Language Learning Resources

We have many language dictionaries in Knight Library. These are primarily in print, but some may be in Ebook format as well. To search for a language dictionary, first go to the Advanced Search page in LibrarySearch.

In Advanced Search, you will change the search scope to "UO+Summit" to limit your search results to non-article materials available at UO Libraries and other partner libraries. If you only want to see dictionaries available from the UO Libraries, change the search scope to "UO Libraries." Then under search filters, you would select "Subject" and then type in "Dictionaries". In the next box down, you would search by title and type in the name of the language you are interested in (in this example, "Swahili"). Then click "Search."

Your search results may contain ebooks and print books. Look beneath the title information about the book to see if the book is an ebook (online access) or if it's a print book (location information and call number will be given). Click on the book title for more information.

UO Libraries also has world language textbooks, often used in high school or college-level language courses. You can use LibrarySearch, the library's catalog, to find a textbook for the language you're interested in. The best way to do this is using Subject Headings to search through the catalog.

Follow these steps:

1. Choose 'Subject' from the first dropdown menu
2. Type the language in Library of Congress Subject Heading format. For example, "[insert language] language" and then add a space, two hypens, a space and " -- Textbooks for foreign speakers" as shown below.
3. Choose 'UO Libraries' from the final dropdown menu options
4. Click 'Search'

You can also search for videos and films (in formats like DVD and streaming video) in particular languages using LibrarySearch.

1. Start with a keyword search for the language you want (use the basic search box or search 'Any field'). For example, German is used as a keyword in the screen capture below. You can also use a keyword used in the title or description of the video/film if you have something specific in mind.
2. Limit to specific formats using 'Resource Type' and click "Apply Filters" on the left-hand column. For example, "Streaming Video" is one of the options selected in the screen capture below. You can select any or all video/film related resource type filters.

3. Limit to your language using the 'Language' filter on the left-hand column. You can check a box or multiple boxes to select your language(s). You can also click on the red crossed out box to exclude certain languages from your search.

4. Click "Remember all filters" if you want to keep your settings while doing multiple searches.

If you'd like to search for particular films, you can also refer to the Finding Videos & Films guide to help you locate specific films: