New Free Language Learning Website Officially Launches During ACTFL Convention

Hello-Hello Redefines Online Language Learning with Free Interactive Site and Proven Methodology

Washington, D.C. November 24, 2009 — Hello-Hello.com, the world’s first FREE online language learning and social networking website developed in collaboration with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), officially launched during ACTFL’s Annual Convention and World Languages Expo.

www.hello-hello.com is a Washington-based free language training website that allows members to:

• LEARN: complete the lessons online anytime, anywhere.

• TEACH: help other members to learn their native language and get help from native speakers.

• COMMUNICATE: chat with people around the world to practice the language and make friends.

The Council is the largest association of teachers and administrators of all languages at all levels with more than 12,000 members. ACTFL’s tests are used by major corporations and the American government to determine language proficiency. Hello-Hello has training modules for English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. Hello-Hello will be adding more languages, including German, Mandarin Chinese and Italian, in the next few months.

Hello-Hello co-founder Rakesh Gupta is a leading entrepreneur in the information technology and publishing sectors. Prior to starting Hello-Hello, Gupta founded Aptara, which is the world’s largest publishing services company. He is also a co-founder and CEO of KiwiTech, a leading technology firm that develops e-book readers for smartphones and provides mobile app development services.

“The market for online language learning continues to grow at a fast pace and there is a need to satisfy that demand with new innovative and effective online tools such as www.hello-hello.com,” Gupta said.

Sarah Gontijo, a Brazilian political consultant and co-founder of Hello-Hello, said the website addresses a critical need for people who want to develop better language skills.

“While there are many language learning websites available to people, Hello-Hello is the only site based on a proven methodology that will give users the necessary skills to be proficient in a particular language. I want to thank ACTFL for their critical role in ensuring the site’s content meets the council’s highest standards,” Gontijo said.

Other language learning software and websites try to replace, rather than complement, the hard work of instructors, Gontijo said. Hello-Hello’s intent is to serve as a complementary tool for language teachers and students around the globe.

ACTFL Executive Director Bret Lovejoy said Hello-Hello’s launch is occurring during an important time.

“As the demand for online language learning increases, it is critical that we have quality content available and www.hello-hello.com achieves this mission. The lessons have a conversational approach with real-life situations that will enable students to have interactions in the target language from the very first lesson,” he said.