Berlitz to Launch New Language Learning Program, Earworms MBT

NEW YORK, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Berlitz is pleased to announce the addition of the best-selling range of audio-books, Earworms Musical Brain Trainer (MBT). Renowned as one of the world's premier foreign language organizations, Berlitz is bringing this groundbreaking concept to North American retail outlets beginning March 2008.

Earworms MBT takes an entirely new and innovative approach to language learning. Based on the science behind catchy songs that become stuck in one's head (the auditory cortex), Earworms works by pairing melodic music with soft spoken foreign words, phrases and their translations. The result: an incredibly effective method for learning conversational foreign languages by simply listening. Unlike other language programs, which require intense grammar exercises and repetitive drills, the Earworms method requires minimum concentration. The trainer is user-friendly, effective, and relaxing, allowing the listener to unwind while simultaneously learning a new language.

"We are delighted about the launch of this new series," says Chuck Lang, Vice President Publishing/Marketing, Langenscheidt Publishing Group. "As a global leader in publishing, we are committed to providing our customers with innovative products; Earworms MBT is a unique and effective method for learning a new language and fits in naturally with our family of Berlitz products."

Since its European launch in 2000, Earworms has seen incredible success in terms of both sales and customer reviews. The audio-book has routinely ranked #1 for downloads in the US, UK, and Australia, and in 2007 was named an iTunes Top 5 non-fiction best seller, alongside "The Secret", "Stephen Colbert", and "This American Life". More than mere hype, Earworms also boasts an average Amazon customer rating of 4 stars or higher for every title available.

"Our vision is for adults and children alike to see that learning a language can be easy ... it's possible for a method to be both enjoyable and effective," says Andrew Lodge, Earworms Managing Director. "Berlitz is a global market leader in language-learning, and their commitment to innovation makes them the perfect natural partner."

The Berlitz release of Earworms MBT is set to launch in March with more than 16 different language titles, including Spanish, French, Mandarin and Italian. Earworms MBT will be available in bookstores and retail outlets across the United States, and can also be purchased online.

For more information, please visit http://www.earwormslearning.com.

About Earworms:

Earworms MBT is based on the scientific relationship between songs becoming 'stuck in one's head' and the brain's auditory cortex. By combining memorable music with foreign languages, Earworms has discovered an entirely new way to lodge a new language into your long-term memory. Langenscheidt Publishing Group (LPG), the premier publisher of language, travel, maps and reference brands, is the exclusive North American distributor of Earworms MBT.

About Langenscheidt Publishing Group:

Langenscheidt Publishing Group is the premier publisher of map, travel, and language brands. With a complete catalog of over 3,000 titles -- LPG offers the largest selection of travel and language learning products in the world. Berlitz Publishing provides an unparalleled selection of phrasebooks, travel dictionaries, and audio programs. The maps and atlases with the American Map and Hammond World Atlas Corporation brands have long been a staple of students and road warriors in the U.S. and in recent years have introduced formats for new international and domestic map designs that elevated the industry to new levels. Langenscheidt also owns several leading regional map and atlas brands including Hagstrom, the number one brand in the New York metropolitan area and ADC, the leader in the Mid-Atlantic. Most recently the exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Michelin Maps & Guides, Mobil Travel Guide, and HF Ullmann were added to Langenscheidt's list of elite travel brands. For more information, please visit http://www.langenscheidt.com.