Want to learn a new language but don’t have the time to attend a class? The Santa Maria Public Library is now offering the Mango Languages online language-learning system free of charge to all library patrons with a library card. The languages offered include Spanish, Italian, French, German, Japanese, and English for Spanish-speakers. Also offered are basic courses in Korean, Tagalog, and English for learners who are fluent in Korean.
According to library officials, each 100-lesson course combines real-life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses use real-world experiences that integrate components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture.
“Some people need to learn a second language for business or travel reasons. Others just want to because they think it would be interesting,” City Librarian Jack Buchanan said in a press release. “No matter the reason, learning the language should be fun. With Mango, it definitely is.”
To learn more about Mango, stop by the library and ask a staff member for an introduction. The program is also accessible via the library website, ci.santa-maria.ca.us/210.shtml.
This article appears in May 20-27, 2010.