Mango Languages
Lynn Denison

If you have not investigated the on-line resources available through your Rowan Public Library recently, now is the time to do so. One of the most exciting electronic resources we offer is called Mango Languages. This web-based language learning program can be used at home and accessed for free through our library’s web site. In order to use the site a patron need only have an up-to-date library card and a PIN number, which can be obtained in person at any of our branches.
Mango Languages offers over a dozen languages including Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish for English speakers. English is offered for Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Polish speakers. Each language is divided into 100 lessons with each lesson having almost a hundred slides. The learner is actively engaged with audio and visual cues to facilitate learning. The lessons include audio from native speakers of the language and phonetic transcriptions, so that the language can be learned with the correct pronunciation. Quizzes are included to test and improve language learning. The interface is created in Adobe Flash and is very user friendly. Mango uses real-life situations and actual conversations to more effectively teach a new language. By listening to and repeating material designed from native conversations, the student will not only learn the individual words and phrases but will learn how they are used in practical situations and conversations. Each lesson in Mango’s system integrates vocabulary and grammar into real-life sentences. Therefore, while you’re learning grammar, vocabulary and conjugation, you’ll also be learning how to truly communicate in a language of your choice.
Why not start today to learn a new language or improve your fluency in a language you are already familiar with? Mango is easy, fun, and free! There are no trainings, downloads or installations required—all a user needs is an internet connection and a Rowan Public Library Card and PIN. Once on our website (http:www.rowanpubliclibrary.org), click on “Online Tools” under the related links menu. Next click on “Languages” and then click the “Mango Languages” link. You’ll be asked to enter your library card number and PIN. Follow the instructions to set up your individual account in Mango, and you’ll be able to keep track of what you’ve learned and know where to continue the next time.
While you’re on our site, please take time to explore all the many other e-resources Rowan Public Library has to offer. You’ll be surprised and pleased at the treasures you’ll discover!