Language learning help – Language Center

If you’re currently enrolled in a language course at Carleton and need assistance, we’re here to help! Whether you’re looking for conversation practice, need course-specific assistance, or simply want to improve your language skills, the Language Center and the Carleton language departments are ready to support you.

Not quite sure how to get the help you need? No problem—just swing by the Language Center, and we’ll be happy to guide you to the right resources and support.

Our Language Center Assistants (LCAs) are native or advanced-level speakers of the languages taught at Carleton—many of whom have taken language courses here themselves! They are ready to help you practice your language skills, whether you need a relaxed conversation partner or have quick questions about grammar and vocabulary.

Looking for support? Check our language schedule to see when an LCA who speaks your target language is available, and refer to the guide below on how to make the most of our LCAs!

A bright, colorful flyer reads "Looking for language help? That is why we are here" and lists ways to get help from Language Center Assistants (LCAs). The first step reads, "scan the QR code to view our language schedule and see when an LCA who speaks your target language is available". Step 2 reads, "Determine what you’d like assistance with. Our LCAs are excellent for relaxed conversation practice at any level and quick grammar or vocabulary questions related to the language you’re learning.". There is a small block of text under step two that reads, "Want to practice your conversation skills but don’t have a topic in mind? That’s okay! Just ask us and we will propose one based on your level!". Step three reads, "Approach the LCA desk (straight ahead when you enter the Language Center) when the right LCA is available. Introduce yourself and get started—we’re friendly and always happy to help! :)". There is a small block of text under step three that reads, "LCAs cannot provide course-specific assistance. For questions related to your course, such as 'What's going to be on the next test?', 'How can I raise my Spanish grade?', or 'Why didn’t I get credit for question #3?', please consult your language instructor or attend department-specific tutoring sessions."

The language departments can provide specific assistance for your class and should be your first stop for class-specific support. Each department typically has their own structures for help and their assistants are aware of specific topics being covered in class, as well as departmental-specific methods for feedback for assignments. Find your language-specific assistance below (resources provided by each department):

Arabic: Please contact your instructor
Chinese: Please contact your instructor
French: Visit the French Study Center Sunday through Thursday in the Language Center
German: Drop by your professor’s or the German LA’s office hours, or join the German Lunch Table (T/Th Common Time, LDC dining hall) to chat with professors, the LA, and other fellow German speakers.
Greek: Attend your professor’s office hours or reach out to your course’s Greek tutor.
Hebrew: Visit your professor’s office hours or connect with the current course TAs.
Japanese: Visit your professor or the Japanese LA during Office Hours. You can also reach out to Japanese tutors or meet with a Japanese speaking Language Center Assistant
Latin: Attend your professor’s office hours or reach out to your course’s Latin tutor.
Russian: Please contact your instructor
Spanish: Attend the Spanish 101-103 Help Desk or Spanish 204 and 205 Tutoring.

How to get help at the Language Center

Language department-specific assistance