Transparent Language

What is Transparent Language

Transparent Language offers the opportunity to learn a variety of different languages from Afrikaans to Zulu at your own pace.

The Transparent Language learning method takes users through a series of simple steps to memorize words and phrases in a new language, including their meanings and proper pronunciation, in the shortest possible time.

What do I use it for?

• Learn a new language quickly.
• Communicate with fellow language learners though Transparent Language’s social networking opportunities.
• Start or stop your lessons at any time without losing your place.
• Learn and use new vocabulary while you’re traveling with Transparent Language’s mobile app.

Accessing Transparent Language

• To find Transparent Language, click here. (You can also find the link by clicking Research at the top of any DCL web page and selecting the Languages section or by choosing Transparent Languages from the alphabetical list of online resources.)
• When entering Transparent Language, you may be asked for your library information. When prompted, enter your library card number (beginning with “2345…”) and 4-digit PIN. Valid information will take you through to the Transparent Language page.

Signing Up for an Account

• As a new user, you will need to create an account by clicking on the purple Sign Up Now button in the lower right-hand corner.
• Enter the appropriate information and click Create An Account.

Using Transparent Language

From the Getting Started pop-up, you can:

• Take a Guided Tour to learn the resource thoroughly. Choose your language from the dropdown menu at the top of each screen.
• Select the Learn button to start the lessons. The in-depth Essentials lessons will appear in a sidebar on the left. Transparent Language will keep track of what you’ve completed. Try the Quickstart for a fast introduction to the most useful words and phrases, or look at the Vocabulary or Reference for word lists, grammar help, parts of speech, themes, etc.
• Try the Explore button for links to resources that can help you expand your language learning. Languages vary, but you may find language blogs, Facebook links, Twitter feeds, Word of the Day features, proficiency tests, mobile apps, and more.

Special Features

• Practice your pronunciation by recording your voice and comparing your pronunciation to a native language speaker’s. Find the green arrow at the bottom of each lesson to pop out the features, then find the record voice icon.
• Slow the pronunciation down to hear the syllables completely using the turtle at the top of each lesson.
• Use the Alphabet Explorer to look at languages with different alphabets. It's under the Reference heading in the Learn sidebar. Some languages have tips on how to type in special characters.
• Take Transparent Language with you on your mobile device. Download the app and set up a mobile profile, and you can practice from your Android and Apple devices. Just find the Go Mobile button at the top of the screen to get started.
• Find other people who are studying the same language using Transparent Language using the social media features. They are not available for all of languages, but if they are, there will be a Connect button at the top of the module. There, you can ask questions and even get virtual classroom instruction.