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How to Learn a New Language: Getting Started

This guide features resources you can use to learn a new language.

Language learning resources

Beyond course textbooks and literature in different languages (our library has books in hundreds of languages!) the library also offers access to films, music, and news, and through Evanston Public Library, you can also get access to other language learning resources. There are also a number of free applications or programs you can download to learn a new language.

Languages at Northwestern

Resources at Evanston Public Library

Interlibrary Loan

You can request language learning books from other academic institutions using Interlibrary Loan. Search for books at WorldCat. Note that electronic books are not requestable. Be sure to indicate that you will accept the book in a language other than English. 

The turnaround time for interlibrary loan is 3-4 days for items from other libraries in the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and 7-10 days for items from other academic institutions .

Free websites and apps

News, film, and music databases at Northwestern

Language Dictionaries

Language and Literature Research Guides