|
Education Plus
Learn languages online
CHITRA V. RAMANI
|
About Livemocha, a web-based solution
|
Easy method: Interact with native speakers and master any language
One can sit at home and learn foreign languages online. Learners do not have to download and install any software or application. They can practice the language by interacting with native speakers. Learners get to do all this and more free of cost at Livemocha, a unique web-based language learning solution.
Shirish Nadkarni, chief executive officer and co-founder, Livemocha Inc., said that Livemocha integrates online instructional content with a global community of users. The portal ( www.livemocha.com) is based on the social networking/ user community concept, which provides an ideal platform to learn languages through the help of native speakers all over the world.
“Livemocha was launched in September 2007 and currently has about 3.2 lakh users from 200 countries. India is the third largest country in our user base. The membership is free and users through our worldwide network can easily connect with those from different countries on the site,” he said.
Crucial factor
Rapid globalisation has created a tremendous need for people all over the world to better understand and interface with different cultures in the course of their work and travel. Foreign language learning has now emerged as a pressing need that is crucial to the success of emerging economies and global trade.
“Through Livemocha, we hope to address the manifold requirements of the buzzing Indian economy that includes Business Process Outsourcing/ industrial sector, trans-national corporates, educational institutions, students, multiple language enthusiasts and many more,” Mr. Nadkarni said.
Genuine accent
He also said that there is a huge need for exponents in European and foreign languages. “Through our social networking and real-time chat features on the website, people can not just learn to speak foreign languages, but also train themselves to perfect the genuine and accurate accents of the region.”
Livemocha currently supports English, French, Hindi, German, Spanish and Mandarin. “We plan to add up to 30 languages in about two months’ time. What sets Livemocha apart from other online language learning portals is that our content is not static.”
Lesson plans include over 160 hours of beginner and intermediate level content of everyday conversational language along with a full range of practical reading, listening, writing and speaking exercises.
“We get native speakers to help learners enhance the content with grammar tips, alternative phrases and colloquialisms,” he added.
Mr. Nadkarni said that Livemocha is also introducing a new TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation content. “Approximately, one million students from across the world take the TOEFL, of which a significant percentage is from India.”
Livemocha’s Social TOEFL Test Preparation trains students to excel in all aspects of the test, including reading and listening comprehension, writing and speaking responses.
The website provides a platform to students to receive feedback and reviews on their writing and speaking exercises, which will help them better their language skills.
He also said that Livemocha would be launching two free TOEFL tests in early April.
For more details, visit www.livemocha.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Education Plus
|
