Mango Languages

Curriculum Choice Review

Mango language is an online foreign language program offering twelve languages. The lessons are designed to teach you conversational skills and promises that the first lesson will show results. The program is completely web based and self directed. Language is taught in small step by step chunks to increase understanding and proper pronunciation. Each lesson can be reviewed as many times as needed. You completely control the lesson from being able to repeat the words and review the phrases by a click of the mouse. There are lesson notes provided for the purpose of understanding grammar and cultural differences in the language. Please check your local library to see if this program is offered before purchasing a subscription. Read more…

Icrontic Review

Mango Languages is the latest in public learning language software from developer Mango Languages. Mango Languages is a program designed to enable the general public to independently pursue learning the language of their choice. Mango is available in libraries across the United States, and is becoming available more widely every day. We’ll be taking a look at its performance from the perspective of a brand new user. Read more…

Individuals Testimonials sidebar text

Many individuals choose Mango because it makes learning a new language fun, fast, easy and effective. We’d love to hear about your experience with Mango, and how you’ve used your new language!

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-09-04

• PHOTOS: The 10 Healthiest Ethnic Cuisines http://huff.to/9823J0 #
• QUEEN NOOR OF JORDAN: Ramadan Lessons For All Of Humanity http://huff.to/cArJCf #
• Choosing Volunteer abroad organizations http://su.pr/2lOzkA #lp #travel #tip by Zablon (via @traveldudes) #
• How to learn a new language in 2-5 hours (podcast) http://bit.ly/cMADdn (via @betsytalbot) #
• A:  The first dictionary of English was written by Robert Cawdrey, in 1604. http://ow.ly/2xkJE #AskNYPL (via @nypl) #

Intuitive Language Construction – Part VI Retention

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

Doesn’t that sound really smart?

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 (Click to see previous post)
5. Comprehension (Click to see previous post)
6. Retention

In this post we are going to talk about the last component: Retention.  Mango’s simple yet powerful interface is designed to manage a variety of recognized retention challenges, including management of what’s known as cognitive load.

Doesn’t Cognitive Load sound scary?

Dont’ worry, with Mango, information is continually delivered in small, manageable conversational blocks–ensuring that the user’s memory is never overloaded with new material.

Mango also automatically accounts for “the forgetting curve” which is a naturally occurring part of learning something new.  Here is a great way to think about it….have you ever been to a party and been introduced to someone only to find that a moment later you go get something to drink and forget that person’s name?  You are not alone.  This is an example of the forgetting curve in action.

No worries!  With Mango, memory exercises are seamlessly integrated into new information throughout each course, reinforcing what you’ve already learned at key intervals and ensuring that those chunks can be committed to long term memory as the language lessons progress.

I know that when I learn something I want to be sure to remember it, especially when I work hard and use my precious time.  What about you?  What are your retention strategies?

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-21

• PHOTOS: World’s Most Stunning Cathedrals http://huff.to/dAyPvN #
• SURPRISE! The Top 10 Countries On Facebook http://huff.to/dxwa6j (via @beverlycornell) #
• 10 Sayings and their Strange Origins http://goo.gl/fb/827cP (via @MarkClayson) #
• RT @erwinheiser: @matthewbennett As my Spanish professor would say: “El monolinguismo es una enfermedad curable.” (via @matthewbennett) #
• To speak another language isn’t just cultured, it’s a blow against stupidity http://bit.ly/a3f87Y (via @matthewbennett) #
• How social media is changing the way we travel http://bit.ly/bMWq3C (via @SadieMHarris) #
• Ten things to do in Beirut for under ten dollars http://tiny.sm/jw via @globalvoices (via @pocketcultures) #
• What’s Popular Around the World? http://goo.gl/fb/GWR4l http://bit.ly/6vyuJy (via @MarkClayson) #
• @JimmyA7X18 yippee! in reply to JimmyA7X18 #
• @MetroLibraryOK Glad you like! We really appreciate all the extra stuff you have done to market Mango. You Rock! in reply to MetroLibraryOK #
• @MetroLibraryOK Cool! Just so you know, we do have an Educator’s edition that allows teachers to track student’s progress and offers testing. in reply to MetroLibraryOK #
• Lots of ideas floating around the Mango office today. Big things happening here! #
• @RachelReardon Merci! in reply to RachelReardon #
• Why did ancient Egyptian men wear cosmetics? http://tinyurl.com/28bnlz7 (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• Which #Islam Exploring the Word’s Many Meanings http://huff.to/bvr9Lt #muslim #culture (via @LCWllc) #
• New from Detroit Moxie: The Colorful Artist Village in Detroit http://bit.ly/c3u9TC #Detroit (via @becksdavis) #
• 11 Free Tools for #SocialMedia Optimization http://ow.ly/2q4VS (via @TopRank) (via @SocialNetDaily) #
• My new blog post: “A travelers thoughts on checking-in.” http://bit.ly/9pu0fP #socialmedia #4sq #travel (via @elatlboy) #
• @chatlibraries Woot! Thanks for the shout out! in reply to chatlibraries #
• @elatlboy Pleasure is ours! in reply to elatlboy #
• Big debate here in the office! Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Why do you think so (not just scientific reason) #
• @grpl Mango languages!! lol in reply to grpl #
• We are so excited about launching Complete 2.0, we have been busy testing the product here and found a few minor… http://fb.me/E4l08aQy #
• @EstrellaBella10 True. We have some teachers and families who have used our SM channels for cust svc. #tweetea (via @OKE_News) –we do too! #
• We are all jamming to this song today! http://fb.me/H8X42v2T #
• What kinds of general library questions do our library friends always get at the reference desk? #
• 10 Tips for Taking Your Best Ever Vacation Photos http://bit.ly/auuJU9 (via @DemoWell) #
• NYTimes: Looking for Baby Sitters: Foreign Language a Must http://nyti.ms/bXzi28 #
• Japanese pork chop in downtown Osaka http://su.pr/4Qn5pi #travel tip #Japan by @Shelley__Lee (via @traveldudes) #
• @Larryferlazzo thanks for the RT! in reply to Larryferlazzo #
• @moretips4u thanks for passing our tweet along! in reply to moretips4u #
• @DemoWell thanks for spreading the word! in reply to DemoWell #
• 5 Most Unique Places to Visit Around the World http://ht.ly/2rNNV #travel #lp (via @PatriciaVance) #
• [PSLBlog] Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices (British Library): http://bit.ly/bgOSCT (via @twittbraries) #
• @laurasolomon lol in reply to laurasolomon #
• 66% of Public Libraries in US offering eBooks http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NoShelfRequired/~3/sbfbHll4k5I/ (via @pintini) #
• Are you coming to the @mangolanguages Open House next week? if so please RSVP! http://ow.ly/2rQic #
• Interesting article! http://fb.me/Eiz6uZg1 #
• What is your favorite ethnic food – if unusual please tell us about it. #
• @TJList we enjoyed you all visiting for the #drupal meeting in reply to TJList #
• We’re now subscribing to Mango Languages, a neat way to learn a language. The link from the databases page is: (cont) http://tl.gd/382589 #
• @BvilleTweets yippee!!! in reply to BvilleTweets #
• @faabo_blogging thank you for the write up! in reply to faabo_blogging #
• @missoulalibrary great job! in reply to missoulalibrary #
• RT @johnsonwhitney @vpynchon Does Language Influence Culture? http://bit.ly/dhIdzj @aliciamorga @ckburgess @kbrandall (via @MeghanMBiro) #
• Lots of innovative ideas being presented today! Lots of office references which is keeping the staff laughing! #
• @carlyatto Oh no – don’t tell the outside about Franco! He will scare customers away. in reply to carlyatto #
• @LCWllc Muchas Gracias! in reply to LCWllc #
• @ksue29 We are ready to go….are you? in reply to ksue29 #
• LUVING the submissions for this month’s JW Newsletter contest. If you could live somewhere else for the next 7 (cont) http://tl.gd/38rofn #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-14

• @CamachoJose45 awesome! Keep it up!!! in reply to CamachoJose45 #
• @wordwazir thanks for sharing our news! in reply to wordwazir #
• State of the World’s #Indigenous Peoples http://bit.ly/aCdRve @un (via @langology) #
• : Learning Foreign Languages Enriches Your Life in Many Ways http://bit.ly/d5mJgB (via @riverland86) #
• Just another manic Monday! hmmmm What kind of goodies will this week provide? #
• Save the Date! August 25th we are having an Open House here at the Mango Headquarters from 12-8pm. We are… http://fb.me/EbbPxvBv #
• @meowymeows where do you live? in reply to meowymeows #
• @meowymeows Unfortunately we are not on Main Street. We are around the bend and up the hill by the creek. in reply to meowymeows #
• @meowymeows Good. in reply to meowymeows #
• #languages Advice for lower intermediate students: Look up online tabloids in the language you’re learning (cont) http://tl.gd/31hbrk #
• Mango – online language learning tool…http://bit.ly/cUatQv #ELL #elearning #language (via @kylepace) #
• @VioletaBedran Are you learning many languages? Great job! in reply to VioletaBedran #
• Paper hangers here in the offices today to put up our welcome in different languages mural. We are so excited! #
• @JNSQBlogParis Let us know what you think once you check it out! in reply to JNSQBlogParis #
• @MyMelange Thanks for the referral! in reply to MyMelange #
• @MyMelange Thank you! in reply to MyMelange #
• I posted 11 photos on Facebook in the album “New Mango Headquarters” http://fb.me/GMA8KUX8 #
• Hi @FANeighbors we like to think so! in reply to FANeighbors #
• Tomorrow is Mango Languages Day! Greet us with “Hello” in Tagalog and get a treat! http://bit.ly/9Q5hGp (via @ebreref) #
• @dorevabelfiore impressive…thanks for sharing! in reply to dorevabelfiore #
• @Coppell_Library yea! in reply to Coppell_Library #
• PHOTOS: Ramadan Begins Around The World http://huff.to/d01QJP #
• Canadian librarian leads worldwide digital revolt for free knowledge – http://j.mp/aqnoJw (via @uffish_thoughts) #
• How to eat politely in Japan http://idek.net/2wTi (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• @Tara_darling yep…the Mango elves are working on it! in reply to Tara_darling #
• @Tara_darling we love Mango addicts. in reply to Tara_darling #
• @Tara_darling what city do you live in? That is a lucky library! in reply to Tara_darling #
• Food & Wine: The World’s Weirdest Food Festivals http://huff.to/a8qeAh #
• Restaurant Tipping Around The World: What To Do Where http://huff.to/bpB3cE #
• @JNSQBlogParis so interesting! in reply to JNSQBlogParis #
• Worst fortune cookie ever… #photo http://bit.ly/bhGX4n (via @picturecool) –so sad!!! #
• Russia Pays High Price For Winter Olympics http://bit.ly/didrbe (via @SkyNews) #
• Confession: I have a super crush on Sweden. The country. (via @pnkrcklibrarian) #
• YUM!! Fab food stops in Venice: http://tinyurl.com/2gxzkyy #lp (via @Journeywoman) #
• Mango was in the Detroit News yesterday! http://fb.me/H8U6DBxw #
• @Tara_darling Wow you are on a roll! We might need to have an intervention! Keep up the great work. We have some new stuff coming out! in reply to Tara_darling #
• @Tara_darling Wow! very cool! in reply to Tara_darling #
• @baldwinlib Thanks for the shout out on our article! in reply to baldwinlib #
• @ChelseaLibrary Yippee! Thanks for sharing! in reply to ChelseaLibrary #
• @MLAoffice Thanks! We thought it was pretty cool! in reply to MLAoffice #
• @Tara_darling Which language is your favorite and why? in reply to Tara_darling #
• When is the last time you spent time at your library? Get a library card and use Mango Languages for free from… http://fb.me/DDYOVSVJ #
• Mango will try ustreaming our Open House on the 25th. Stop by and watch us! http://www.ustream.tv #
• @Tara_darling You and I are in the same boat. I (@beverlycornell) love those two languages too! in reply to Tara_darling #
• Going to library? Get library card & use Mango for FREE from anywhere you access the internet http://ow.ly/2ohsI #
• @IslandLanguages Thanks for the shout out! in reply to IslandLanguages #
• @support – I am wondering if my twitter following limit can be tweaked. I want to follow folks who follow us. Help #
• Tipping – why is it so easy for Americans to follow, yet so confusing for the rest of us? http://bit.ly/9a3cLT (via @501places) #
• School Starts in just a few days – get ahead and practice foreign language skills with Mango. http://ow.ly/2okde #
• What is your favorite foreign language word and why? #
• @RachelReardon That is a good one! Gotta love the French. in reply to RachelReardon #
• @MetroLibraryOK We left a present for you in your Mango points for the news piece and all your hard work! We love you! in reply to MetroLibraryOK #
• Rihanna’s Neck Tattoo TYPO http://huff.to/9xZ0D7 #
• Happy Friday the 13th! In Spain, the bad-luck day is Tuesday the 13th. So I get two days of bad luck. Yay me. (via @ProfNet) #
• How to use i.e. and e.g. in a sentence http://tinyurl.com/24gmv4b (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• @mateo_drumero Hi – thank you for your tweet. Unfortunately, right now Hengel is not in development, we have not had enough requests yet. in reply to mateo_drumero #
• @mateo_drumero Lo Siento! in reply to mateo_drumero #
• I posted 5 photos on Facebook in the album “Staff photos” http://fb.me/DQgcmpOX #
• @librarykerri hi! Let us know what you think! in reply to librarykerri #
• PHOTOS: The 8 Most Insanely Obvious Signs In The World http://huff.to/adXzhY #

TBLL–No, It's Not a Medical Condition

The task based language learning (TBLL) approach is derived from cognitive and interactionist theories and research findings.  TBLL attempts to avoid fitting language learners into a box of stereotypical language use, i.e., where the student is only familiar with a sentences in specific forms or specific context, by rather using the language to carry out meaningful tasks, such as visiting a doctor, conducting an interview, or even asking someone out on a date.   Doughty and Long (2003) describe 10 methodological principles (MPs) of TBLL.  This post will present the first and second principles of task based language learning (TBLL) and discuss how Mango incorporates these in our system.

Principle number one of task based language learning is to use tasks, not texts, as the unit of analysis.  We use language to do things, to communicate.  Therefore, why would we study linguistic structures removed from the context in which they are used, (i.e., random vocabulary lists), to learn a language?  With Mango Languages every chapter starts with specific conversational goals, or conversational tasks that the student will be able to do effectively after successfully completing the chapter.  Additionally, the target language, or language being learned, is always given in context.  But, the learning doesn’t stop there.  The Mango system then expands on and exploits the grammar and vocabulary that was learned in the initial context in order for the student to apply what they have learned to other contexts as well.

The second principle of task based language learning is to promote learning by doing. Connecting the material to be learned to real-world events and activities serves for better incorporation into and retrieval from long-term memory. According to Doughty and Long (2003), “Computer simulations of target environments and tasks constitute a good example of learning by doing. The basic idea is that a learner on his or her own can gain experience in a simulated environment under conditions of reduced stress and without real consequences to their actions” (p 58).

Well…learning by doing is what Mango is all about!  If you follow the Mango blogs you already know that Mango uses Critical Thinking slides to get language learners actively involved in their learning experience.  This is done by requesting that the student not simply regurgitate what was already given to them, but rather produce new phrases from what they already learned, and/or to apply previously learned grammar concepts to new words and/or phrases.

So, what do you think?  Do you learn better when given a task to accomplish?  Do you learn better and retain more when you are passively receiving material or when you are actively engaged?

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-07

• @MultiLingLiving in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• “Friendship is the golden ribbon that ties the world together.” #happyfriendshipday (via @IsabellesTravel) #
• @MultiLingLiving awesome! in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• @Margosha8 we are working on that version! in reply to Margosha8 #
• We are getting our conference room glass wall/door built today. Will be great for meetings. #
• Just got off the phone with Jon from @metromode. A great publication if you want to know what is happening in Detroit! #
• How swearing works http://u.nu/8qp9e (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• Cloudy Day in Detroit Today – Hopefully will make for good brainstorming meetings at the office! #
• Evansville, Indiana, Library now has Mango Online, Mango Take-Out (offline product-can be checked out) & our Children’s Little Pim Product #
• Launched Mango into the education market today! Very excited at working with schools, universities, ESL & Foreign… http://fb.me/EQ2ee0ag #
• The Poorest Countries In The World http://huff.to/d4Cg8V #
• @Nicole_Brewer thank you! in reply to Nicole_Brewer #
• @missoulalibrary woot! in reply to missoulalibrary #
• interesting #tweetea discussion-Especially for those tweeting on behalf of our companies. mango green tea was delightful (via @CoraMajewski) #
• PHOTOS: China Plans Huge Buses That Can DRIVE OVER Cars http://huff.to/dyGysp –cool #
• Our current list of Foreign Languages and ESL courses we offer. We are adding 35 more by end of 2010. http://ow.ly/2kYXT #
• @GlencoePL Woot! in reply to GlencoePL #
• Great article on how libraries are changing the way they do business. Including having Mango Languages! http://fb.me/FpdjeVej #
• http://fb.me/xvTGwhCQ #
• Jason, Mike, Ryan, and Mike (the Mango owners) were posing for a photo shoot this afternoon with one of our local… http://fb.me/uIoZAXup #
• Interested in learning a new language or brushing up on an old one? Try Mango Languages on our homepage! (cont) http://tl.gd/2u5dqe #
• New blog post: Language and thought http://wp.me/pC2OH-3v #tefl #elt #esol #tesol #language #beltfree (via @hoprea) #
• @hoprea when you going to write for us again. in reply to hoprea #
• @wtalbot great! in reply to wtalbot #
• NYTimes: Mom and Dad, Meet My Budget (travel on the cheap)
  http://nyti.ms/aFY8c3 (via @chrisbrogan) #
• RT @talk2brazil: RT @Brazilweekly: Read the new edition of Brazil Weekly at http://brazil-weekly.com (via @talk2brazil) #
• @hoprea great. . Think about it and let me know. in reply to hoprea #
• @WhosWorld Awesome! That is what we love to hear! Keeps us inspired to keep creating good stuff. in reply to WhosWorld #
• Great @sarabethw What do you think of our Little Pim software? in reply to sarabethw #
• @ottsworld We haven’t quite made it over there yet. We are now in England, Australia, Canada and the U.S. Soon! in reply to ottsworld #
• Great write up in Metro Mode today! http://fb.me/tjQxNzYr #
• The Mango Elves are very busy making language magic today! #
• Have you seen our You Tube Channel? http://fb.me/Dfzzx5La #
• @sarabethw Oh we sure hope so! We think it will drive traffic to the library and usage will be awesome! in reply to sarabethw #
• @VioletaBedran yes! . Can we help you? in reply to VioletaBedran #
• Interested in learning a foreign language for free? Mathews Library offers Mango Languages to all patrons. (cont) http://tl.gd/2un1d5 #
• : Tips for Becoming a Travel Writer http://esnews.org/2010/08/tips-for-becoming-a-travel-writer/ (via @riverland86) #
• Just saw big man in tiny car, driver on the right. Puzzled, looked closer. UK plates!! In Michigan??? (via @pfanderson)–where? #
• @pfanderson Funny! You never know what you may find in your day! in reply to pfanderson #
• Our youngest Mango, Joe Garofalo (library marketing coordinator) turns 21 today. Happy Birthday Joe! #
• @VioletaBedran We are so glad you are using Mango to learn Greek! Keep us posted on your progress! We love to hear from users. in reply to VioletaBedran #
• @smellgoodslady Thanks! in reply to smellgoodslady #
• Webinar Invitation: Join us for “All About Mango for Educators Webinar” http://conta.cc/biu6XB #
• Jason our CEO is speaking at a Second Stage Event with Crain’s http://fb.me/EnUy1g4A #