New web-based app combines social networking with language learning

I wrote earlier about Mango, a free, online learning tool to study Chinese (or many other languages). Now, courtesy of Websware.com, we find another web 2.0 app that aims to do the same thing, but with a social network bent. It's called LiveMocha.

Like other language learning tools, LiveMocha has online lessons you can take at your own pace. Compared to Mango, I found it easier to get in to (my test case is beginning Spanish). Lessons flew by and my vocabulary and comprehension grew quickly. But what really sets LiveMocha apart from other systems is its social system: After you take a lesson, you can practice your knowledge by either writing or recording your answer to a question aimed at learners of your level.

Other LiveMocha users who know the language you're learning are the ones who critique your response. If you're learning Spanish, then a native Spanish speaker will give you feedback. Likewise, you'll be asked to give feedback for people learning the language you speak. You can also connect in real-time with other users (either already speaking your language, or learning it) and talk with them using guidelines for conversation that pop up when you connect. Eventually you might set up a network of friends to learn with.

I played around with it briefly, and found it actually took a bit longer to go through all the sign-ups and get into the lessons. But it looks a little more advanced and polished than Mango, and also provides photographs for translations, which can be helpful.

If you're interested in brushing up on your Chinese, it's worth checking out.