LibraryPress@UF (LP@UF the George A. Smathers Libraries’ publishing arm and imprint of University of Florida Press) is excited to announce the release of two new open educational resources (OERs), available in both digital and print formats. LP@UF’s mission is to provide high-quality educational materials that are accessible to everyone. These resources are offered under a Creative Commons license, allowing instructors and learners to use, adapt and share the content freely. The goal of this approach is to foster greater equity and accessibility in language education.
David Tézil & Benjamin Hebblethwaite, Authors & Editors. Nick André
& Pierre William Blanc, Authors. Brielle Jean Baptiste, Photo Editor & Designer. Leslie Leon-Aguilar, Illustrator.
Kreyòl pale: A Haitian Creole Textbook for Beginners is a 29-chapter textbook designed for beginner learners of the Haitian Creole language focused on communication scenarios that are the most important for navigating daily life in Haiti and its Diaspora. It emphasizes diverse practical topics from everyday life to support various learners like college students, self-learners, second-generation students, researchers, interns, volunteers, government employees, and people of diverse faiths.
Each chapter offers real-life scenarios, dialogues and in-depth lessons on Haitian culture and society, including English glosses and questions that stimulate discussion and debate. The textbook provides communicative and skill-building activities that accompany the introduction of new information step-by-step. It is replete with full-color images that enhance the content and encourage communicative learning.
Kreyòl pale is an essential beginner’s Haitian Creole textbook, due to the meaningfulness, practicality and relatability of its Haitian Creole materials. As an introduction to Haitian Creole language and culture, this textbook opens the way to the many paths to mastery.
Download for free as an accessible PDF or EPUB through UF Digital Collections or purchase a print copy through UPF.com.
Grace L. Gibson, Author. Soleil T. Nguyen, Illustrator. Michele R. Tennant, Editor. Michel Andriamihajanirina, Translator. (See book for all contributors)
Madagascar from A to Z (English), Madagasikara manomboke A ka hatramy Z (Vezo), Madagascar de A à Z (French) is the second book in the Madagascar from A to Z series. Following the success of its first installment, which was honored with the prestigious Mary Ellen LoPresti Publication Award for Excellence in Visual Arts Publishing by ARLIS/NA Southeast in 2019, this “Vezo edition” continues the mission of its predecessor, aiming to inspire children with the wonders of Madagascar’s unique wildlife while instilling the crucial message of environmental conservation.
In 2018, while distributing the first book in Madagascar, members of the Andavadoaka community in the southwest reached out with a special request: they wanted a version of the book that highlighted the unique ecosystems of their region. This area, though arid and heavily deforested, is home to the fourth-largest coral reef in the world—an awe-inspiring yet endangered environment. However, educational resources in Andavadoaka are scarce, particularly in the local Vezo dialect.
This “Vezo edition” of Madagascar from A to Z will be a vital open educational resource in schools, libraries and after-school programs, supporting children in developing Vezo, French and English literacy. Mastering French is essential for accessing higher education and professional opportunities in Madagascar, while English is becoming increasingly important due to the country’s growing international tourism and investment. This book helps young readers and provides an invaluable resource for adults in Andavadoaka, many of whom are working to develop the region’s ecotourism industry.
Ultimately, the Madagascar from A to Z series aims to empower the next generation of Malagasy children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world while fostering a deep appreciation for their country’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Download for free as an accessible PDF or EPUB through UF Digital Collections or purchase a print copy through UPF.com.