"Passez-moi les pomme de terres": using the web to learn language. (Internet Express).

Searcher, May, 2003 by McDermott, Irene E.

Reference Librarian/System Manager San Marino Public Library

The United States is a land of immigrants. Almost all of our citizens (saving Native Americans and the descendants of slaves) came because they wanted to be here or had ancestors who did. We are a "self-selected" people. Optimistic humans from around the planet continue to come to our country to build a better future.

The implications for information professionals are twofold. One, we have a compelling reason to learn at least snatches of languages other than English to serve our patrons better. Secondly, we have a delightful panoply of ethnic cuisines available when we go to lunch.

Wouldn't you know it -- the Web fairly vibrates with language resources, with everything from...