New Language-Learning Program Coming To Delco Libraries

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA – Residents in Delaware County have a new, free tool they can use to learn another language at county libraries come the new year.

Delaware County Libraries are adding Pronunciator, a language-learning program available to Delaware County residents, free of charge to its services.

Founded by a librarian Robert Savage, Pronunciator is committed to serving public, academic, and special libraries.

Pronunciator offers basic to advanced language learning courses in over 80 languages through activities, drills, quizzes, interactive coaching, and live practice with native speakers. Residents can learn a new language through entertainment with full-length feature films with optional bilingual subtitles, and language learning through music and song lyrics.

The program will replace Mango Languages, the current language-learning program offered to library cardholders, by Jan. 1, 2019.

Delaware County is a diverse area with approximately 3 percent of the population being non-native English speakers. Through Pronunciator, English as a Second Language (ESL) is taught in 55 non-English languages. Libraries in Delaware County can help immigrant communities adapt to life in the United States by providing Pronunciator’s ESL courses.

"It’s an exciting time for libraries in Delaware County," said Catherine Bittlem, Delaware County Libraries Director. "We believe that upgrading to Pronunciator will allow residents better access to learn a new language in a fun and interactive way. Pronuncatior’s ESL courses will help libraries better serve their communities, as we’ve seen an increasing number of library patrons that are non-native English speakers."

Pronunciator can be found online here.

Residents must have a valid library card to utilize Pronunciator. Residents can sign-up for a free library card online here.

Delaware County Libraries is an agency of county government that provides support services for 26 independent member libraries. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit the county's library system website here.

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