Mango Languages

Come Again? 4 Tips for Understanding Non-Standard Dialects and Accents.

9 years ago, as I embarked on my freshman year at college, I decided to start studying German.  I had a laundry list of good reasons to pursue language education, but the truth is that there was one stood out from the rest…his name was Michael.

Like so many others before me, I had fallen starry-eyed in love with a foreigner and wanted to learn the language so that I could communicate with his family and friends.  But I quickly learned that my lessons in hochdeutsch (“high German” or standard German) left me scratching my head when it came to understanding my boyfriend (now, husband) and those close to him.

Trying to understand a non-standard dialect can be a real headache.

That’s because Michael is from the southernmost parts of Bavaria, where a distinct dialect of German is spoken.  I compare it to the differences between British English and the Scottish or Australian accent.  The pronunciation is different enough that, as a non-native speaker, you really have to work to understand it.

It’s taken a lot of time and patience for me to get acclimated to the dialect, and I still struggle when engaging with those with a particularly strong accent.  But I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that may help those in a similar situation:

1)   Use your ears.

This is undoubtedly my #1 tip.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to just listen to those around you.  Even though we live in the U.S., I always listen attentively when Michael is on the phone to his parents.  Since he’s usually telling them about recent events in our life, it’s easy to pick up on what he’s talking about.  Then, I can use those contextual clues to understand what he’s saying.  For example, I recently listened to a conversation he had with a friend and heard him use the word “Buidl” over and over again.  Eventually, from context, it clicked that he was talking about pictures/photos that we had recently taken, and that “Buidl” was the Bavarian word for “Bild”.

2)   Look for signs (literally).

If you have a chance to visit the region or country where the dialect is spoken, you may see written clues in your surroundings that will help decipher dialect-specific vocabulary.  For example, I learned that Bavarians also use the word “Dirndl” (which is the word for the traditional women’s dress – see picture below) to mean “girl”, when I saw it written on a ladies’ room door.  Now, it’s important to note that not all dialects have their own vocabulary or spellings any different than the standard dialect – and even if they do, it may be considered “unofficial”, as most Bavarian words are.  (For example, while you may see Bavarian written on a restaurant menu or used between friends on Facebook, you’d never see it written on an official document or used in a business setting.)

A “dirndl” in a dirndl.

3)   Check out Forvo.

Words cannot express my love for this website.  Forvo provides a huge online database of recorded vocabulary that is crowdsourced by users.  All you have to do it search for a word and Forvo will provide you with a list of all the recorded versions that are available.  Each sound clip indicates which country the speaker is originally from, so you can note the pronunciation differences between each accent.  With almost 300 languages represented, Forvo is a great source for those seeking to improve their pronunciation or become acclimated for a particular accent.

4)   Just ask!

Sometimes, you just have to ask.  Particular words or phrases in my husband’s dialect are so different from standard German, that without asking for clarification, I’d have little hope.  I often find myself requesting “langsamer, bitte” (slower please) or “was bedeutet das?” (what does that mean?) in order to get by.  And don’t be ashamed!  Chances are, you’re not the only one struggling.  I’ve been told multiple times by northern German speakers that they also have difficultly understanding the southern Bavarian accent.  And I’m sure that American English speakers can empathize with the difficulty to understand strong Scottish or Irish accents.  It just takes time and patience, so don’t get yourself down!

Have you ever struggled to understand a non-standard dialect or accent?  What did you do to acclimate?

Mango, Dr. Seuss Style.

Looking for a fun way to promote Mango that will really get your patrons excited?  You might want to take a note from the super-creative folks over at Bedford Public Library.  When they told us about their plan to launch a “Seussified Mango Poem Contest”, we couldn’t help but get excited.  It’s such a unique way to promote the database – and one that all patrons of all ages can enjoy!

Here’s an excerpt from one of the winning entries:

It’s known by all the world ’round
Languages all have a sound
Where you make it, you’ll be known
Among the foreign as their own.

So join us on a learning trip.
You’ll like it; it’s done in a zip.
It’ll be Fred and Ginger, you and me-o
Flying all together down to Rio.

We’ll speak the lingo and we’ll tango
Thanks to the language system Mango.

Would you like to host a Mango-themed contest at your library?  Or maybe you’d like to get other ideas for promoting Mango to your patrons?  We’re here to support you – just contact your Client Care Rep!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patricks Day is is quickly approaching  and Mango Languages has just what you need to speak a little Irish on St. Patricks Day. But first, check out some of these fun trivia facts about this green holiday:

• The very first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not in Ireland. It was in Boston in 1737.
• Green is associated with Saint Patrick’s Day because it is the color of spring, of Ireland, and of the shamrock.
• 19 Presidents of the United States proudly claim Irish heritage—including our first President, George Washington.
• There are four places in the United States named Shamrock (West Virginia, Texas, Indiana, Oklahoma) and nine Dublin’s (Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio are most populous)

Using our Irish course, you won’t only learn how to converse in Irish, but you’ll also learn some insight into the Irish culture.

And if you’d like to ask someone if they would like something to drink…

Or if you find yourself on the receiving side of that question…

From everyone at Mango, we wish you a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day!

5 Ways to Overcome a Language-Learning “Rut”

It happens to the best of us.  Sometimes you just get stuck in a language-learning “rut”.  Overwhelmed by cases and conjugations, the learning experience doesn’t seem fun anymore.

For those of you who find yourself in this situation, we’ve got a few tips to help you “fire up” the engine and breathe new life into your studies.

1)   Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself

If you’re spending all your learning time engaged in lessons and review, you’re missing a big part of the language-learning experience.  Take some time to sit back and simply immerse yourself in a foreign environment.  Don’t worry about understanding every word – just allow the context of the situation to help you fill in the missing pieces and pick new vocabulary.  Don’t worry, you don’t need to travel to make this work.  Simply tune in to a foreign radio station online or pick up a foreign magazine or newspaper.  Try watching YouTube clips in the language or listening to a song.  In the age of the Internet, there’s a million great ways you can immerse yourself in language and culture – and they’re all at your fingertips!

2)   Review

If you’re frustrated or overwhelmed by your studies, it’s probably not a good time to start learning new material.  Why not take a break and review the things you’ve already learned?  Not only will it help you retain what you’ve learned so far, it will also remind you of how far you’ve come – and probably give you the boost you need to keep going!

3)   Make it fun

Language-learning doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be!) a boring experience.  Try thinking about the things you like doing in your native language (for example: reading blogs, interacting on social media, listening to certain genres of music, watching stand-up comedy, cooking, etc.)  Now simply look for ways to do those things in a foreign language environment.  For example: read a foreign blog, “like” a foreign Facebook page, watch stand-up comedy clips on YouTube, purchase a foreign-language cookbook.  Anything you can do to immerse a little bit more language into your everyday experience will help push you towards comprehension and fluency.

4)   Make friends/connections

Nowadays it’s easier than ever to connect with people from other countries and cultures.  A great way to start looking for conversation partners is to simply go to Facebook or Google and search for foreign language organizations in your area.  Or you could search Meetup to look for foreign language events.  Even just joining in on foreign language conversations on Facebook or Twitter can help you pick up the language and make connections with people from that country.  If you find a conversation partner who doesn’t live within driving distance, just use Skype to video chat for free.

5)   Set timelines and goals

Achieving fluency isn’t easy, no matter what language you’re studying.  It takes time, commitment and practice.  So when the journey seems overwhelming, it can help to break down your goals into smaller steps or milestones.  Pull out the calendar and set some deadlines for yourself.  For example: “by the end of the week, I need to achieve 3 hours of learning” or “by the end of the month, I need to complete chapter 1 of Mango.”  Goals can also be theme oriented, such as: “by April 1^st, I want to memorize a comprehensive list of food-related vocabulary.

So if you find yourself stuck in a rut, feeling a little bit uninspired, we hope these ideas will help spur your language-learning love back to life!

How do you stay motivated and interested in language-learning?

Happy International Mother Language Day!

“The language of our thoughts and our emotions is our most valuable asset. Multilingualism is our ally in ensuring quality education for all, in promoting inclusion and in combating discrimination. ”
- Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

Today is  International Mother Language Day, which is meant to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism. It was originally announced in 1999 by UNESCO and has been in observance since February 2000.

Do you have any plans to celebrate your Mother language today? Here are different suggestions on how you can celebrate in your own way:

1) Read a poem, story or book in your mother language
2) Do you know someone who has a different mother language than you? Ask them to share a short song or poem in that language. Or maybe teach you a couple of words.
3) Watch a film in your mother language. Or celebrate someone else’s mother language and watch a film with them in their language with subtitles in your language.
4) Visit your local library to explore their foreign language book offerings and check out if they have Mango Languages.  ;)
5) Use Mango Languages to practice a language you’re learning or celebrate by trying to learn a new one.
6) Check out your local university communities to look for cultural events, discussions, celebrations, and festivals
7) Learn more about endangered languages and what individuals and organizations, including UNESCO, are doing to help prevent different languages becoming extinct.
8) Visit UNESCO.org to learn more about International Mother Language day and what different organizations around the world are doing.

Do you have any other suggestions on how to celebrate this multilingual day? 

10 Tips for Traveling in Germany

So if you’ve been reading our blog this past month, you may have seen the last two posts I wrote in which I shared a few of the red-faced, cultural faux-pas moments I have experienced over the years.  In case you missed it, you can check out them out here and here.

To wrap up the series, I’m going to divert from the topic just a bit to share a few cultural lessons that I wish I had learned before traveling to Germany.  Luckily, my ignorance on these topics never led to an overtly embarrassing moment – but knowing about them definitely would have made my life easier!  So for any of you planning a trip to Deutschland in the future, consider these tips my little gift (“mein kleines Geschenk”):

1)   This is how the number ‘seven’ is generally written in Germany:

And this is what the ‘one’ usually looks like:

Mix them up (like I did, on at least one occasion) and you’ll end up calling a very confused German.

2)   If you order “Wasser” (water) at a restaurant, you will more than likely be served a glass of sparkling water.  If you feel the same way I do about sparkling water, then this is an outcome you’d probably like to avoid.  Just remember to clarify when you’re ordering by saying “stilles Wasser” (still water) or “Wasser ohne Kohlensäure” (water without carbonation).

3)   I know I mentioned this is my last post, but I think it’s important, so I’m going to say it again.  Whatever you do, be sure to look the other person in the eye when making a toast.  You’ll find that most Germans are very serious about this – it’s a sign of bad luck to divert your eyes!

4)   Don’t expect to find stores open on Sunday.  Restaurants and gas stations are generally the only places with Sunday hours, so be sure to get all your shopping done on Saturday.  You don’t want to run out of something vital (read: toilet paper) and have nowhere to go.

5)   Despite what you may have heard, speed limits (Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzungen – there’s a fun word for you!) do exist in Germany.  It’s true that many stretches of the Autobahn (freeway) are limitless, but over 50% have a posted speed limit, particularly within populated areas.

6)   Jaywalking is never a good idea, but especially not in Germany.  You’ll find that most Germans are pretty respectful of pedestrian laws, so have patience and wait for the Ampelmann (“traffic light man”, as you’d see at most cross walks).

7)   When visiting a German household, don’t be surprised if you see your host switch from outdoor shoes to indoor shoes (commonly known as “Hausschuhe” or “house shoes”) the minute they walk through the door.  In fact, they may even offer you your own pair of shoes to wear while visiting their home!  Most German houses have tiled or wooded floors, so the shoes are used to provide comfort and warmth while walking around at home.

8)   Should you be seek the comforts of home and stop at a German McDonalds, be warned: the condiments will cost you!  Ketchup, mustard, and mayo are sold in packets, so you’ve got to decide how much you think you’ll need and pay accordingly.

9)   Relax and enjoy breakfast.  When I first visited my husband’s family in Germany in 2004, I was blown away by the production that was “Frühstück”.  Baskets of bread rolls and pretzels, endless platters of meat and cheese, bowls of fruit and yogurt, even a serving of cake.  To put it in a word, I was amazed.  Not just by the food, but also by the feeling of community and togetherness that these breakfasts create.  There was no rush, we’d sit for a couple hours chatting and enjoying each other’s company.  To be sure, this kind of thing isn’t a daily event for most Germans.  Usually these longer breakfasts are enjoyed on the weekends with friends and family – but I can tell you it’s a great thing to look forward to!

10)  This is mostly important in Bavaria, but still worth sharing: Weißwurst is boiled, never grilled.  And always eaten before noon.  My Bavarian-born husband still cringes every time he sees a Weißwurst thrown on a grill here in the States.

I hope you enjoyed my little insight into the German culture!  For those of you who are culture fans, be sure to check out one of my favorite aspects of the Mango program: the Culture Notes.  Popping up several times a chapter, they guide you like a friend, providing gentle nudges on what-to-do and what-not-to-do.  They also provide a great little “brain break” from all the language-learning you’re doing and keep you interested in the lesson!

What’s your favorite part about the Mango program?  Is there a particularly good cultural lesson that you learned?

Don’t forget to “Prost!”

Earlier this month, I posted a blog about the cultural faux pas I committed in Germany when using the wrong form of “you” (the informal “du”, instead of the formal “Sie”) in an exchange with a stranger.  In case you missed it, you can read the post here.

This week, I’m going to continue the series by telling you about another cultural faux pas I committed – but this time, it was actually on American soil!

Over the holidays, my German-born husband, Mike, and I met up with a couple of his German friends in a nearby city.  On the first night of our stay, we went out to dinner at a local pub.  The style of the restaurant was casual – you’d order your drinks and food at the counter, and then take a number back to your seat so that the server knew where to find you.

My husband and I ordered first, and then I scouted out a place to sit while Mike helped his friends finish their order.  While I settled into the booth, my drink order arrived ahead of the food.  Parched from an hour of walking, I started to sip my drink as I waited for the others.  Within a few minutes, the rest of the group arrived – as well as their drink order.  It was at that point that Mike’s friend, Florian, lifted his glass in a toast.  I looked around and realized that I was the only one who had touched my drink up until that point.

A few minutes later, my food and my husband’s food arrived.  As is customary, we waited to eat until his friends’ orders were also delivered.  Once everyone had their dishes, we started to dig in.  I could tell from the look on our guests’ faces that they seemed surprised that we had waited so long to start.  A few moments later, Mike leaned forward explained: “in the States, people generally don’t start eating until everyone’s food is on the table.  But you usually start your drink as soon as it arrives.”

“Ahhh!” responded both of his friends in unison.  I could tell from the look on their faces that they now understood why I had started my drink in advance of them.  But I did feel slightly embarrassed about my own cultural oblivion and the fact that I may have come off rude to our guests.

Throughout the course of their stay, I made sure to follow the European etiquette and held off starting my drink until customary toast had passed – at least at the beginning of dinner.  Breakfast and lunch were often less formal.

I also found that the toast itself generally plays out differently in the German culture than an American would expect.  Signaling the beginning of a meal, the toast is a sign of respect that can be preceded by “zum Wohl” (to your health), “Prost” (cheers) or a message to your guests.  Glasses are clinked one-by-one (rather than in a group cluster) and you must be sure to look the other person in the eye when you tap their glass.  If you think I am kidding about this, just try it in Germany.  Chances are, the other person won’t let you get away with averted eyes – lest you both suffer seven years bad luck, as says the widely-known old wives tale!

So you can be sure that next time I’m in Germany – or the next time I host German guests – I’ll leave my glass put until the meal officially begins.  And if a toast is involved, I’ll definitely be making eye contact!  Prost!

Have you ever experienced a cultural faux pas?  Share your story and we may feature it on our blog!

Ringing in the new year…in four new languages.

Want to learn Romanian?  Good news: Mango has a course for that.  And for Swahili, Modern Standard Arabic, and Egyptian Arabic – four new courses released today to our complete database subscribers.  Expanding our language offerings is just one of the many ways we’re working to make Mango sweeter, both for you and your patrons in 2013.

The new year also means it is time for us to travel to Seattle for the 2013 ALA Midwinter Conference.  Stop by booth #1215 to learn more about these four new courses and all the ways Mango shows our love for clients.  Tell us how to say “I love Mango” in Romanian, and we’ll give you our free “Language Love Affair” mini-course download.

English: I love Mango
Romanian:  Eu iubesc Mango (ee-YOH YOO-besk MAHN-go)

Happy new year and happy learning!

What Not to Du.

This month, I’m going to dedicate a series of posts to the dreaded cultural faux pas.  I’ll share a few of my own red-faced moments – and what I learned as a result.  If you’ve got any stories to share, I’d love to here about it in the comments.

A younger version of myself, traveling in the Munich S-Bahn.

For my first anecdote, I’ll take you back to the year 2006.  I’d just arrived in Munich for a summer study abroad program and should have been beaming with excitement.  But instead, I sat in the back of my back of my cab, my cheeks beaming red for all the wrong reasons.  I’d just committed my first cultural faux pas.

Before getting in the cab, I’d asked my elderly cab driver if I could help him load my significantly heavy luggage into the trunk.  But instead of using the polite form of “you” (Sie), which should always be used with strangers, I had used the more informal du, which should be reserved for friends, family, and other close acquaintances.  As soon as I saw the slight look of offense of his face, I knew what I’d done.  Face, meet palm.

The truth is, if you’re a newbie in a foreign country, you’re bound to make a few cultural missteps.  But you should always try to do your homework beforehand by reading up on the customs, etiquette, and traditions of the country you’re visiting.

Which leads me to one of things I like best about Mango: the cultural notes.  Popping up several times a chapter, they guide you like a friend, providing gentle nudges about what-to-do and what-not-to-do.  Not to mention, they provide a great little “brain break” from all the language-learning you’re doing and keep you interested in the lesson.

Take this cultural note, for example, from Chapter 1 of Mango’s German course:

Ta-da!  A short and sweet explanation about the difference between du and Sie and when to use them.  So hopefully you, dear Mango student, will not find yourself in the same hot water that I did.

Have you ever experienced a cultural faux-pas?  Or is there something you wish you had known before traveling to a foreign country?

Students have spoken. And they love Mango.

Mango recently surveyed users at academic institutions and found that over 90% of respondents reported an improvement in their language skills from using Mango.  But that wasn’t all – they had lots of great things to say about their Mango experience.  Check it out:

“I want to learn Japanese in my free time so I’ll be ready for an exchange in the near future.  Mango has made it so much easier to learn Japanese and I’ve been telling all of my college friends about it.“

“I like Mango’s portability, as I have it connected on both iPad^® and my Android™ phone.  Whenever I need it, Mango is there!”

“I love that it covers many aspects of learning the language and gives you the opportunity to practice.”

“It offers a variety of languages – and languages that are relevant.”

“I love how simple it is to navigate and how clear the voices of the ‘teachers’ are.”

“I love how it keeps reviewing previously learned material.”

“Manageable chunks of information make me feel like I’m making progress.”

“I really like using Mango. I have been able to grasp the language much better than when I took a class on it.  And I can remember much more, even if I take a long break in between sessions.”

“The format of lessons is well done: breaking down sentences, teaching the words, and showing how things change when used in another context.  This has been very useful, especially in learning long or otherwise difficult phrases.”

“I like the availability and the accessibility.  I can pick it up and use it whenever I want to.”

“I love this program. It has proved beneficial for every situation I have found myself in.”