Mango Languages Launches Computer-Based Language Courses

Farmington Hills-based Mango Languages Tuesday unveiled Mango Passport, its latest language learning product designed specifically for people who enjoy international travel and want to be able to effectively communicate in the country's native language.

Created to provide the conversation skills that a traveler needs to successfully communicate and engage with the local population, Mango Passport also assists the user in gaining an understanding of the new language and culture.

Mango Passport is designed specifically for use from an individual's home or office computer or laptop. It differs from other at-home language learning software programs because it goes beyond teaching grammar, vocabulary and conjugation and also provides engaging content, intuitive interactive tools and a comprehensive learning methodology. Users not only learn individual words and phrases but also how to use them in real-life situations. These types of fundamental conversation skills greatly improve a traveler's ability to navigate an unfamiliar area and interact with the local population, thereby enhancing the entire travel experience.

"The segment of the population that enjoys travel continues to grow, and much of that travel takes place internationally," said Mango Languages CEO Jason Teshuba. "In fact, last year, United States residents made more than 61.5 million trips outside of the country. Mango Passport is designed to serve that market. This product gives those international travelers the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of their own home or office. Mango's lessons are written and developed by native-speaking teachers who understand the nuances of the language, as well as the culture. Also, since Mango focuses on conversational speaking skills, users will start speaking after just one lesson and will be able to deal with everyday situations -- get directions, order a meal, make new friends -- after spending only a few hours with the program."

Mango Passport is currently available in French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and Greek. Additional languages will be added in the coming months. Mango Passport will be available in 29 languages by the end of 2010.

The downloadable Mango Passport course features 10 chapters and is available for $150 per language. Mango Passport On The Go, an .mp3 audio version with PDF companion guide, is available for $100. The Mango Passport Bundle, which features all the fun of Mango Passport plus the convenient audio version of Mango Passport On The Go, is available for a discounted price of $200.

Specific languages can be purchased from the main Web site, but Mango also offers a gift certificate option for the holidays. The certificate enables recipients to choose any language and is available at: http://www.mangolanguages.com/store/gift.

A complete list of languages and more program details can be found at www.mangolanguages.com.

Founded in 2007, Mango Languages offers foreign language learning programs designed by a team of linguists, teachers, software developers, human interface specialists, writers, voice talents and designers.

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