Website- Mango Languages at www.mangolanguages.com

Bibliographic information:

Mango Languages (n.d.).  Online Language Learning retrieved online from http://www.mangolanguages.com/libraries/ or participating library websites.

Site Summary:

            Mango Languages provides an effective way of learning vocabulary, pronunciation, culture and grammar of a foreign language.  The method is something akin to an immersion program which allows one to begin to think in the foreign language rather than just learning by translation.  The immersion method is now almost universally accepted among language learning specialists.  Many languages are offered and one starts with basic constructions and vocabulary and moves up in level of difficulty until one has a grasp of the language.  The site actually tracks progress so that a learner can come back at any time and pick up where they left off in their last session.  The program is almost like having a private tutor and one can go back and repeat those parts they did not catch the first time around.  Native speakers sound out the words so that the pronunciation a learner gains is spot on with enough practice.  There is also an ESL option which uses the same methodology.    

Critical Evaluation:

            The site is easy to use and the methodology is a sound one.  I have learned and taught languages for many years and there is a good deal to say for the ease of use of this system.  One real advantage is that many libraries offer this service free for patrons.  Considering the costs of other language learning programs or the cost of hiring a tutor, Mango Languages is a very attractive choice.  This program could easily be used alone or as a supplement to a course a teen may be taking in school.  The choice of languages is impressive; I was even surprised to see Pashto, a language of particular interest to me, offered.  The ESL feature is really good and is available for learners from a variety of language backgrounds.  Not that it is of any importance, but there are no dead languages offered so scholars who may want to learn Latin, Ancient Greek, or Chagutah have to look elsewhere.   The living languages offered should provide many lifetimes of fun and learning.   

Viewers Annotation: 

Mango Languages provides an excellent program for learning a number of foreign languages in a fun and effective way.

Genre:

Language Learning

Curriculum Ties:

Foreign Language/ESL

Research Level/Interest Age:

All

Challenge Issues:

N/A

Why did you include this website? :

Despite having the skill at communicating in a number of languages, I am a poor language student and look for any edge in learning new languages.  I feel that there are many older teens with an interest in foreign languages but need a good program to help them.

Website:

At participating libraries’ websites or at http://www.mangolanguages.com/libraries/