Has anyone used Rosetta Stone software?

[WillParkinson]

I want to learn another language. I've seen the commercials for this and looked at their website. The software is pricey, but if it will really help me learn it I might be able to spring for one of the sets. Anyone here ever tried it or heard anything, good or bad, about it?

[NNadir]

1. My kids have. They bought themselves Japanese.

They can say stuff in Japanese, but I have no idea about what they are saying. It's probably something like "how come such good looking guys like us have such an ugly dad."

I have the feeling though, that they're not fluent.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. I've tried the sample lessons and looked at the topics covered, and I

think the courses are expensive for what you get. You certainly would never become proficient ("fluent" simply means that you can talk fast, whether correctly or not) beyond a tourist level.

If the language you want to learn is taught at your local community college, try taking a class. It's important to have someone who knows the language who can tell you if you're learning it correctly and who knows enough about teaching to give you hints on how to improve.

Last time I was in Borders, I saw a set of language courses that claimed that it was similar to Rosetta Stone but was only about $50 per course. If you don't have any community college courses available, try those first.

[WillParkinson]

3. I was just reading a review of TellMeMore...

http://www.language-learning-advisor.com/tell-me-more-review.html

I'm debating. Will have to talk to Paul for his input. It's expensive and would be a time investment, but if it would help me then it might be worthwhile.

As for the community college, I work 3rd shift and sleep a chunk of the day. My time really isn't my own since I'm supervisor of my department and on-call a lot.

[tuvor]

4. What language?

I've recently tried a bit of Italian, and I'm now trying to get proficient with French (though not with Rosetta Stone).

[WillParkinson]

5. I was thinking Spanish

A large number of people I work with at the hotel are Spanish. One of the late night housekeeping staff is a Hispanic lady and she asks me questions as best as she can but I can't understand her very well. She normally has to pantomime things before I catch on.

[wickerwoman]

6. You might try:

http://www.livemocha.com/

They use similar software to Rosetta Stone and it's free. Should at least give you a taste of what RS software is like. It only goes to Intermediate level last time I checked but it has nice community features too and you get feedback from real speakers and can find language exchange partners.

[bikebloke]

7. Just about to suggest Live Mocha too.

The only problem is the instructions aren't always clear. Then you get trashed by the community correctors when it's not right.

My local library has Rosetta Stone online for free. You have to be a resident to use it.

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. Apparently you cannot learn French over there. Bummer, since that's what my kids are taking.

[wickerwoman]

11. They have French 101-202 plus a crash course for travellers.

They have Urdu courses... I would have been shocked if they hadn't had French.

:hi:

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. Oops, I was looking in the long list of languages not up top. Thx!

[bif]

8. I just installed the French version.

It's supposed to be the best. The State Dept. uses it, so I imagine it's pretty effective. SUpposed to be total immersion, which is the best way to lear a language.

[gmoney]

10. Just speak English with the appropriate cartoon accent

Everyone can appreciate and understand that then!

[applegrove]

13. The add came on in Canada for about a year. Then all of a sudden they tarted up the

saleslady and gave her cleavage and set her loose in the next ad. I thought that says something about the corporate culture.