TODAY'S TIP: Language Learning - UPDATEA while ago we published a Tuesday Tip about learning a new language with resources made available by San Francisco Public Library. We have recently added two new resources to help you accomplish your goal.
From the homepage, click on the eLibrary tab, then choose Articles & Databases, and select Language Learning from the Category menu. You will be given the option to choose Mango Languages, PowerSpeak or Rosetta Stone. For all courses you need to have a Library card and pin number, and you will be asked to register. You will also need to have certain add-ons installed on your computer, including JavaScript and Flash. Here's a breakdown of what these databases have to offer:
PowerSpeak - PowerSpeak simulates gradual immersion through a series of stories, activities, videos, interactive quizzes and more. The language courses available are Spanish, French, Mandarin, German and ESL for Spanish speakers. To use PowerSpeak, create an account and start with the introduction video, or just dive right into your first lesson.
Mango Languages - Mango uses real-life situations and actual conversations to more effectively teach a new language. While listening to and practicing the language, you can mouse over the text in western characters to reveal the word in the original characters.
Mango offers Basic Courses for Arabic (Levantine), Dari, Farsi, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Korean, Pashto, Tagolog, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Full Course offerings are for Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America).
Mango also offers Basic ESL courses for speakers of Spanish, French, Polish, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic (Egyptian), Turkish, Italian, Russian, Korean. And Full ESL Courses for Polish, Spanish and Portuguese speakers.
To start using Mango, fill out the registration form and follow the instructions in the confirmation email. With Mango Languages, you can choose to use it without creating a profile, but you won’t be able to track your progress and easily pick up where you left off.
Each course has its own strengths for different styles of learners. With three different choices of online courses and all the other options SFPL offers, you can find a style that works for you.
Each course has its own strengths for different styles of learners. With three different choices of online courses and all the other options SFPL offers, you can find a style that works for you.
Excelsior Librarians and Staff share tips & tricks to help you make the most of the San Francisco Public Library catalog, databases and website. New tips posted Tuesdays on the Excelsior Blog. Watch this space!
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