"Our project is dedicated to both promoting and preserving this endangered New Zealand language."
- This article from the Huffington Post describes seven online language resources available to anyone. Although LiveMocha is no longer viable, duolingo, Busuu, LivingLanguage, The Yojik Website (formerly the FSI site), memrise, and BBC Languages are still active and interesting tools for language learning.
T&LE Librarian; Coordinator of Int'l Outreach
540-231-4073
Departments: Communication; Modern and Classical Languages & Lit; Performing Arts; Religion & Culture