Category: Digital Content

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY? TRY OUT OUR MAKERSPACE OR LIBRARY OF THINGS!

- Jill Leave a comment

Are you looking to shake up your routine or discover a new passion? How about giving a new hobby a try? While hobbies can be a wonderful way to unwind and enrich your life, creating a calm time for solitude, they can also be a great way to recharge your creativity and meet like-minded people. A hobby that allows you to work with your hands, such as painting or fiber arts, can be deeply satisfying. It’s rewarding to turn raw materials into something beautiful or useful. Whether you prefer solitude or the buzz of social connection, you can find a new hobby that will pique your interest and spark your imagination.

The library has many resources to help you discover a new hobby. Attend a program – including crafts and DIY – or check out some books that teach you a new skill (art, cooking, a new language, maybe?). Even digital pursuits like coding, graphic design, or learning how to use AI can turn into creative outlets — or side hustles — with time and patience. The key is to stay curious and give yourself permission to be a beginner. Every expert started with a first try. Did you know that The Library has recently expanded our physical offerings in the Library of Things collection? These items can support your desire to learn a new hobby. Check out a ukulele, a crochet kit or paper quilling kit, or pickleball paddles. There are lots of fun items to try. So, take a closer look the next time you stop by one of our branches.

When thinking of a new hobby, don’t forget about the Makerspace at the Main branch library where you can learn to 3D print or use a Cricut to make a variety of projects – from a custom mug or design for a T-shirt that you can finish using our Heat Press. Ask a Librarian to learn more or read about all of the Makerspace equipment or sign-up to use the Makerspace. Registration opens soon for a Makerspace program in January where you can make a winter or valentine/heart themed mug.

Learning about 3D printing or using a Cricut can open up a world of creativity and customization. These tech-based crafts blend art and innovation, allowing you to design and produce unique projects — from personalized home décor to custom gifts and prototypes. With 3D printing, you can bring digital designs to life, layer by layer, while the Cricut makes it easy to cut and craft intricate shapes from vinyl, paper, fabric, and more. Both hobbies are perfect for those who love blending technology with artistry. Getting started is easier than it seems, thanks to online tutorials, free design files, and supportive maker communities. (Check out the websites Thingiverse and Cricut to find ideas). As you learn, you’ll quickly discover how these tools can turn simple ideas into professional-looking creations. Whether you’re personalizing your workspace, starting a small business, or just exploring a new skill, 3D printing and Cricut crafting offer endless opportunities to experiment, problem-solve, and express yourself in tangible ways.

Here are just a few books that will help you explore some hobbies on your own or to learn more about items in our Library of Things or The Library’s Makerspace:

     

3D printers : a beginner’s guide : all of the design and technical basics you need to use any 3D printer

Cricut for Dummies

Coding for beginners in easy steps

Using artificial intelligence : absolute beginner’s guide

Quilting, sewing and appliqué : essential techniques for beginners : learn the fundamentals and build your creative skills

Easy crochet for beginners : learn to crochet with 35 simple projects

Macramé for beginners : 30 step-by-step projects for home decor : knots, patterns & motifs

Paper quilling for beginners : a complete all-in-one guide to creating paper flowers, plants, vegetables and other decorative items!

30-minute watercolor animals : create beautiful beginner-friendly paintings in no time at all.

Sally’s baking 101 : foolproof recipes from easy to advanced

Complete beading for beginners

Pickleball for all : everything but the “kitchen” sink

Music Genre Highlight: Classical

- Paige Leave a comment

In honor of Classical Music Month, I wanted to highlight this sometimes overlooked, but essential genre within our collection, classical! Oftentimes Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven are the first many think of when hearing the term ‘classical music’, but the genre expands to various other composers and artists, even to this day. Here is a portion of what Davenport Public Library has to offer, both old and new! 

If you’re more into streaming music, we also have Freegal, a streaming service accessible through your Davenport Library Card. I made a playlist to get you started, you can access it here.

Want to learn more about classical music or the world of classical music? We have books available for checkout as well!

When’s your favorite time to listen to classical music? For me, it’s when I’m either reading or crafting. Let us know your answer in the comments!

LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 8 — VIETNAMESE

- Jill Leave a comment

The Vietnamese language has been shaped not only by Chinese rule, but also by periods of independence as well as periods of French colonization. Closely affiliated with Cantonese, Vietnamese is a “tonal language” having six different tones. While it used to rely on the Chinese script, in the 20th century that was replaced with the Latin alphabet, making Vietnamese look more similar to English but with several diacritical marks. In its modern form, Vietnamese is now spoken by approximately 86 million people worldwide which makes it the 21st most spoken language globally (babbel.com). While it is the official language of Vietnam, there are about 4.5 million Vietnamese speakers living outside Vietnam. These speakers contribute to a vibrant diaspora in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and France.

In France, where over half of the Vietnamese population of Europe resides, there are approximately 400,000 people of Vietnamese descent. Another notable population of Vietnamese speakers in Europe is in Germany which has about 111,000 speakers of the language. In the Czech Republic, Vietnamese is recognized as an official language even though the population of speakers is roughly half that found in Germany. Australia, on the other hand, has a significant Vietnamese community with around 321,000 people speaking the language and another 281,810 claiming Vietnamese heritage (2021 Australia Census). In Canada, Vietnamese speakers total roughly 240,000 and reside mostly in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. But the largest population of Vietnamese speakers outside of Vietnam is in the United States.

After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, large numbers of Vietnamese people migrated to the United States. In the U.S. today, there are an estimated 2.3 million people of Vietnamese descent. And, with over 1.5 million speakers, Vietnamese is the sixth most spoken language in the United States (census.gov). The Vietnamese-speaking population is predominantly concentrated in California and Texas, which together account for more than half of all Vietnamese speakers in the country. In fact, San Francisco recently made Vietnamese one of the official languages of the city. With nearly 6,800 speakers, it is the fourth largest language population (after English, Chinese and Spanish). Other states with significant Vietnamese-speaking communities include Washington, Florida, and Virginia.

In Iowa, there are approximately 8,500 speakers of Vietnamese, making up about .3% of the population. Almost half of the Vietnamese speakers in the state reside in and around the capitol of Des Moines. In Scott County, there are about 1,300 speakers, which is the second most spoken foreign language in the county after Spanish (4,700) and more than twice as many as the number of German speakers, which is just 600 (MLA Language Map). Just over 800 Vietnamese speakers reside in Davenport.

Acquiring a new language like Vietnamese can improve cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving skills, and increase cultural awareness and empathy. Learning a new language can be a rewarding endeavor, offering insights into a rich cultural heritage and enhancing communication within diverse communities. And, unlike some other foreign languages, you don’t need to learn a new alphabet when learning Vietnamese. However, the grammar and sentence structure do differ significantly from English and you will need to factor in learning the six different tones.

If you are interested in learning the Vietnamese language, check out some of the FREE resources available to you at The Library. See our online catalog or ask a Librarian for more resources.

 

FOR A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUAGE:

Learn Vietnamese vocabulary

 

FOR A MORE LAID-BACK APPROACH:

Vietnamese stories for language learners

69 more short Vietnamese stories for intermediate learners

 

IF YOU ARE A VISUAL LEARNER:

Vietnamese picture dictionary

The Oxford picture dictionary. English/Vietnamese

 

MORE COMPREHENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSES:

 

 

Beginner’s Vietnamese : with online audio

Elementary Vietnamese

Teach yourself Vietnamese

Essential Vietnamese : speak Vietnamese with confidence!

Essential Vietnamese grammar : speak and write Vietnamese like a native!

And, as a Davenport Public Library cardholder, you have FREE access to the language learning program, Mango Languages.

 

FOR THOSE WHO PLAN TO TRAVEL:

Vietnamese phrase book & dictionary – Berlitz

Vietnamese phrasebook & dictionary – Lonely Planet

Essential Vietnamese phrasebook & dictionary

Tuttle pocket Vietnamese dictionary

 

NEXT MONTH…  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 9 — CHINESE

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Introduction to Photography

- Paige Leave a comment

Photography has never been more accessible with the rise of technology allowing us the ability to have a high-quality camera in our pocket at all times. Whether you just want to take better pictures while on a hike, during your summer travels, or even want to take a step towards photography becoming a career, here are some materials we have here at Davenport Public Library! Access through coming into the library, our online catalog, or the streaming service, Kanopy, with your Davenport Library card! All descriptions are provided by the publisher.

Book:

The beginner’s photography guide: the ultimate step-by-step manual for getting the most from your camera and phone

From choosing the right equipment and aperture exposure to adjusting focus and flash, The Beginner’s Photography Guide explains key concepts in clear and simple terms to help you maximize the features of your camera.

Getting Your Shot: stunning photos, how-to tips, and endless inspiration from the pros

In this inspirational how-to photography book, the photo experts at National Geographic share their invaluable tips, advice and insights alongside more than 200 breathtaking photos–from glorious landscapes to intimate moments, from black-and-white to exuberant color, from the exotic to the homespun. These stunning and evocative photos, drawn from National Geographic’s thriving online photography community “Your Shot,” provide inspiration for photographers of all skill levels. This book reveals inside stories on how the featured photographers were able to get these incredible shots, and is filled with encouragement and inspiration for the artist and dreamer inside all of us.

Lonely Planet’s Guide to travel photography

Return from your travels with the pictures you’ve always wanted in this fourth edition of Lonely Planet’s best-selling Travel Photography, internationally renowned travel photographer Richard I. Anson shows you how to avoid common photography mistakes and to develop your compositional and technical skills as a photographer.

The camera bag companion: your personal photography tutor

Imagine having your personal, professional photographer with you whenever you go out to shoot. There to guide you, share their knowledge, and inspire you to take better photographs. In his latest book, Benedict Brain puts himself in your kitbag, with a beautifully illustrated how-to guide that’s as essential as any lens or tripod, and cuts through the jargon to deliver clear advice in a friendly, conversational style.

DVD:

Binge box. Outdoor photography — beginner’s guide

Beginners guide to outdoor photography/Beginner’s guide to manual mode: The learning curve for photography can be very steep for many, and it’s often filled with frustration. Multiple camera settings can clutter the mind of someone simply trying to create a beautiful image. In this video instructional class, your Instructor David Johnston will teach you about camera settings that will simplify the photography process.

Streaming (Kanopy):

Fundamentals of Photography

With Fundamentals of Photography, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the art and craft of great photography straight from Joel Sartore, a National Geographer photographer with more than 30 years of experience. Designed for people at all levels, these 24 episodes are an engaging guide to how photographs work and how to make them work better for you.

Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Photography

Master the basics of outdoor photography to create beautiful images. In this class you’ll learn all about camera settings for shutter speed, exposure, f-stops, range of focus and more. Once you understand camera settings and how to use them, you’ll be able make the camera work for you to find the best balance of light and compose your best photos yet.

Landscape & Wildlife Photography

National Geographic photographers Michael Melford and Tim Laman reveal stories and secrets about great landscape and wildlife photography. Taking you around the world, their 24 visually rich lectures present the art of seeing that’s key to taking unforgettable photos of desert cliffs, penguin colonies, dramatic waterfalls, and more.

 

What is your favorite thing to take pictures of? Let us know in the comments!

LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 7 — KOREAN

- Jill Leave a comment

Globally, the Korean language is spoken by over 80 million people, primarily in South Korea (51.7 million) and North Korea (26.4 million). Beyond the Korean Peninsula, significant Korean-speaking communities exist due to historical migration, notably China with approximately 2 million speakers. Japan hosts about 500,000 Korean speakers, mainly descendants of Koreans who migrated during the early 20th century. Further abroad, the United States is home to around 1.8 million Korean speakers, with large communities in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C.  Other countries with notable Korean-speaking populations include Russia, with approximately 250,000 speakers, and Canada, where around 218,000 individuals speak Korean (worlddata.info). Australia has a Korean-speaking population of about 102,000, primarily residing in New South Wales. Smaller communities are also found in countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and various European nations. These global communities maintain the Korean language through cultural institutions, schools, and media, preserving their linguistic heritage and contributing to the worldwide spread of Korean culture (britannica.com and pathtokorean.com).

In the United States, approximately 1.8 million people speak Korean at home, accounting for about 8% of the Asian American population. This figure includes both U.S. citizens of Korean descent and South Korean nationals living in the U.S (pewresearch.org). Korean is one of the top 15 non-English languages that is spoken in every US state making it to number four on the list of Asian American languages (gala-global.org). The Korean American community is primarily concentrated in metropolitan areas with significant immigrant populations. Notably, about 30% of Korean Americans reside in the Los Angeles and New York metropolitan areas, reflecting historical immigration patterns and the establishment of vibrant Korean communities in these regions. These communities often form tight-knit neighborhoods where Korean is commonly spoken, and cultural traditions are maintained through local businesses, schools, and community centers. Besides California and New York, other states with significant Korean-speaking populations include Hawaii (368,734), Texas (214,854), Washington (187,513), Nevada (178,655), Florida (171,931), Illinois (169,520), New Jersey (150,084), and Virginia (119,925). The growth of the Korean-speaking population in the U.S. has been substantial in recent decades increasing by about 330% between 1980 to 2010.

In the State of Iowa, the Korean-speaking population is somewhere around 3200 speakers and is concentrated in Des Moines and Ames, with Des Moines having the largest community at 860 speakers (census.gov). While both Iowa State University in Ames and The University of Iowa in Iowa City both have Korean Student organizations on campus, the latter educational institution is the only one in the state that provides Korean language and culture courses. And, since 1979, the Korean American Society of Iowa (KASI) in Des Moines has stood “as the sole nonprofit organization dedicated to representing and empowering the Korean and Korean American community within the state of Iowa” (kasiorganization.org). Finally, Scott County, Iowa has only 225 speakers (iowadatacenter.org).

But, according to a 2021 report from the language learning app, Duolingo, Korean is in the top 6 most popular languages to learn around the world (English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Korean). The surge in interest in learning Korean is largely attributed to the global phenomenon known as the Korean Wave, or “Hallyu,” which encompasses the international popularity of Korean music, films, and television dramas. This cultural movement has significantly increased the number of non-native speakers learning Korean, as individuals seek to engage more deeply with Korean media and culture (linguakorean.com and asiasociety.org). Learning Korean opens doors to various career opportunities, especially in fields like international business, technology translation, and diplomacy. South Korea is home to global giants like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, making knowledge of the Korean language an asset for professionals looking to engage in the East Asian market (koreatimes.com). Moreover, the U.S. government considers Korean a critical language, offering scholarships and career opportunities in agencies such as the CIA, Department of State, and NSA for individuals with Korean language skills.

Beyond professional advantages, learning Korean allows for a deeper appreciation of Korea’s rich history and cultural traditions. Understanding the language enhances one’s ability to enjoy Korean literature, cuisine, and festivals, fostering a more meaningful connection with the culture. Additionally, as Korean is written using the Hangul alphabet, which is phonetic and logical, it is considered more accessible for English speakers compared to other East Asian languages like Chinese or Japanese (ethnologue.com). So, whether for personal enrichment, cultural exploration, or professional advancement, learning Korean offers a rewarding and enriching experience.

Check out some of the FREE resources available to you at The Library as you begin (or continue) learning Korean. See our online catalog or ask a Librarian for more resources.

COMPREHENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSES:

  

Learn, listen, & speak Korean

Beginner’s Korean with online audio

Mastering Korean. Level one

And, as a Davenport Public Library cardholder, you have FREE access to the language learning program, Mango Languages.

 

FOR A MORE LAID-BACK APPROACH:

 

Korean short stories for beginners: Improve your Korean

Korean short stories for beginners: 20 Captivating Short Stories

Korean folktales for language learners

Korean stories for language learners

Intermediate Korean short stories

Short stories in Korean for intermediate learners

 

IF YOU ARE A VISUAL LEARNER:

Korean picture dictionary : learn 1,500 Korean words and phrases

Korean Hangul for beginners

 

IMPROVING YOUR GRAMMAR:

Korean grammar for beginners

Korean grammar : the complete guide to speaking Korean naturally

 

FOR THOSE WHO PLAN TO TRAVEL:

Korean phrase book & dictionary

Korean at a glance

Korean phrasebook & dictionary

 

NEXT MONTH…  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 8 — VIETNAMESE

 

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LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 6 — ITALIAN

- Jill Leave a comment

Italian is a Romance language rooted in what is known as Vulgar or “Common” Latin. It shares a lot in common with the other main Romance languages of Spanish, French, Portuguese, and less so, Romanian, but more closely resembles Latin than do the others (babbel.com). Owing in part to its structure, Italian is not an overly complicated language. In fact, it made the list at Babbel.com for being one of the easiest languages for English-speakers to learn. Italian ranks as the 7th most useful language to learn worldwide (fluentu.com and gooverseas.com), taking approximately 24 weeks (or roughly 600 hours) to learn. When it comes to sheer numbers of speakers, Italian can’t compare with languages like English and Chinese, and yet it’s one of the most popular and influential languages in the world. It is estimated that almost 85 million people speak Italian worldwide. Nearly 64 million people speak Italian as their first language – which is more than the population of Italy itself, which is about 60 million (protranslate.net). Due to Italy’s important contributions to global culture on a wide array of fronts from music, art, and literature, to architecture and cuisine, Italian is a highly desirable and useful language to learn – not to mention beautiful, with a musical and lyrical quality.

As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Italy is home to important historical and cultural heritages and is the world’s most toured nation attracting millions of visitors each year. Many of these visitors wish to learn the language – at least in part to more fully immerse themselves during their visit. In addition, due to its impact on the business world from automotive to fashion and design, Italian is also a proper language for business and is one of the working languages of the European Union. The Italian language is the third most common native language in the EU (unitedlanguagegroup.com). According to Babbel.com, 3 million people speak Italian fluently as a second language and it is spoken in more than 30 countries worldwide. While Italian is the official language of only a few countries (Italy, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City, and some parts of Croatia and Slovenia), there are a sizeable number of Italian speakers in many more countries (and not just in Europe) these include: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Malta, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Germany, Israel, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, the United States, and Venezuela.

The Italian language has a long and rich history in the United States. For centuries, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, large numbers of Italians immigrated to the U.S. in search of a better life. They tended to settle in large cities where they established thriving Italian communities. Today, many of their descendants continue to speak Italian and maintain their cultural heritage. Roughly 764,000 people in the U.S. speak Italian at home according to the U.S. Census Bureau. New York and New Jersey have the highest number of native Italian speakers (294,000 and 116,000, respectively), but communities of Italian speakers can also be found across the country, especially in large cities like Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, St. Louis, and Buffalo, among others. Italian is still an essential regional language in many American communities. Depending on the source, Italian is listed as high as the 4th (and as low as the 12th) most-studied foreign language in the United States. Since much language learning now occurs online or casually through an app, and not in a formal classroom setting, these numbers are difficult to confirm.

The population in the State of Iowa is overwhelmingly English-speaking (97.0% speak only English), and therefore has relatively low numbers of foreign language speakers, including Italian. In 2010, statewide there were only 1,140 speakers of Italian, and only 151 in Scott County (apps.mla.org). But, please don’t let this deter you!  Italian is still a very sought after language with many reasons to desire learning it. And, since it is relatively easy to learn, compared to other languages, why not give it a try?  Whether or not you are planning to travel to Italy – a country rich with culture and history – Italian is a beautiful language (and my personal favorite). Check out some of the FREE resources available to you at The Library as you begin (or continue) learning Italian. See our online catalog or ask a Librarian for more resources.

FOR A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUAGE:

 

15-minute Italian : learn in just 12 weeks

Fast talk Italian : guaranteed to get you talking

Five minute Italian short stories for beginners

 

FOR A MORE LAID-BACK APPROACH:

 

50 Italian coffee breaks : short activities to improve your Italian one cup at a time

Italian short stories for beginners : learn Italian fast, improve your reading and grow your vocabulary the fun way

Short stories in Italian : read for pleasure at your level and learn Italian the fun way!

Short stories in Italian for intermediate learners : read for pleasure at your level and learn Italian the fun way!

Italian short stories for beginners and intermediate learners : engaging short stories to learn Italian and build your vocabulary.

101 conversations in intermediate Italian

 

IF YOU ARE A VISUAL LEARNER:

Italian English illustrated dictionary

5 language visual dictionary.

Speak Italian : the fine art of the gesture

 

MORE COMPREHENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSES:

 

Read & think Italian

Learn Italian – level 1: introduction to Italian

Basic Italian

Master the basics–Italian

Say it right in Italian : easily pronounced language systems

The next step to Italian fluency

Italian tutor : grammar and vocabulary workbook

And, as a Davenport Public Library cardholder, you have FREE access to the language learning program, Mango Languages.

 

FOR THOSE WHO PLAN TO TRAVEL:

 

Rough Guides Phrasebook

Italian phrases for beginners

Rick Steves’ Italian phrase book & dictionary.

Easy Italian phrase book : over 1500 common phrases for everyday use and travel.

 

NEXT MONTH…  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 7 — KOREAN.

The Korean Wave: K-pop

- Elena Leave a comment

Have you heard the term “hallyu?” “Hallyu,” also called the “Korean Wave,” refers to the increasing global popularity of South Korean pop culture, including music, film, television, and comics.

We’ve previously introduced Korean pop music (aka K-pop) in this 2021 blog post. But did you know that you can now listen to K-pop music on Freegal with your Davenport library card? With unlimited streaming and up to 5 song downloads per week, your K-pop listening is covered! If you aren’t sure where to start, I’ve put together An Introduction to K-pop playlist for everyone to enjoy. Or, if you still prefer listening to music the old-fashioned way, check out these recent K-pop CDs available at the library.

During the month of May, look for the “Hallyu: The Korean Wave” displays at all three branches for more Korean pop culture recommendations.

High-quality learning through library-provided Great Courses

- Beth Leave a comment

Aimed at lifelong learners, The Great Courses is a series of college-level courses designed to deliver high-quality learning experiences outside of a lecture hall. Through audio and video, and with supplemental print materials, you can pursue lifelong learning and personal enrichment in science, history, literature, religion, and more, with no tests or homework.

Here is just a sampling of Great Courses available through the Davenport Public Library on DVD or streaming through Kanopy.

How to plan for the perfect retirement — (on DVD and Kanopy) — Learn how to secure your financial future and create the retirement lifestyle of your dreams with practical advice for planners of any age and income level. Professor Dana Anspach of Sensible Money, LLC will be your step-by-step guide to help you create the future you want. No matter how old you are or how far along in your working life, it’s never too early or too late to develop a plan that works for you.

Fighting Misinformation: Digital Media Literacy — (on DVD and Kanopy) — The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) has teamed up with The Great Courses to lead you step by step through the history, evolution, science, and impact of misinformation, and to arm you with the very skills needed to defuse the threat of misinformation media and become a more savvy media consumer. Learn how to reduce the threat of misinformation from local, national, and international sources and ensure the validity of the information you share.

When everything fails: surviving any disaster — (on DVD and Kanopy) — Living through a disaster is not a question of if, it’s a question of when. This course offers a practical guide for protecting the individual, their family, and their community. Taught by Professor Stephen Owen of Radford University, these fourteen fast-paced lectures will arm viewers with information for planning ahead so they can prepare for the effects of a disaster or catastrophe.

America’s long struggle against slavery — (on DVD and Kanopy) — Survey the history of the American anti-slavery movement, from the dawn of the transatlantic slave trade during the late 15th century to the end of Reconstruction in 1877 and beyond. Professor Richard Bell’s 30 eye-opening episodes give you an up-close view of a venal institution and the people who fought against it, and who often paid for their courage with their lives.

LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 5 — JAPANESE

- Jill Leave a comment

Not surprisingly, Japan is home to 99% of first-language Japanese speakers. But, as is the case with most languages, the Japanese language is not limited to the people of the archipelago nation. Japanese (also known as Nihongo) is the 9th most spoken language in the world with about 126 million speakers. There are another 5 million people outside of Japan who speak Japanese with some proficiency (todaytranslations.com). At least part of the populations in a number of countries and about 18 territories speak the language including in the United States, the Philippines, and Brazil. Japanese is also spoken in other parts of Asia and the Pacific: Guam, American Samoa, People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia. Japanese speakers can also be found in Canada, Mexico, and Europe – notably the United Kingdom – and many major world cities have Japanese speaking communities as well (worlddata.info).

The origins of the Japanese language are not fully understood. It is believed that Japanese began to emerge and develop into its own unique language somewhere between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC when the Yayoi people migrated from the Korean peninsula to the Japanese islands. The language was exclusively oral until contact with China in the 4th century and the development of the Kanji writing system. Chinese characters were adapted, expressing Japanese words as well as grammatical elements. This led to the further development of both the Hiragana and Katakana kana writing systems, both around the 9th century (dynamiclanguage.com).

In the United States, there are nearly a half million Japanese speakers, mainly concentrated in the states of California (141k), Hawaii (45k), New York (35k), Washington (26k), and Texas (18k). However, Hawaii has the highest percentage of Japanese speakers with about 17% of Hawaiian residents speaking it at home (statisticalatlas.com). While not as commonly spoken in Iowa as are Spanish, German, or Chinese, Japanese is also spoken here. Japanese affiliated organizations in Iowa, such as the Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI), offer language and cultural programs including drumming workshops and demonstrations (Soten Taiko) and even a Japanese language school (Kanaijuku) for both beginners and advanced learners. The Iowa State Japanese Association (Japanese Club) offers language and cultural programs as well.  And, the University of Iowa supports a four-year Japanese program offering comprehensive language classes and courses in linguistics, communications, visual culture, popular culture, literature, film, theater, and translation. There is even a Kimono club which gives those interested in Japanese traditional wardrobe an opportunity to share their interests through fashion shows and workshops. Annual events such as Anime demo ii and Tanabata (star gazing festival) are also popular cultural activities.

While there are not very many Japanese speakers in Davenport or Scott County, there are many reasons to consider learning the language. In the US alone, there are nearly 162,000 people learning the Japanese language (babble.com). This includes almost 67,000 students in higher education, along with another 56,000 in grades K-12 (asiasociety.org). According to nippon.com, there were nearly 3,800,000 students worldwide learning Japanese in 2021. Popular culture has spurred the interest in all things Japan. From Anime series to catchy J-pop tunes, there are many intriguing reasons to explore the unique Japanese language and culture.

Would you like to give the Japanese language a try? Try some of the FREE resources available to you at The Library as you begin (or continue) learning Japanese. See our online catalog or ask a Librarian for more resources.

 

FOR A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUAGE:

15-minute Japanese : learn in just 12 weeks by Mitsuko Maeda-Nye

Fast talk Japanese : guaranteed to get you talking.

Japanese for beginners : mastering conversational Japanese by Sachiko Toyozato

 

FOR A MORE LAID-BACK APPROACH:

Japanese step by step  by Gene Nishi

Learn Japanese with manga : a self-study language book for beginners by Marc Bernabé

Japanese short stories for beginners : 20 captivating short stories to learn Japanese & grow your vocabulary the fun way!

Japanese folktales for language learners = 昔ばなしで学ぶ日本語 |  by Eriko Sato

Intermediate Japanese short stories : 10 captivating short stories to learn Japanese & grow your vocabulary the fun way! : intermediate Japanese stories.

 

IF YOU ARE A VISUAL LEARNER:

       

Japanese English visual bilingual dictionary

Japanese picture dictionary : learn 1,500 Japanese words and phrases by Timothy G. Stout

Basic Japanese kanji. Volume 1 : high-frequency kanji at your command! by Timothy G. Stout

Mastering Japanese kanji. Volume 1 : the innovative visual method for learning Japanese characters by Glen Nolan Grant

Japanese hiragana & katakana for beginners : first steps to mastering the Japanese writing system by Timothy G. Stout

Guide to reading and writing Japanese by Florence Sakade

Let’s learn Hiragana by Yasuko Kosaka Mitamura

Hiragana from zero! by George Trombley

 

MORE COMPREHENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSES:

 

Complete Japanese grammar by Eriko Sato

Japanese by H.J. Ballhatchet

Langenscheidt Japanese at your fingertips by Tien Tammada

Unlocking Japanese with Paul Noble by Paul Noble

And, as a Davenport Public Library cardholder, you have FREE access to the language learning program, Mango Languages.

 

FOR THOSE WHO PLAN TO TRAVEL:

  

Japanese phrase book & dictionary (Berlitz).

Japanese phrasebook & dictionary (Lonely Planet).

Japanese : (Rough Guide Phrasebook).

 

NEXT MONTH…  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 6 — ITALIAN

 

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Anime on Kanopy

- Elena Leave a comment

April 15th is National Anime Day! Did you know that you can stream anime on Kanopy with your Davenport Public Library card? These must-watch series ran for a single season and are available to watch on Kanopy. (Descriptions below provided by Kanopy.)

Dororo

During the Warring States period, the young thief Dororo encounters Hyakkimaru, a strange, sightless boy who wields fearsome prosthetics in place of his missing limbs. Parts of Hyakkimaru’s body were traded to a group of 12 demons by his father in exchange for power, but thanks to a kindly medicine man, Hyakkimaru survived his horrifying ordeal. Now he roams the land in search of his missing body, and together he and Dororo will fight to survive in an unforgiving, demon-plagued world.

Parasyte: The Maxim

One night, a quiet invasion takes place. Across the world, mysterious parasites fall to earth and begin possessing humans one by one with the rest of humanity none the wiser. Shinichi Izumi is one such victim. But when his would-be invader fails to take over his brain and takes root in his arm, instead, Shinichi finds himself forced to share his body with a horrific creature that has a mind and an agenda all its own.

Carole & Tuesday

Fifty years after humankind began migrating to Mars, people live in comfort with help from AI. Carole makes her way to Mars with dreams of forging a career in music. But there’s a spark that’s missing. Tuesday has lived a life of comfort, so no one expects it when she runs off to another city with nothing more than her guitar. When the two of them meet, Tuesday’s spark ignites Carole’s fire. As long as they don’t give up, every planet will know the names CAROLE & TUESDAY!

Akame Ga Kill!

Tatsumi arrives in the Imperial Capital in hopes of earning money for his village. After becoming stranded in the streets, a wealthy family offers to take him in for the night. But when his would-be benefactors are attacked by a group of killers known as Night Raid, Tatsumi learns that beneath the thin veneer of the Capital lies a teeming hive of corruption. With nowhere else to turn, Tatsumi joins the Night Raid to help put a stop to the wicked ways of the Capital once and for all.

Kids on the Slope

In the summer of 1966, high school freshman Kaoru struggles to adjust to the latest move. It’s not easy fitting in, but this time is different. This time he makes friends and discovers a passion that rocks his soul. It’s called jazz, and with bad boy Sentaro and music store girl Ritsuko, they follow their muse wherever their music takes them! Travel to a time when dreams and musical instruments changed the world! Be blown away by a tale of life, love and all that jazz in The Kids on the Slope!