Mango Languages  

Dunedin Public Libraries subscribe to an online language learning resource called Mango Languages that provides a fun, easy and effective way to learn a foreign language. 

Mango Languages uses intuitive language construction and are based on common real-life situations.

Currently 71 languages are offered, from Arabic to Yiddish, including the more commonly-learned languages such as French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese. There are also some more exotic and unusual languages such as Shakespearean English, Pashto, Tagalog and Pirate. In addition there are lessons for non-English speakers of several languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Japanese, to participate and learn to speak English.

The resource is ideal for school students learning a foreign language, travellers, and migrants to our city such as migrants and refugees who are wishing to learn English.

The lessons are self-paced and comprised of bite-sized chunks which can be built and rebuilt into meaningful conversations. Vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture are learned in one integrated experience. Vocabulary is taught in the context of practical conversation spoken by native speakers. Pronunciation helpers convert each individual word into the phonetic pronunciation in English, and the learner can play each word or sentence as many times as required to perfect the pronunciation. Grammar is taught using semantic colour mapping which reveals the relationship between your native language and your target language. Grammatical and cultural insights are interspersed throughout the lessons, which equip the learner with the grammatical clarity and cultural understanding required for successful communication.

You are able to set up your own account which keeps track of your progress. An added feature is the availability of free mobile apps for iOS and Android mobile devices, so you can learn a new language from the palm of your hand.

Mango is promoted as one of the most accessible language and culture learning platforms on earth. Try it!