I have to say I am impressed with Rosetta Stone. I bought the Spanish (Latin America) Level 1, 2 & 3 with the Audio Companion, and though it is not quite perfect it is a great piece of software for learning languages. I bought this because I was really wanting to learn a new language and taking lessons or paying a tutor just wasn't practical for me. I just didn't really have the time to work around someone else's schedule to try and learn a new language. So I was hoping that this would give me the much needed flexibility I would need.
It uses what they call the Dynamic Immersion process. What they do is remove all translations from learning the language. They do this by showing you a picture of something and then saying what it is in the language that your learning (Think flash cards). This is really effective way of learning, and retaining what you have learned.
The program is broken down into lessons. And when you complete a lesson it gives you your score. I find that I always go back and do it over and over until I get a 100% (I'm somewhat of a perfectionist) It also prompts you to go back and do review lessons after so many days to reinforce what you have learned. You can just skip this if you wish but I find that it is a good way to get every thing to really sink in.
It also uses voice recognition and will ask you to pronounce the words it is trying to teach you. I have to say that I have never been fond of any voice recognition software and always avoided using any if I was able. That being said, The voice recognition is not spot on, but it does work a great deal better than I thought it would. Later in some of the lessons it will ask you questions and then you have to answer them via speaking the answer. I was dumbfounded the first time this happened in a lesson. I had about a three second delay before I realized that it wanted me to speak the answer. After the shock wore off, I quizzically answered, and got it right. That gave me a great sense of accomplishment. So even though it is not perfect, it does work well and helps built your confidence in speaking your new language.
The version I got also came with the Audio Companion. After you complete a lesson there is a audio lesson with the same material on it. You are suppose to listen to it to reinforce the lesson, when your away from your computer, in your car's CD player or on your iPod or MP3 player. Problem is, there is no translation on the audio companion either, and though that does work well for the software, it really loses all it's effect on a pure audio bases. The audio companion really needs an update or and all around overhaul, because it just doesn't work.
The writing and grammar parts of the lessons are good for how the program works (flash card style with no translations) but leaves much to be desired. You will also want a English to Whatever-language-your-learning dictionary and some sort of grammar guide to round out your lessons.
I think this is a great program and really helps you speak and understand your chosen language to learn. But it does have it's flaws, its not a complete way of learning a language (I do recommend getting a translation dictionary and some sort of grammar guide). The audio companion is just shy of being useless, so get the version without it and try to save a few bucks off of it's high price tag.
I thought about giving it 5 stars, because it is such a great way of learning, but because of the high price and the weak grammar and writing lessons I just couldn't do that. I'm not holding the audio companion against it, because you can buy a version without it and that is what I would advise anyone to do.
All and all I give it 4 stars and would recommend to anyone (that can afford it) that is trying to learn a new language.
Rosetta Stone V3: Spanish (Latin America) Level 1-3 Set with Audio Companion [OLD VERSION]
3.1 | 175 ratings
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Last update: 12-23-2024
About this item
Levels 1 - 2 - 3 - Connect with the world around you. Build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure. Quickly gain the confidence to enjoy social interactions such as greetings and introductions, travel, dining out, giving and getting directions, shopping and other recreational activities. Learn to share your ideas and opinions, express your feelings and talk about everyday life.
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