{"id":9466,"date":"2025-03-19T14:27:35","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T18:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/?p=9466"},"modified":"2025-03-19T14:51:58","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T18:51:58","slug":"new-beginner-english-courses-for-kurdish-marshallese-speakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/2025\/03\/19\/new-beginner-english-courses-for-kurdish-marshallese-speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"New: Beginner English Courses for Kurdish & Marshallese Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Beginner<\/strong>37. Thirty-seven. A three and a seven.<\/p>\n

English learners can now take beginner English courses taught in *37* languages in Transparent Language Online.<\/p>\n

Introducing the two latest additions to the 350+ hour ESL collection<\/a>: English for Behdini Kurdish & Marshallese speakers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You may be wondering: that’s a lot of languages. Why so many?<\/p>\n

Why yes, it is a lot. Thanks for noticing. It’s because libraries keep asking for more ESL pairs! And for good reason.<\/p>\n

Supporting English Language Learners at Libraries<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Libraries are on the front lines of supporting English language learners<\/a>. They provide classes, tutoring, English Conversation Clubs, ESL book clubs, citizenship resources, digital literacy classes, and so much more.<\/p>\n

Margo Holmes, Program and Development Coordinator at Enid Public Library in Oklahoma made the initial request for an English course for Marshallese speakers. For her city, investing in English language programs strengthens the entire community and ensures that all residents have the tools they need to thrive:<\/p>\n

\u201cEnid\u2019s Marshallese community has deep historical roots tracing back to the Cold War era. It now makes up about 5% of our city\u2019s population and has become an integral part of Enid\u2019s cultural and economic fabric. Offering English classes tailored for Marshallese speakers empowers members of that community to access better jobs, engage with their children\u2019s schools, seek better medical care, and fully participate in civic life and the community at large.\u201d <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We hear the same sentiments from libraries around the US, Canada, UK, and beyond who are a lifeline for English learners in their communities. (Including libraries in Tennessee who requested a course taught in Kurdish to support the country’s largest Kurdish community.)<\/p>\n

The short-term goal: teach English.<\/p>\n

The long-term goal: empower newcomers to use English to improve their lives and communities.<\/p>\n

Breaking down language barriers opens up opportunities for career advancement, financial stability, children’s academic success, better communication about medical and other personal needs, increased participation in local events, and increased representation in community decision-making spaces.<\/p>\n

Beginner English Courses for Kurdish & Marshallese Speakers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"EnglishBoth Beginner English courses are organized into 10 topical units<\/strong> with 114 lessons<\/strong> that introduce 1,750 key English words and phrases.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Each of the 10 units focuses on everyday scenarios, covering topics like:<\/p>\n