Livemocha Adds Four New Languages, Facebook Application and Support for TOEFL Test Preparation
With the addition of Livemocha's 400,000th user, Livemocha becomes number one language learning site.
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) April 21, 2008
Livemocha, a next generation language learning social network, today announced the availability of new courses for Russian, Italian, Japanese and Portuguese. Combining these four languages with the company's original language offerings of English, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese and Hindi, now gives users the opportunity to learn a total of 10 languages.
"Fueled by rapid globalization, immigration and travel, the language learning market continues to change and grow daily," said Livemocha CEO Shirish Nadkarni. "As a result, we are constantly enhancing the site with new features, always looking to our community for direction. The addition of four new languages is just one way in which we are trying to better meet the needs of our worldwide language learning community."
Having just launched at DEMOfall 2007 six months ago, Livemocha today has added its 400,000th member representing over 200 countries, making it the largest community language learning site. Livemocha plans to continue this growth with newly launched features such as the Facebook application and support for two TOEFL preparation tests aimed at reaching a broader audience.
Facebook Application
To provide the worldwide community of language learners with better access to Livemocha, the company is launching the "Livemocha Language Poke" application. The Livemocha Language Poke application allows users to send fun greetings, friendly insults, and flirty messages in German, French, Spanish, Hindi or Mandarin Chinese to their friends on Facebook.
The language poke application is available immediately. Individuals can add the application at http://apps. facebook. com/language_poke (http://apps. facebook. com/language_poke) or by searching for "Livemocha" in the Facebook application directory.
Livemocha Social TOEFL Test Preparation
According to Educational Testing Service, the U. S.-based creators of the TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language™) and TOEIC® (Test of English for International Communication™) tests, a record 6.2 million people took the English tests in 2007. Three-fourths of Livemocha's user base is learning English online. Livemocha will launch two free TOEFL preparation tests immediately (with eventual plans to launch three additional tests that users will pay for).
Livemocha's Social TOEFL Test Preparation trains students to excel in all aspects of the test including reading & listening comprehension, writing and speaking responses. Leveraging its global network of native English speakers, the Web site provides a platform for students to receive feedback and reviews on their writing and speaking exercises thereby creating an opportunity to better their language skills in the most effective manner. TOEFL test preparations content are in academic settings that will help students prepare more effectively for school abroad.
"I've been preparing myself for the TOEFL test. It's a very hard exam which requires the four skills of the language (reading, listening, speaking and writing). Here is where Livemocha comes in," said Suellen Oliveira, a Livemocha user from Brazil. "I've been improving my English a lot through Livemocha, using the microphone function to speak with native English speakers, and have made American friends through the Web site. Many of these friends have given me great hints about the TOEFL. Livemocha is giving me the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with people who really know the English language. It's amazing!"
About Livemocha
Livemocha, a Seattle based start-up is redefining the language learning market through the introduction of a language 2.0 platform that integrates rich dynamic online instructional content with a social network of native language speakers. Unlike CDs and books that often gather dust, Livemocha helps users gain true conversational proficiency and deeper cultural knowledge by allowing them to tap into the native language expertise of Livemocha's global network of language learners.
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