Mango Languages

Teshuba, T., Goulas, M., Teshuba, M., & Whalen, R. (2010). Mango Languages. Retrieved from http://www.mangolanguages.com/

Summary

  Mango Languages is a website that offer a downloadeable language learning program that quickly teaches basic conversational skills and cultural practices of seventeen different languages. This website delivers a wide variety of language learning capabilities to people all over the world and it serves 1 in 5 North American libraries which reaches over 85 million patrons. Mango languages also serves federal and government organizations such as, Homeland Security, U.S Department of Agriculture, Marines, Coast Guard, Special Operations, and Airforce. It is also located on computers in community colleges, universities and elementary through high school, both private and public. 

  The lessons include strategically placed memory building exercises to help remember what is learned, while critical thinking exercises help you intuitively understand the languages and adapt to similar conversation. 

Critical Evaluation

  Mango Languages is easy to use, and is self paced, something that you can't get in Spanish courses. The website has an easy interface and is easy to navigate. Even though it doesn't teach total fluency, it does give you all the tools needed to engage in simple conversation and it gives you a basic understanding of the different countries. 

  Although computers must be PC which runs Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, and have Windows 7 or higher in order to run, public libraries usually have this already, so I am not expected to purchases these if I don't already have. It is a great free service that libraries offer their patrons. This website also offers ESL, how amazing is that?!

Readers Annotation

  You now have an excuse to travel. 

Information About the Creators

  After years of tweaking their website, the founders turned their love of languages and learning about the world into a business venture. In 2010, they launched their website and saw it grow to serve over 85 million people across the United States. The founders took their love of different cultures and the memory of struggling in language courses while in school and decided to create something that could teach conversational languages in an easy and fun way, and learn about the people and the culture at the same time. The founders intend to add more languages yearly, with a goal of eventually reaching everyone. 

Reading Level/Interest Age

  All ages

Genre

  Website

Curriculum Ties

  Can be used in language classes in school. 

Booktalking Ideas

  n/a

Challenge Issues

  n/a

Reason for Selection

  I learned about this website from a meeting with the head of Youth Services for my library system.