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.

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."

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.