A new online resource could help people in the Fort become a bit more multi-lingual.
Thanks to a new feature on the Fort St. James Bicentennial Library website, library patrons can study languages at home on their computers for free.
With audio and real-life situations, the programs can be tailored for beginners or for a more intensive, advanced student.
The resource the library is using is Mango Languages, which was founded in 2007, and designed by linguists, teachers, software developers and many other experts, according to the company.
Mango is available in two versions, and after creating an account online using your library card via the library website and your email, the program allows you to choose from over 30 foreign languages and choose your program.
Mango Complete is a 100-lesson course designed for in depth understanding of a language and culture. The more intense program is available in 31 languages as well as 14 English as a second language (ESL) courses. The ESL programs allow native speakers of other languages to improve their English proficiency.
The other option is trying Mango Basic for one of 34 foreign languages or 15 ESL courses. The more simple course teaches greetings and helpful phrases for beginners and take between two to five hours to complete.
Designed to be fun, the programs teach some vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and some culture as well.
To learn more about Mango and get a preview of what the program has to offer, stop by the library and to get an introduction. You can access Mango via the library website at http://fortstjames.bclibrary.ca or you can also visit the company’s website at www.mangolanguages.com. With your library card and access to the Internet, you can access the actual courses remotely from anywhere! For more information, contact the Fort St. James Bicentennial Library at (250) 996-7431.