Learn a New Language at Your Local Library

There are many foreign language speakers learning English; what about those English speakers who want to learn foreign languages? I teach TechConnect Technology classes at the 67th Street Branch of the New York Public Library. Seeing what people want to learn and then providing it is how I go about listing classes. It is a satisfying experience to know you are teaching something that people want to learn. This is a short story of my endeavors to teach a foreign language for the first time after recognizing a demand.

Last year I taught a MANGO Languages class using the Library's TechConnect curriculum.  Mango Languages is a free database for NYPL cardholders! English speakers can learn foreign languages, and foreign speakers can learn English! It only brought in a handful of students. However, a year later, I decided to try the class again. I was so surprised that the class was wait-listed! We have twelve PCs available and we had eighteen people sign up for the class. We managed to get everyone into the class by utilizing laptops. Some people also brought their own devices.

mango languages,

After teaching the class, I decided to go out on a limb and ask if anyone would be interested if an Italian course was offered that used MANGO Languages (I have a dual major Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Italian Language and Culture and I've always wanted to put it to use). I had eight people give me their contact information that night. With the list in hand, I spoke to our Library Manager, who agreed that an Italian course would be a great addition to the programs we offer. After collaborating with some other departments in order to get the program off the desk and into the classroom, I developed a curriculum outline.

The fourteen-week course that started in February ended on June 7 and I must say that it was a great ride!

At the start of the course, all students had little to no knowledge of the Italian Language. One student wrote: "At first I thought that taking this class was too frivolous—I had no reason to study Italian. Then I had the opportunity to go to Rome—the class brought me luck! Alex is a wonderful, supportive teacher and the NYPL’s Mango Language program is a great supplement. The more students use it—the more they learn."

As the course progressed, phrases aimed at helping in everyday situations were learned. Phrases such as “where is the bathroom?” “I don’t feel well,” “I’d like to order some food,” and “I need to buy groceries,” were used throughout the course in dialogues and exercises.
 

The students learned eagerly and love the language. In addition, they learned how to use Mango with both PC and mobile devices, as you can download an app for iOS, Amazon or Android, letting you learn a language wherever you are! I learned as well—always improving my technique and adjusting to the students' needs. Several people keep inquiring whether NYPL will offer any other foreign language classes for English speakers; I can only say "perhaps!" or "we shall see." Hopefully we can offer more of these courses in the future! 

Explore upcoming language classes for adults at The New York Public Library. If you have questions, please contact Ask NYPL

Comments

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Question for Alex Mouyios re Mango Classes

Hi Alex. Can you elaborate on how you have used Mango to offer group language classes at your library? Does the group follow along together? If so, do you use individual computers and/or one projected screen? OR... does everyone log on individually and progress through the lessons at their own pace with you providing individual assistance as needed? Thanks for clarifying! Nancy Klasterka, Hoover Public Library, hooverlibrary.org

Learner

I would like to learn Spanish at a local library Would u help me with it

Spanish learning

I want to learn Spanish

To learn Spanish

I want to learn Spanish for better opportunities

Spanish

I would like to learn how to read and write spanish

Are there going to be any of

Are there going to be any of the following: French Spanish Italian Offered anytime soon

French

I would be very interested in learning french

Learning French

I am very interested in learning French. Is any classes available?

I want to learn French

Hi, Any chance that NYPL would do a French class? I would love to sign up for that - thanks!

Spanish

Hi I would like to earn basic Spanish and conversational Spanish as well. Will you be teaching anytime soon. Is not can you direct me to someone I can learn the language. Thanks Lisa

Italian / French

Hi, I would love to take part in a course like this in Italian or French! I would absolutely sign up!! I love language learning, but it is crucial to practice in person with others!

Learn a new Language at your local library

Hello, I would like to take beginner Spanish classes. Please let me know who is offering and when. Queens NY is the location I prefer. Thank you

Italian course

Are you still offering course to learn italian ?

I am looking for Italian

I am looking for Italian courses in the local library.

I'd like to learn italian

Please let me know of other classes for Italian. My dad was born there and I'm planning to learn and get my dual citizenship. Then possibly trying living there for at lease a year to start.

Try Ask NYPL

John, we'd recommend reaching out to Ask NYPL to see if there are upcoming Italian language classes. Here's the link with various ways to contact them: https://www.nypl.org/get-help/contact-us

Free Italian classes

Hello, are the Italian classes still going on? If so, how could I apply?

Italian classes -for Alex

I understand the library is under construction ; will you offer the beginner Italian class this summer and if so , at what branch ? How do we register for this class ? Looking forward to hear from you , Simona Iliescu

Contact Your Local Branch

Hi Simona - To find out about upcoming classes, you can either call your local branch directly or contact Ask NYPL here: https://www.nypl.org/get-help/contact-us

German

HI is there some german classes?

Looking for Foreign Language Classes at NYPL?

If you have questions about learning a foreign language at the Library, reach out to Ask NYPL! Just go to this link: https://www.nypl.org/get-help/contact-us and connect with a member of our staff. Thanks!