Mango Languages

Intuitive Language Construction – Part IV Culture

We are excited to continue sharing our language learning methodology–we call it the linguistic science behind the Mango Languages Online Language Learning Software.

Intuitive Language Construction was developed after looking at current products on the market and listening to feedback from users. The one thing we heard over and over is that they wanted a program that was fun, easy, completely integrated, and that included the following components:

1. Vocabulary (Click to see previous post)
2. Pronunciation (Click to see previous post)
3. Grammar (Click to see previous post)
4. Culture
5. Comprehension
6. Retention

In this post we are going to discuss the fourth component of Intuitive Language Construction…Culture.  This is another big difference in the Intuitive Language Construction methodology.

Mango integrates cultural notes and tips into every lesson, ensuring our students develop an understanding for the expectations, traditions, and etiquette of the people with whom they want to communicate.   Most language learning systems simply ignore culture, but at Mango we think it really is critical to a student’s success in a foreign country.

For example, imagine you didn’t understand the difference between formal and informal greetings.  You wouldn’t want to walk into a meeting with your new boss and exclaim, “Hey Dude. What’s up?”  It would be inappropriate, and in some cultures, it would be a really big offense!  It could possibly even get you fired.

At the same time, you wouldn’t want to be introduced to a new friend at a café, and say something like “I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.”  That’s a little too formal and can be off-putting.

Understanding culture helps people understand which conversational tools are most appropriate for which situations and which audiences.  Our curriculum is developed by native speaking professional language teachers – many of whom teach at the university level and hold PhDs.  They really understand the cultural challenges that a learner will face for a specific language, and they carefully design each learning experience to help students overcome those challenges.  You just can’t get that through the common word and phrase lists that other learning systems offer.

Why do you think culture is important in the language learning process?  Or do you have a funny cross cultural story to share?

Intuitive Language Construction – Part III Grammar

We are excited to continue sharing our language learning methodology–we call it the linguistic science behind the Mango Languages Online Language Learning Software.

Intuitive Language Construction was developed after looking at current products on the market and listening to feedback from users.  The one thing we heard over and over is that they wanted a program that was fun, easy, completely integrated, and that included the following components:

1. Vocabulary (Click to see previous post)
2. Pronunciation (Click to see previous post)
3. Grammar
4. Culture
5. Comprehension
6. Retention

In this post we are going to discuss the third component of Intuitive Language Construction…Grammar.  Grammar is the way the words combine to form sentences, and this is really at the core of what makes our Intuitive Language Construction methodology unique.

Many other language learning systems minimize the importance of grammar by teaching you simply to utter phrases and vocabulary rather than to carry on a real conversation.  I think this is so strange, because when I was in school all of my teachers stressed how important grammar is.  Unfortunately, it is underserved in most language learning tools.

Mango is different.  Because Intuitive Language Construction is based on real conversations, Mango students are continually learning sentence structure and grammar in addition to vocabulary and pronunciation and culture.

Mango incorporates a variety of grammar tools such as semantic color mapping, literal translations, grammar notes, and critical thinking exercises, which help users learn to adapt their skills and apply them to similar conversations.

They start to identify and recognize linguistic patterns, and they come to understand intuitively how to recombine the pieces they learn to construct new meanings.  The coolest part of it all is that this knowledge is acquired without the student even realizing they are learning it.  We really should call it “stealth grammar” because it sneaks up on you.  Grammar doesn’t have to be hard, but it is an essential part of learning a foreign language.

What do you think language would be like without grammar?

Intuitive Language Construction – Part I Vocabulary

When learning a foreign language it is important to understand the Linguistic Science behind the book, tapes, or in our case, the online language learning software. Mango Languages is very excited to share our foreign language learning methodology.

Intuitive Language Construction was developed after looking at current products on the market and listening to users and what they wanted.  The one thing we heard over and over is they wanted a program that was fun, easy, and completely integrated.

We listened.

Mango Languages includes the following components:

1. Vocabulary
2. Pronunciation
3. Grammar
4. Culture
5. Comprehension
6. Retention

In this post, lets first look at vocabulary.  These are the words themselves that make up the language.

Most language learning systems focus a lot, if not solely on vocabulary…and there’s no doubt that it’s important. However, Mango focuses on the words and phrases that will be usable in common, real life situations for the language and culture you’re studying.

Mango helps you understand context and makes the most of your valuable time. Vocabulary words are given to you in the form a conversation, rather than just a list.   Some systems provide long lists of terms all at once, making it difficult to follow and learn how all the components work together. Others provide individual “flashcards,” but not a complete conversation, making the vocabulary much less useful since there is no context for the words.  Ultimately, spending hours going through stacks of cards just isn’t fun, but after using Mango you can actually hold a conversation and communicate, which really is the point of learning a foreign language, right?

What do you think is the most important part of a language learning product?

All About Mango Webinar

Mango Languages is the fastest, easiest, and absolutely the most effective way to learn to speak a foreign language.

Currently, 1 in 5 libraries and nearly 70 million patrons have access to Mango Languages.

Join us for a one hour Webinar to learn more about:

1. Language Learning Trends
2. The Mango Methodology
3. Our Product Offerings
4. A Lesson in Action

Space is limited. Reserve your seat now by clicking the appropriate link below!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
REGISTER

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
2:00 PM – 3:00PM EST
REGISTER

Thursday, February 4, 2010
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
REGISTER

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees require: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees require: Mac OS ®S X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Can’t wait to see you!

Getting Mango Languages Set Up

We are just as excited as you are to get your library up and running with access to Mango Languages! Because it may take you some time to gather the necessary information, Mango gives you the opportunity to register your settings at your own pace. Below is a FAQ that will help ensure a smooth integration.

1. I have an administrator account and I am ready to configure my library settings, where do I go? Visit our Mango Administration Portal (also known as the MAP) at http://libraries.mangolanguages.com and login with your email address and password to begin registering your library settings.

2. I’m not sure if I have an administrator account? Simply ask your sales representative to check for you or set you up with one.  It only takes a moment and will be required for checking future statistics, requesting promotional materials, and accessing to your library’s settings. Once you have been setup with an account, you will receive an activation email from Mango. Follow the link in the email to activate your account.

3. I have an administrator account, but I am not the person who handles setup. No problem, we have made it possible for you to add other administrators to the account to register your settings. To do so, login to your account first, select the “Admins” tab and add another administrator (you will be asked to enter a name and valid email address).

4. How do I register my settings and give my patrons access to Mango? To begin registering your settings, make sure you are logged into your administrator account and that your account says “Setup Mode.”  From there, select the “Settings” tab at the top of the page. Once you have determined how you want Mango to authenticate users, select the “edit” button next to each section and follow the instructions. Make sure to save your settings when you are finished.

5. What is the URL I use to link to Mango? This is found at the top of the integration page highlighted in a yellow box and will give your patrons access to Mango both in-library and remotely.

6. How do I obtain a promotional items for my library website? A press release and logos are available for download from the “promote” tab located in the MAP.

7. My settings are complete, when will my library’s link to Mango work? Now that you have registered your settings, your integration is almost finished. Please allow 1 business day for your settings to be approved and the account to be activated.

8. Why does my library not show up in the library locator? As soon as your account has been activated and your library has added the link to Mango, we will add you to our locator.

Please give us your feedback!  We want to hear your suggestions for improving the MAP to better assist your library’s needs!