What’s new in Version 2.2 of Transparent Language Online? New typing and spelling activities! Master the alphabet with Typing Tutor and Spelling Inspector, which are now available as Practice Activities for languages with alphabet courses.

Learning to type in language is critical in today’s world of texts and emails. Being able to “write it down” can reduce ambiguity and eliminate communication errors related to poor pronunciation.

Typing Tutor was designed to help learners become comfortable with a foreign keyboard layout.

Located in the Practice Activity section, Typing Tutor presents a word or phrase for learners to type. With practice, learners will start to memorize the unfamiliar keyboard layout and better remember the letters themselves. Breaking down a word letter by letter introduces the concept of ligation. A ligature occurs when two or more letters are joined into a single glyph, such as ß in German or œ in French.

Just as important as typing skills are spelling skills. When it comes to life in another country, spelling is more helpful than you might imagine. Not only will you need to be able to spell out your name or street name, but you can also spell new or unfamiliar words to deduce their meaning or ask others.

Spelling Inspector was designed to help the learner memorize and understand a foreign alphabet in the context of actual words.

Also located in the Practice Activity section, this activity presents a word or phrase before breaking it down into each individual character. Learners can further inspector the individual letters for more information such as letter forms and sounds.

Ready to start learning a new alphabet? Find a library near you who offers Transparent Language Online.

None close by? Print this info card and bring it to your local librarians to let them know you’re interested, or sign up for the free trial!