Mango Languages

Bibliographic Information:
 Mango Languages - Alhambra Civic Center Library. (n.d.). Mango for Libraries - Mango Administration Portal. Retrieved April 05, 2011, from http://libraries.mangolanguages.com/alhambra/login?u=896739

About the Database:
Teens no longer need to worry about not passing their language classes. Mango Languages is an online program that offers a variety of language learning that utilizes. Furthermore, they have a special program for public libraries where they can select the languages that meet the needs of the community. Mango Languages lessons consist of interactive lessons that makes language learning easier where users listen, respond, and practice. One aspect of the program that is incredibly helpful is the feature where users can speak into a microphone and and Mango can check for accuracy and fluency (accent, grammar, vocabulary, etc.).

In many ways, Mango Languages is very similar to Rosetta Stone, but does not carry the hefty price tag and users can access the program for free through their local library. In order to use this program, users must create a profile, which will give them a "Dashboard" that contains four tabs: "Dashboard, " "Courses," "Translate," and "Support." The purpose behind this tool is that in order to launch the programs, the "Dashboard" is the gateway into the lessons. Moreover, the "Courses" option lists the languages available through the library's subscription. Once a profile has been established, users are free to begin their program, which are incredibly easy to use and a lot of fun.


Critical Evaluation:
Mango Languages is an excellent resource that is not only great for public libraries, but teens will appreciate. Learning a new language is never easy, but it does get easier with practice and instruction. For high school students, this is one area that completely freaks them out, more so than any math or science class. Mango Languages is so accessible that it does not require any training for the user; libraries that subscribe to this program do not even have to train staff members because it is that intuitive. In fact, in many of the lessons, all a user really needs to know is how to access the lessons and the program practically runs itself. As mentioned before, Mango Languages is a great substitute for the Rosetta Stone Language programs since Mango  bases their prices on the size of the community in comparison to a projected number is users, which can be incredibly pricey. Not only will teens have fun using this program, it will help them build self-esteem and teach them many things about a culture, which includes manners and how to present oneself when traveling abroad.

Reader's Annotation:
Mango Languages is an affordable language learning program that users can access online by purchasing an individual subscription or use through their local library.


Information about the Database Company:
According to Mango Languages:

"Many moons ago, when the internet was still young, our founders set out to turn their love of languages and learning about the world into a successful business venture. They were driven to make a better, more effective language learning experience, and wanted to have a little fun along the way. After several years of refinement, refinement, and more refinement, Mango Languages was born. Today, Mango delivers a wide variety of language learning capabilities to people all over the world" (para. 1)

Currently, Mango Languages  can not only be found in many public libraries, all over the country, they can also be found in schools and government as well. Mango Languages is growing stronger everyday since their goal is to continue providing quality products and they are "always on the lookout for ways to make our products better as well as new methods or technologies that can help make language learning even more fun and more convenient for our customers" (para. 3). 

Genre:
Language Learning


Curriculum Tie-In's:
Language Teachers can ask  public librarians to demonstrate to students how to use this program for additional help and instruction.

 
Booktalking Ideas:
The best way to advertise this product is to literally show them how to use it, which makes workshops valuable as well advertising. Also, getting up from behind the reference desk and talking with groups of teens is a great way to notify them of new services, especially this one if they are taking language classes, planning to travel abroad, or want to go into International studies.


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Challenge Issues:
N/A


Databases Similar to Mango:

• Rosetta Stone
• Learn a Language
• Live Mocha
  

Why did I choose this database?
As a Teen Library Assistant who gets Spanish questions all the time (I am semi-fluent), I love talking about this website. In fact, a few months ago, I am ambushed three teens and did a demo of the site and they were all excited about it and couldn't wait to use it. We are also demonstrating this database during National Library Week and I plan on rounding up a large crowd since the teens need this database and there will be some really good snacks. 

Awards & Recognition:
According to the Awards section of Mango, they have received recommendations from the following companies:

• Los Angeles Times
• Education World
• Webware
• New York Public Library: Best of Reference

References:
About us mango languages. (n.d.). Mango Languages Learn a Language, Learn Spanish, Learn Chinese Fast. Retrieved April 05, 2011, from http://www.mangolanguages.com/about/

Awards Mango Languages. (n.d.). Mango Languages Learn a Language, Learn Spanish, Learn Chinese Fast. Retrieved April 05, 2011, from http://www.mangolanguages.com/about/awards/

Learn languages fast with the world's best language software Mango Languages. (n.d.). Mango Languages Learn a Language, Learn Spanish, Learn Chinese Fast. Retrieved April 05, 2011, from http://www.mangolanguages.com/individuals/methodology/