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Livemocha Revolutionizes Language Learning Market with New Social Networking Based Approach

Innovative platform combines an online global community, dynamic instructional content and a motivational framework to make learning a language a reality

San Diego, CA - September 24, 2007 – DEMOfall – Livemocha, a next generation language learning company based in Seattle, today announced the general availability of a new Internet based language learning solution integrating online instructional content with a global community of language learners. Livemocha addresses a $20 billion worldwide market for language learning fueled by rapid globalization, immigration and travel. Applying the latest trends in social networking, Livemocha is poised to transform a market that has seen little innovation since the introduction of CD-ROM technology in the 1990s. Livemocha teaches everyday language in a fun and engaging manner and leverages the native language proficiency of its member base to provide a peer-to-peer tutoring and support system that keeps learners engaged and achieving real results.

“We are excited to be here at DEMOfall to launch our new language learning approach based on a social networking paradigm that today’s consumers understand,” said Shirish Nadkarni, CEO of Livemocha. “The best way to learn a language is through total immersion and Livemocha allows its members to mirror this experience through a global community within our site. Learners and tutors alike can not only enhance Livemocha’s instructional content to add local flavor and relevancy but also practice real life conversations essential to developing strong language proficiency.”

“In today’s world of global collaboration it is necessary to communicate across cultures,” said Chris Shipley, executive producer of the DEMOfall conference, where Livemocha launched its product. “With the emergence of Web 2.0 technologies, consumers can more easily facilitate interaction via the Web through social networking and real-time chat features. We chose Livemocha as one of DEMOfall’s presenting companies because it brings an innovative approach to traditional learning models that have seen little evolution over the last decade.”

Livemocha will launch with support for six popular languages – English, Spanish, French, Hindi, German, and Mandarin Chinese. Key elements of Livemocha’s learning approach include:

  • Dynamic lesson content – Lesson plans include over 160 hours of beginner and intermediate level content teaching everyday conversational language along with a full range of practical reading, listening, writing and speaking exercises. Livemocha also leverages the native language expertise of its members by allowing them to enhance the content with grammar tips, alternative phrases and colloquialisms.
  • Global community – Members all over the world can utilize their native language proficiency to teach and learn from other members of the community. Users have the option of practicing structured conversation exercises with a native speaker or submitting a writing or an audio sample of an exercise for a native speaker to edit or correct. These community-based interactive tools in Livemocha help build a strong engaged language community.
  • Motivational system – For most people with little free time, learning a language can take a back seat to their busy lives. Through competitions, a language buddy system and community encouragement, Livemocha provides the tools to keep learners motivated and making steady progress.

“I have tried plenty of self study language learning audio tapes, books and CDs on the market, but I still couldn’t carry on a conversation,” said John Kennedy, Lead Global Business Development Manager at Casero. “With Livemocha, I am meeting and conversing with native speakers and am more motivated than ever to keep learning and helping others.”

As globalization continues to change the world’s economic landscape, the demand for language learning has increased sharply. The worldwide market for language learning is estimated to be over $20 billion. According to the British Council, the number of English language learners is going to soar to 2 billion people in the next 10 to 15 years. In the U.S. alone, over 10 million people take foreign language courses every year for different means, with an additional 33.5 million foreign born immigrants looking to enhance their English skills to increase career advancement opportunities.

DEMOfall Information
Shirish Nadkarni, CEO of Livemocha, will present the company’s next generation language learning platform from the DEMOfall stage on Tuesday, September 25, at 3:50 p.m.

To experience a live demonstration, visit station #64 at the DEMOfall 07 Conference. DEMO.com visitors will also be able to view Livemocha’s live stage presentation within 24 hours by clicking on the “Watch DEMO Videos” link. For more information on Livemocha, visit www.livemocha.com.

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.