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From:Rosetta Stone
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User Rating: Amazon Sales Rank:#131 |
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 Excellent software, 2008-11-11
This program is a great way to learn a language. The method of using pictures with the text helps you make associations and learn much faster,easier and more fun than just memorizing words. You do need to be self motivated but I found myself looking forward to the lessons. The program will automatically recommend to repeat a lesson if you make too many errors. I love that you can have up to 5 users so others can learn along with you and that makes it a good value for households that have several members who would like to learn the language. I think it would also be a good family activity/project and learning with others would be great for motivation and practice. The audio companion CDs are a big help to reinforce and practice what you have learned.
I had no problems with the software installation and set up except for some reason the software could not detect my wireless connection and I had to register by phone.
1 of 1 customers found the following review helpful:
Great product (but pricey), 2008-11-03
I already have the Spanish version of Rosetta Stone, but we are planning a trip to Italy (hopefully) this fall, so I jumped on a recent offer to try out the Italian version, too. (Please see my review of the Spanish version, as well.)
I find the software incredibly intuitive to learn and use, and while there's a LOT of review, it definitely drums things into your head. I also like the diversity used in the photos -- OK, sometimes it's a little surprising to have a picture of a man who's clearly Central Asian when you're in the middle of your Italian lesson, but people from all ethnicities speak all different languages in this jet-setting world, so I guess it really shouldn't seem all that unusual!
One relatively minor complaint: Both my husband and I have had some issues with the headset. Sometimes we've found ourselves shouting into it in Italian, trying to get it to pick up our words. Other times, we're positive that we're pronouncing the words correctly, but it doesn't think we are. The one that came with my Spanish set seems to work better than the one that came with the Italian set, for some reason. Considering the cost of the program, a more reliable headset would be nice.
A word about the audio companions -- they're very handy, but they will NOT work on their own. We find them useful mostly for when we're driving and want to practice a bit. I particularly like to use them to keep me from forgetting what I've learned when I haven't had a chance to use the software for a little while.
2 of 2 customers found the following review helpful:
Fantastico!, 2008-11-01
I am an American...of Asian and Caucasion descent. I grew up speaking both Japanese and English fluently. Since both languages came naturally for me, I always ASSUMED that other languages would also come easily for me and that by the time I was 'an adult' that I'd be one of those "intelligent, wordly people" who could have the ability to blend in various countries and speak 5 languages.
Then reality hit when I was in school and took a Japanese language class for an 'easy grade'. I was shocked at how HARD it was to learn proper sentence structure, conjugated words, variations of words, not to mention the different 'ways' and 'classes' of speaking from slang to appropriate to professional language when I graduated high school and took a professional translation course. It dawned on me that it would be MUCH harder to learn other languages that I didn't even speak a single word of besides the mainstream words such as "Ciao and Bravo!".
Fast forward a few years and put the daily responsibilities of working, paying bills, then starting a family, raising your children, keeping a household, etc, etc...I'm creeping up on middle age and still only speak 2 languages...so much of my dreams of becoming a wordly citizen fluent in 5 languages, right?
Well, enter The RosettaStone, my renewed HOPE!!! I have attempted to learn Italian and Spanish from TV, books and tapes from other programs and have never been able to concentrate ENOUGH to absorb the teachings long enough to walk away and retain the words to use it in 'real life'. The Rosetta Stone is structured so that it teaches you to make real use of it, it's structured so that you don't simply go through the motions of their program but you ACTUALLY REALLY, TRULY learn to SPEAK it!!!
This works SO well that I told my husband although it's not something to get through in a few days or even a few weeks, I feel confident enough that by the time I'm finished with this and he goes through it, we'll be able to take one of our dream vacations and go to Italy and actually be abel to get around and speak the language!!
I would HIGHLY recommend this program to anyone who simply wants to learn new languages for fun OR for business!!!
After I complete this Italian Rosetta program, I plan to move onto their Spanish, French and possibly Mandarin versions!! So my travels will have to hold off until our children are a bit older but at least NOW I WILL be have the ability to speak their native languages to communicate, find out what I'm eating, learn more details about their cultures and customs and simply thoroughly ENJOY visiting and learning about other countries first hand instead of thumbing through a translation book and travelling with a tour guide being guided through like a herd of cows. I want to ABSORB the cultures and the only way to do that is to get to know the people...to get to know the people, you need to speak their language sooo....
Thank you, ROSETTA STONE!!!!
1 of 1 customers found the following review helpful:
Worth the price!, 2008-10-30
For the first time I tried Rosetta Stone's method with my French. It was a very rewarding experience, and I decided to continue the experience with Italian. This is a very enjoyable, convenient and extremely effective way of learning a new language. Rosetta Stone's method is probably the closest one to learning language the natural way, which is the same way all children learn their language. The software very well mimics the natural environment and in my experience this method is the closest one to a real immersion program in a foreign country. I think it is well worth the prices and it is a perfect gift for anyone willing to learn a new language.
2 of 2 customers found the following review helpful:
Amazing Product, 2008-10-23
The Rosetta Stone program is truly ingenious. I have spent the last two months using the program and the amount you can learn in that time is by far superior to memorization or learning from a book. Rosetta Stone works the same way you learn your first language - without translation memorization. It seems a little repetitive as you go along, but when you realize how much you remember without any prompting or memorization, it's truly amazing. I just returned from a trip to Italy and the program helped me communicate, and perhaps more importantly, really taught me the fundamentals of the language and pronunciation. Therefore, I could look up a word in a small phrasebook if needed, and feel confident when speaking to locals. I highly recommend the Rosetta Stone program for those who want to learn a new language. The fact that the headphones will listen to you and confirm if you are using correct inflection and pronunciation is very helpful in giving you the confidence to begin using your newly learned language in the real world.
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