If I hadn't studied Swahili already, I would have found it utterly confusing after just a few lessons. As an intermediate student, however, it was fairly good for revision, but not worth the hefty price - had I been unwise enough to purchase it instead of trying the demo at Rosetta Stone's website. The first problem with it is that the language and pronunciation is very stilted and unnatural: it is technically accurate, but no native speaker would speak like this. More to the point, it doesn't accurately explain the noun classes of Swahili. I know it aims to do away with memorization and drill, but it becomes needlessly hard when one insists on learning a bantu language without first learning the various noun classes. Later on you're going to have difficulty figuring out why it's "ndege inaruka" and "vitu vitatu vinatoka" whereas it's "watu watatu wanatoka" and so on and so forth. I only tried the online version so I don't know if the CD comes accompanied by a grammar book. If it does, all good and great, but consider getting some Pimsleur lessons to smooth out that pronunciation.
Rosetta Stone V2: Swahili Level 1 [OLD VERSION]
4 | 4 ratings
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Last update: 12-16-2024
About this item
This powerful tool uses advanced multimedia tools to immerse you completely in Swahili, as you experience the language just as a native-speaker would
You'll enjoy 12 special activities with 92 lessons each -- all of them fun and interesting, and sure to teach you more about the language
Key skills in listening comprehension, reading, speaking and writing are developed as you get a taste of Congolese and East African culture
Previews, tests and automated tutorials help you when you're stumped, so that your Swahili speaking skills never cease to grow
You'll enjoy 12 special activities with 92 lessons each -- all of them fun and interesting, and sure to teach you more about the language
Key skills in listening comprehension, reading, speaking and writing are developed as you get a taste of Congolese and East African culture
Previews, tests and automated tutorials help you when you're stumped, so that your Swahili speaking skills never cease to grow
Top reviews from the United States
Beautiful FroggessNot very good
Cat WatSo far so good
VENTURINI VIVIANA