Mango Languages

Happy new year! Yes, we know it’s August.

Remember that resolution you made to learn a new language this year?

You only have five months left. But don’t panic.

We’ll whip you into prime language-learning shape in time to wish your friends and family a happy new year in Italian. Or maybe chat up some charming locals in Brazilian Portuguese on your holiday vacation.

Just call us coach Mango. We’d tell you to get off your couch and get started but there’s really no need. Stay where you are and grab your computer or your phone. We’re bringing the language learning and motivation to you.

Day 1 to-do:

Login and complete at least one lesson today. It only takes around 15 minutes. Let us know what you’ve learned today on the Mango Facebook page or on Twitter @mangolanguages!

Like and follow Mango for daily motivation and ideas on how to make your language learning journey even more fun.  Share the conversation or join in with the hashtag #LanguageResolution.

This is the year. Let’s do this together.

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.

It’s a Mango social: now share your progress on Facebook and Twitter

Earn social badges and share your language learning progress with friends when you access Mango through your library.

Show off.
You can now let you friends and followers know when you’ve finished a Mango lesson or chapter by posting to Facebook and Twitter from within the course.

Game on.
Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed.  With every chapter you complete, you’ll unlock a new Mango badge as a reward for your progress. Post your badges to Facebook and Twitter to strike up some friendly competition with fellow Mango users.

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

Want to learn a new language free through your library? Head to findmango.com to find Mango Languages in a library near you to get started.

Language Learning Myths: Everyone Speaks English

“Everyone speaks English.”

They don’t. Myth dispelled.

And even if they do, you’re much more likely to make new friends or at least encounter polite locals if you learn enough for basic communication in their language.

Story time:

Il y avait une fois (once upon a time), I was staying in the francophone province of Québec, Canada when I called for a cab to the airport. The driver spoke to me in heavily-accented English, not knowing that I speak French.

Having spent all my Canadian money on maple syrup scented candles the day before, I asked him if he accepted credit cards in his cab.

He became furious, mumbling in French about disrespectful Americans who don’t even bother to exchange their money.

So I responded en français, apologizing and saying I could call a different cab or asking if it would be better if we stop at a guichet automatique (ATM) on the way so I could withdraw more Canadian money.

He completely changed.

He wanted to know how I learned French, why I was in Québec and wanted to make sure I visited his favorite spot for late night poutine. We stopped at the guichet automatique and chatted in French all the way to the airport.

When we arrived though, he wouldn’t accept my money. He told me to keep the Canadian cash; that this way, I would have to keep my promise to come back to Canada.

Speaking the native language might not always equal free cab rides. But it will equal a better overall experience abroad and friendlier locals.

Do you have any examples of a time when knowing the local language has completely changed your experience while traveling?

Mango Languages: Academic Libraries Love Mango

Why should public libraries get to have all the fun? Did you know that Mango Languages is available to academic institutions, as well? Check out these case studies below to see how these colleges and universities are using Mango to help their students start a conversation – and keep it going.

Troy University Librares: Making language learning part of campus life

Mango Languages, in use at Troy University since 2008, has helped bridge the gap to give hundreds of international students access to an English language learning resource they can use as needed, and prepare students and professionals for international travel. As Mango is accessible over the internet, users can log in and practice from home, using their computers, tablets or the iPhone and Android apps- giving them the ability to practice and improve their skills on their own time.

Pittsburgh State University: Giving a university library new value for students and staff

“I love Mango—it’s one of our most-used databases and it gets people talking about the library. It’s not a typical purchase for us since it’s not focused on research, but it allows us to promote the library to the wider university community, since it’s something everyone can use.”

-Susan Schreiner
Pittsburgh State University, Leonard H. Axe Library

Hope International University: Global vision, global resources

With students traveling across the world for mission trips, including many to countries speaking less commonly taught languages, Mango Languages at Hope allows for the university to support students and provide them the resources they need without a large foreign language department.

Maybe the most important and valuable use of the language learning software at Hope is with its large Korean exchange student population. Mango gives these students a way to practice their spoken English and refine their skills, as well as adding helpful cultural tips and advice, that make their transition to an American university as smooth as possible.

Jackson State Community College: Language learning an “ace in the hole” for the college library

“Mango is my ace in the hole—a strong promotional tool for my library because it’s fun, inviting and useful. As a former language teacher myself, I’ve been extremely impressed with its methodology. Mango staff go above and beyond in working with us to make sure our needs are met—and the free promotional resources are fantastic!”

-Scott Cohen
, Jackson State Community College

Spanish is the only foreign language class offered at Jackson State Community College, but, thanks to Mango Languages, it’s just one of over 40 foreign languages available to students. Within the next few years, the college will launch a study abroad program, with the library—and Mango—playing a vital role in preparing students for the language and cultural needs of living in a foreign country. Particularly at a small community college, language learning truly can open up the world for students.

Want to learn more about what Mango can do for your academic institution? Sign up for a webinar below!

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.

3 Ways to Make Language Learning Suck.*

*sometimes mangoes are facetious.

Want to wake up dreading to learn a new language? Looking to hate every second of it? Follow these simple steps:

1. Make it tough to access.

The less accessible, the easier to put off. Make sure you have to go through a lot of steps to get started like having to sift through piles of CDs stuffed in your desk drawer.

Foreign language learning mobile apps? Forget it. Make sure you can only learn tethered to an uncomfortable desk chair.

2. Make it super boring.

Think of your least favorite middle school teacher. You know the one. Make sure your experience feels like you’re stuck back in those little desks.

3. Make it impractical.

Being able to use what you’re learning in a new language is too fun. Here are some of the top phrases you should be learning:

The boy eats the elephant.
The tired man sat on the purple bus.
The young girl likes to waterski.

To learn a new language is a lot of work. It’s never easy. But it can be simple. And it doesn’t have to suck.

Mango is easy to access.
You may even have free access through your public library. Go to our website and and click on the library locator at the bottom of the page to find out.

You can learn remotely online at home in your PJ’s. Bonus points if you can find PJ’s with mangoes on them.

Take language learning with you wherever you go with our mobile apps for Android and iPhone mobile devices.

See? Super easy to access.

Mango is not boring.
With interactive features like phonetic pop-ups and a voice comparison tool that lets you hear your accent compared to a native speaker, you won’t be able to wait for the next lesson.

Mango is practical.
Here’s the deal: Mango takes practical conversations, splits them up into bite-sized parts, teaches you those parts and shows you how to build the original conversation and others. It doesn’t get much more practical than that.

Give un-sucky language learning a try with Mango Languages.

Thanks, St. Clair County Library System

A big Pirate shout out to our friends at the St. Clair County Library System (Michigan), where our program was recently celebrated in a major way. At their Pirate Day on June 27, patrons and staff members of all ages dressed up like scallywags to promote the Mango Languages Pirate course. Patrons walked the plank, viewed a live fencing demonstration, created a parrot for a pirate craft, and had everyone laughing with pirate jokes. Kids and parents alike had a swashbuckling good time! Everyone was thrilled to learn how to speak Pirate through Mango (in addition to our other 40+ languages) and every pirate went home with some booty – a Mango bookmark!

What an awesome way to get your patrons talking – in any language! Virtual “high five” to the St. Clair County Library System!

Mango’s Making Waves

Felicidades to Mango CEO, Jason Teshuba, a semi-finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year program in the category of Services.  The prestigious program has been around for more than 25 years and celebrates those in the community who exhibit the qualities of a true leader. This title is especially noteworthy for Jason, as “entrepreneurial spirit” is one of our core values at Mango Languages, along with positive attitude, innovation, integrity, quality, and fundipline. Congratulations to Jason and the entire Mango team for all of the hard work and for continuing to make a difference in the community!

Click here to see a full list of all of the winners and learn more about the Entrepreneur of the Year program.