Learning a new language can often be an exasperating practice filled with never used CD's and books or costly classes that cut into your free time.

BusinessGyan spoke with LiveMocha, which is an electrifying new Web 2.0 company that brings a whole new radical approach to language learning. LiveMocha, a Seattle based start-up, is redefining the language learning market through the introduction of a language 2.0 platform. Unlike CDs and books that typically gather dust, LiveMocha helps users gain true conversational proficiency and deeper cultural knowledge by allowing them to tap into the native language expertise of the global network of language learners. Livemocha is relevant in the context of Internet marketing and leveraging web 2.0 social networking trends to drive rapid user adoption. It has leveraged PR and the blogosphere to create widespread awareness not only in the US but also in many different countries around the world. In a classic case of internet marketing, the founders themselves are leveraging their user base to get the word out to their friends and family members.
 

Shirish Nadkarni is a well known entrepreneur out of Silicon Valley, and he is the founder of Livemocha along with his friends. Shirish had spent a number of years at Microsoft, and was responsible for the Hotmail acquisition. Shirish spoke at length about the web 2.0 websites which are currently being built. He said that as of today, most of the companies are marketing themselves online. Cases in point would be Facebook and Myspace, and the slew of social networking sites that have the youth hooked on. Livemocha is similar in nature, and works on the idea of social networking, which helps you to better learn the language you are learning. Shirish quotes yelp.com as another example which provides restaurant reviews, that follows a similar model.

LiveMocha integrates rich dynamic instructional content with a world wide community of foreign language speakers helping users gain real conversational proficiency. The site offers everyday language updated by native language speakers, useful grammar structures, and easy to follow classes all based on a proven successful model created by professional language instructors with international practical experience. The company is funded with substantial seed capital from a number of prominent industry executives and venture capitalists. Infact, the founders have had significant track record in raising venture funding and have raised over $50 million in funding for their past ventures.

The worldwide market for language learning is estimated to be over $15 billion. According to the British Council, the number of English language learners is going to soar to 2 billion people in the next 10-15 years. With increasing globalization, immigration and travel, demand for European and Asian languages is also increasing significantly. In the U.S., over 10 million people are taking foreign language courses every year, with an additional 33.5 million foreign born immigrants looking to enhance their English skills to increase their career advancement opportunities. Livemocha is looking to cash in on this untapped market, and generate a service of value to people.

The key capabilities of Livemocha include language curriculum for top 6 languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Hindi), integrated speaking and writing exercises with community feedback, structured live conversation exercises through text and audio interaction, goal setting competitions and language buddy system providing the motivational framework to keep the learner engaged. Given the incredible amount of outsourcing and BPO work that India is doing, acquiring foreign language skills has become a key requirement in India. With this service, users can not only learn these languages but also practice speaking the language with native speakers throughout the world. One can imagine how this tool, will make the world a smaller place, since anyone can learn any language so easily.

Livemocha is helpful since not all of us can afford to have the physical presence of a teacher. Nor do we have the time to invest on going for classes. The idea behind Livemocha is that the best speakers of a language are the native speakers, for whom that particular language is their mother tongue. By using sophisticated browser based chat tools, Shirish is able to create a classroom environment for the users of the site. The user does not have to install anything on his computer. He just has to click on the link provided to launch a browser, which is automatically enabled with audio and video chat. As of now the site is free to use, as the plan is to build a large user community first. For a given language, once you need to go to an advanced level, you will be charged, as the site makers do offer tutor services.

Livemocha has certain search tools where you can search for people who are online and available for tutoring. Livemocha was launched last September, and already has more than a hundred thousand users, which is phenomenal. One third of the users are from the US, and Shirish feels that China would become the next biggest source of users. The fun element of the website comes from the fact that the site has a ranking system, to motivate people to perform better. When you sign up on the site, you create a profile to specify what kind of proficiency you have in your chosen language. For instance you could state that you are an amateur in Russian, but proficient in Hindi.

Shirish said that in terms of competition, many companies have been trying to do something similar for years. They had a traditional approach since they helped in language learning through CDROMs, which were not very effective. Livemocha is unique since it uses the internet as a learning mechanism. The widespread adoption of VOIP has helped LiveMocha attract more novice users. Livemocha has the first mover's advantage, and is looking at creating a brand, just like amazon.com did in the book business.

Shirish's vision is that the website will be able to support a large number of languages in the near future. He wants users to learn not only the language, but also the culture and diversity that each region has to offer. LiveMocha has already been nominated as one of the top 10,000 websites of the world, which is a worthy accreditation, considering there are a zillion webpages on the internet. For most people with little time, learning a new language usually takes a back seat to the rest of their lives. LiveMocha has a motivational system to help you stay engaged and active in your foreign language-learning goal. Through competitions, point sharing and community involvement LiveMocha gives you the tools to reach your goals.

This idea seems to be just what the doctor ordered, as the world goes through the challenges that globalization offers. 

Rajiv Mathew is a dreamer who is willing to tear down walls, build bridges, and light fires to make his dreams come true. He has a bit of that "vision thing" and is not afraid to start from the beginning.

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