“Language, be it remember’d, is not an abstract construction of the learn’d, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground.”
-Walt Whitman
Did you know that there are over 6,000 languages spoken around the world? Languages unite us and can shape our identities through common culture. Linguistics, the study of language, examines many elements of language, including the evolution of a language. Languages are grouped into families with a common ancestor, called a mother language. For example, Romance languages, such as French or Spanish, have their roots in the varieties of Vulgar Latin spoken throughout the Roman Empire!
Here at the library, we offer many books relating to world languages. Our Foreign Language section offers books published in languages other than English, including Spanish, French, German, Arabic and more. Reading in another language is a great way to brush up on your language skills or to help yourself learn the language.
In our non-fiction section, we offer books on learning languages (including American Sign Language!) as well as books on the history and cultures of languages. We also have some on audio CD!
The English language is constantly evolving! Like with slang, other words we use come in and out of fashion and may change meaning over time. New words are added to the dictionary each year, reflecting the world we live in. Some words added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 2021 were deplatform, bit rot, and crowdfunding.
If you want to learn more about the history and evolution of English, check out Inventing English or the Adventure of English
To take a world tour through languages, check out Babel or Spoken Here
To read about the origin of language as a whole, check out How Language Began or the Origin of Language
For specific language books, search our catalog or come into the library!
More Language Resources in Our Community:
Transparent Language – Web and app-based language learning (free with library card)
Learn to Read (English Literacy)
Call 603-624-6550 and ask for Learn to Read
Franco-American Centre (French Classes for Kids and Adults)
International Institute of New England (ESL Classes)
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