Mango Languages

Start Bragging. You’ve Earned It.

You and your patrons have worked hard to learn a new language. Why keep it to yourself? Introducing Mango’s new social media feature, which allows users to post their progress to Facebook and Twitter at the end of a lesson or chapter. Inspire some friendly competition in your library with Mango badges. Each chapter unlocks a new badge that will flaunt your language learning prowess to friends and family when posted via social media.

Want to know what makes this deal even sweeter? Every social media post includes a link to FindMango.com, which will help users find the closest local library that offers Mango Languages. This means increased traffic and patronage to your branch and increased awareness for your digital resources.

So, go ahead. Shout your progress from the mountaintops, rally a support group, find a study partner or heck, just show off a little.

Give your Mango rep a call to learn more about the social media feature and all the ways Mango is working to drive traffic into your library.

An (Educated) Argument for Language Learning

Let’s be honest: being a college freshman can be pretty overwhelming.  In between all of the important decisions to be made (Which associations should I join?  Can I find a mentor?  Should I pursue research opportunities?), it can often be challenging to fit in everything a student wants to do.  But one part of the higher-level education experience that we don’t think anyone should forgo is the opportunity to study and gain skills in a foreign language.

Of course, we’re clearly biased.  So in true academic style, we’re going to lay out our supporting arguments for why we think you should make language learning part of your educational experience.

1)   Increase job prospects and get an edge on the competition.

Knowledge of a foreign language not only increases the number of jobs you qualify for, but it also helps you stand out from the competition – even for jobs that don’t require bilingualism.

2)   Open doors to international opportunities.

Ever wanted to join the Peace Corps?  Volunteer for an overseas Habitat for Humanity project?  What about an international mission trip?  Or perhaps you’d like to teach English abroad?  Knowledge of a foreign language opens the door to a wealth of experiences and opportunities.  Don’t miss out.

3)   Study works in their original form.

We all know that nothing compares to studying a work of literature, poetry, or song in its original form.  Having an understanding of the language provides you with the ability to pick up on tone, voice, and other literary nuances that you likely wouldn’t be able to appreciate if studying a translated version.

4)   Be awesome.

Let’s face it.  Speaking a second language is just plain cool.  Being able to say that you’re bilingual not only impresses friends and colleagues, but also provides you with a greater understanding and appreciation for foreign cultures.  This knowledge will benefit you both academically and professionally, and also opens doors to incredible adventures.  Being able to travel without language barriers allows you to venture off the beaten path, bond with locals, and essentially have the trip of a lifetime.

So we know you may be thinking, “sure, this all sounds great…but how am I going to fit this in to my busy academic calendar?”  We know that it simply isn’t realistic for every student to invest in a full-time foreign language course.  Well here’s the good news: Mango offers instruction in over 40 foreign languages, and it’s available anytime, anywhere for free through most libraries in the U.S.  Log in from home, on campus, or even from your smartphone.  Mango is designed to teach you practical content that you’ll actually use in the real world.  So ask your college library today if they offer Mango Languages.

For more on how Mango Languages can benefit academic institutions – or to sign up for a free trial – click here.

Adventures in Language Learning: Mango Fans Share “Moment of Pride”

This week we asked our Mango fans on Facebook to share with us their proudest language learning moment.  The responses we got were awesome.  Each of the stories – while unique – demonstrated how fruitful it can be to understand and communicate in a second language.  Here’s just a slice of the feedback we received:

• “In Tokyo, I was given the incorrect change when purchasing boat tickets… I was pretty proud when I politely pointed out the cashier’s mistake and he apologized and gave me the correct change.” – Alan D.
• “I outwitted a crooked cabbie in China, found a private club in Mexico, helped a Spaniard navigate the trains in Italy, and swept a cute French girl off her feet, but my happiest moments are when I can help foreigners right here in the USA.” – Donald S.
• “Haggling for art on Montmartre [in Paris]!” – Lola M.
• “I figured out how to purchase a cell phone at the mall in Chile years ago as an exchange student.  I was very proud that I was able to get all my questions understood and answered.” – Danielle S.

These stories of worldly adventure got us thinking about how helpful Mango can be to students who are planning to travel abroad.  While many students traveling overseas may be part of a foreign language program, there are a growing number of programs taught abroad in English that appeal to students of other disciplines, such as Art History, Ancient Civilizations, or International Studies.  Mango provides these student travelers with exposure to content that they will actually need when traveling to a foreign country.  You won’t find any lessons here about “the red cat sitting under table.”  We prefer to focus on practical content used in everyday conversations, such as: names and introductions, getting around, shopping and payment, dining, and asking for help.

And don’t forget the value of Mango’s unique culture notes!  Even if you’ve already taken French 101, Mango may teach you things you never knew about living in, getting around, and avoiding an embarrassing faux pas in France.

So before you book a ticket to study abroad in Italy or plan a volunteer trip to Latin America, make sure Mango is at the top of your prep list.  The experiences you’ll have will be enriched by your understanding of the language.  And who knows?  It may even get you out of a sticky situation…or lead you to love.

For more information on how Mango can benefit college and university students, check out our academic page.

Mango Languages: an A+ Resource for College Campuses

Fact: libraries love Mango, and Mango loves libraries.  But when it comes to our academic clients, we’ve found that Mango’s broad appeal makes it a hit not only at the library, but with many other programs as well.

Here’s just a few of the on-campus programs that Mango can benefit:

Career Center:  As a professional development tool, Mango can help students and alumni build in-demand language skills for the job market.

Study Abroad Program:  Mango prepares students for study abroad, volunteer trips, or international internship programs.

International Student Programs:  International and foreign exchange students benefit from Mango’s large selection of ESL (English as a second/foreign language) courses.

Alumni Association:  Alumni Associations can offer Mango as an attractive membership perk.

Faith-Based Organizations:  Mango can help members prepare for international missionary or volunteer trips.  Also, our specialized religious courses appeal to those who wish to explore Biblical texts in their original language.

So whether preparing to study abroad in China, trying to learn Spanish as a resume booster, or helping international students acquire practical English skills, Mango is the go-to resource to help students, alumni, and even faculty succeed in their mission to learn a foreign language.

To learn more about how Mango Languages can benefit academic institutions, click here.

Librarians Are Talking About Mango’s Newest Release

Last week, we introduced you to ‘Libby the Librarian’, Mango’s FREE  course developed specifically for librarians to learn Spanish.

‘Libby the Librarian’ was officially launched at this year’s ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim.  At the show, Libby got librarians talking – in Spanish, as well as English!  Check out the video below to see what they had to say!

We also had the chance to sit down with Patrick Sweeney, Branch Manager at the San Mateo County Library, to talk about how he’s going to use ‘Libby the Librarian’ to educate staff at his branch.

Ready to join in the fun?  Well, Libby’s ready to teach!  Click here to access the course.

Learn Tagalog with Mango: New Course Launches to Libraries and Institutions

Learn Tagalog online for free through your library!

To celebrate the recent release of Mango’s Tagalog course to libraries, I sat down with our resident Tagalog-speaker, Eon Rodrigo, for a little chat about the language and his native country, the Philippines.

Originally from Batac, Eon joined Mango’s creative team in 2011.  During our conversation, Eon offered up his advice to learn Tagalog, indulged us in his recommendations for top-notch Filipino food, and even provided insight into his favorite Tagalog word (you’ll never guess what it is!)  Read on below for more on my conversation with Eon.

learn tagalog

Tiffany Neumeyer:  Hi Eon, thanks for sitting down with me today.

Eon Rodrigo:  No problem.

TN:  For starters, could you tell our readers a little bit about your background?

ER:  Sure.  I was born in Batac, which is in the northern Phillipines.  Growing up, I spoke Ilocano at home, but both Tagalog and English were taught at school.  When I was three, my Dad emigrated to the United States in order to offer our family a better life.  Nine years later, my Mom and I were able to join him.

TN:  So you were 12 years old when you moved.  Were you completely fluent in English at that time?

ER:  Yes, but I spoke it with a very heavy accent, so I was extremely shy around other kids to begin with.  It actually took almost two years until I was able to completely drop my accent.  Watching TV – especially music videos – really helped me.

TN:  Since moving, have you had the chance to go back and visit the Philippines?

ER:  Yes, once, in 2005 – but I’m hoping to go back again sometime this year.

TN:  What is your favorite thing to do or see when you’re over there?

ER:  Obviously, catching up with family and friends is the most exciting and important thing.  But in my free time, I love spending time outdoors or going to the beach.  My family lives 30 minutes from the Pacific, so it’s an easy drive.  Plus, living in Michigan now – where it’s relatively flat – makes me appreciate the beautiful mountain landscape that surrounds my hometown in the Philippines.  Oh – and the food!  I can’t forget the food.  It’s awesome.

TN:  I bet.  Do you have a favorite dish?

ER:  It’s really hard to pick just one.  Given a few, I’d say chicken adobo, arroz caldo, and Ilocano empanadas.  The empanadas sold by the street vendors there just can’t be beaten.

TN:  Shifting gears to a completely random question: what would you say your favorite word or phrase in Tagalog is?

ER:  That is a random question!  I guess I would have to say “pare” (PAH-reh), which means “buddy” or “friend”.  It’s a pretty common word that you’d hear a lot on the streets.  Another word that I love is “kili kili” (kee-LEE, kee-LEE).

TN:  What does that mean?

ER:  Armpit!  I know it’s a strange word to like, but it just sounds so funny in Tagalog!

TN:  Haha, I have to agree with you there.  So Eon, what advice would you give to students learning Tagalog?

ER:  First of all, I would encourage them to try to think in the language as much as possible.  Just like with most foreign languages, it’s almost impossible to directly translate phrases from English into Tagalog.  So I would encourage students instead to focus on learning the rules and structure of the language – and then try to formulate sentences while thinking in Tagalog.  It’s much more effective than trying to directly translate from English.

Also, don’t be afraid to pronounce something incorrectly.  Most Tagalog words are written exactly as they sound – but even if you do make a mistake, that’s just part of the learning process!

TN:  Agreed 100 percent!  I’ve just got one final question, Eon.  What’s your favorite part of Mango’s Tagalog course?

ER:  There’s so many great features, but I personally like the Cultural Notes.  It’s a feature that I’ve enjoyed in all of Mango’s courses, not just Tagalog.  For me, to learn a foreign culture provides you with greater insight and understanding into the language.  For example, when is it appropriate or not appropriate to say certain things?  When should a formal or informal case be used?  These are all things that are important to consider when learning a foreign language.

TN:  Eon, thanks so much for giving up some of your time to sit down with me today.  I really appreciate it!  And readers – don’t forget to check out Mango’s newest library course and learn Tagalog!

To find a library near you that offers Mango, click here.

Eon’s favorite Mango feature is the Cultural Notes.  What do you like best about learning with Mango?

ALA Midwinter: Be Our Date.

Preparations are already underway for Mango’s booth at ALA Midwinter 2013 (Jan. 25^th – Jan. 28^th) and this year the theme is all about LOVE.  Celebrating the love we have for our clients and the fantastic relationships we have built over the years.  So there’s just one question to ask: will you be our date?

We can’t wait to talk to you about the exceptional value Mango can provide to your campus.  Not only will you have a chance to see our products in action, but you also get to learn about all the value-added offerings Mango provides to help you get the most out of your subscription.  What’s more, we’ve got treats!  So be sure to drop by booth #1215 and try some of our Mango-love infused smoothies.

And what’s a great date without some memories?  On Saturday, you’ll be able to capture your visit by having fun at our on-site photo booth.  Plus, every day of the show we’ll giving away a free gift to each visitor and providing the chance to win even more awesome prizes!

So whether you want to learn more about who we are, demo our products, or just have some Mango fun, we’re ready to take our relationship to the next level.  Can’t wait to see you at ALA!

xoxo Mango

Cheers to Oktoberfest

“O zapft ‘is!” These are the words (a Bavarian term meaning, “it’s tapped!”) that each year mark the start of Munich’s massive Oktoberfest celebrations.  And when we say massive (or riesig, as Germans would say), we really mean massive.  Last year’s Oktoberfest pulled in approximately 6.4 million visitors, who collectively consumed about 7.1 million liters of beer!  (In addition to almost 90,000 liters of wine, more than 119,000 pork sausages, and over 500,000 units of chicken!)

While many tourists of course focus on beer as the primary attraction of Oktoberfest, the festival truly has so much more to offer in terms of entertainment, culture, and fun.  Take for example, the fantastic Bavarian bands that play in the beer tents from morning to night.  They keep the crowds alive with a hearty mix of traditional songs, Schlager (kitschy pop music popularized during the 60s and 70s), and modern hits….stopping every so often to lead the crowd in a “Prosit”, or musical toast, after which the crowd lift their massive krugs of beer in the air and chant the phrase “oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!” (a toast in Bavarian dialect which means “one, two, three, drink up!”)

But the music isn’t the only thing to envy about the Oktoberfest.  They also serve an array of fantastic food, including Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinehaxen (pork knuckles), Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Schoko-oderglasierteFrüchte (chocolate-covered or glazed fruits) and Lebkuchenherzen (heart-shaped gingerbread cookies).  The Lebkuchenherzen are sold on hanging ribbons and each are emblazoned with a term/phrase of endearment written in icing (like Ichhabdich so lieb = “I love you so much,” or Schatz = “sweetheart,” literally “treasure”).  Oktoberfest-goers like to purchase these treats for their significant others, so it’s not uncommon to see men and women walking around with a Lebkuchenherz hanging from their neck.  Some choose to eat the gingerbread right away while others hang it on their wall at home as a souvenir from the festival, allowing it to dry out and become an ornament.

And you can’t forget the rides!  Each year a number of carnival rides, including a full roller-coaster, are constructed on the Theresienwiese (meaning “the field, or meadow, of Therese”) in Munich.  The Theresienwieseis often just called “theWiesn” for short, so if you hear somebody saying “I’ll meet you on the Wiesn,” that means that they’re planning to meet you at the Oktoberfest!

In celebration of Oktoberfest, we are offering an Oktoberfest course for a limited time. So  jump into your lederhosen and learn how speak, and not just yodel,  German for Oktoberfest. Click HERE to start learning!

Do you have a special way of celebrating Oktoberfest?  Have you ever been to Oktoberfest in Munich?  Please share with us your favorite stories about this festive time of year!

Travel Tuesday: My Big Fat Bavarian Wedding

At first, the idea seemed crazy to me.  It was March of 2010 and I had just gotten engaged to my boyfriend of 6 years.  We were living in Germany, and he had spontaneously proposed during an afternoon hike close to his Bavarian hometown.  Following on the heels of our engagement, we made the decision to return to Bavaria the following year to celebrate for our wedding.  The only problem?  We also planned to move back to the States in the meantime!  In fact, the time between our engagement and our departure back to the States was so tight, that we were only left with one day to look for a suitable venue.  None of those we saw ended up being our “dream location.”

And so it was in April of that year, that I headed back to the United States with a full list of “to-dos” to complete from more than 3000 miles away.  From day one, I had to be realistic about many things: like, for example, that my wedding wouldn’t be full of the many DIY details that I had fawned over in bridal blogs.  It just wouldn’t be logistically possible to ship decorations over from the States, so I would have to make do with the linens provided by the venue, plus a few IKEA-bought candles that we could easily pick up over there (FYI – Germany has more IKEA stores than any other country, which explains why most homes there look like a page out of the catalogue!)

The inherent cultural differences between Germany and the US also posed a few additional bumps along the way, as I found that my expectations didn’t always align with the outcome or options I was met with.  Like the fact that none of my vendors asked for a deposit – except for my photographer, who was American.  While this may seem like a dream, given the cost of most weddings, keep in mind that deposits also offer protection.  It was only after our officiant randomly gave away our date 6 months after booking that we actually began to ask our vendors if we could put down a deposit (as you can imagine, most said yes!).  I also found it difficult to locate a baker that could reproduce the dream of a modern 4-tiered cake that I had held in my head for years.  In Germany, the norm still leans towards plainer, more traditional cakes – most commonly, flat heart-shaped cakes covered in fruit.

But the thing is, after several months of trying to contrive my wedding to be the event I had always imagined it to be – I stopped.  I realized that it simply wasn’t going to look like the weddings I had seen in American magazines…but that this was a good thing!   I had chosen to have my wedding in Germany for a reason, and I needed to embrace what it would mean to have a German wedding with American flair…rather than trying to have an “American wedding” in Germany!  Once I came to this realization, I began to treasure the cultural surprises, rather being than be thrown by them.  Not only did this make for a much less stressful planning experience, it also made for some incredible adventures too!

So while a having an overseas wedding meant that I had to give up control about many things, it also means that I now get to tell my kids I was married in a palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) and that I incorporated several different languages into my ceremony.  I also get to show them the formal pictures I took in Munich’s main square (Marienplatz) and recount memories of having tourists follow me to take pictures.  So if you’d ask me if I’d go back and change anything – I’d say no, not in a million years.

Have you ever attended a wedding or another type of celebration abroad?  What kind of cultural differences did you experience?

In the Limelight Mangolight

What is round, delicious and read all over? Mangoes of course.  Check out what libraries like yours are saying about Mango in the news, online and in print:

Going global with Mango Languages: Freed-Hardeman University
Students can access Mango on their iPhone^® and Android™ mobile devices to learn on-the-go.

Huntley Area Public Library

Mango Languages Day, tampabay.com
Safety Harbor Public Library hosted a Mango Day to celebrate National Learn a Language Month.

More than a Library, Portage Lake District Library
Going to the library no longer has to mean walking through the doors.