Posted on 01/21/2010 10:00:33 PM PST by Domandred
Got a lot of time on my hands while looking for new work and thinking about learning a new language (haven't decided which yet).
Thinking about picking one up but I hate buying things only to find out it's junk that doesn't live up to the hype.
Bump to see the answers.
Pimsleur (but that’s not on the computer)
I’ve used the Spanish one, it’s ok. Lot of repition of words - they say it, you say it, then repeat. Safer than going to Juarez though!
I have Spanish - Levels One and Two
You have to commit to it, and learning will come at your own pace.
It doesn’t replicate immersion, but it combines video, audio, sight, verbal, print, and sound as well as a program like it can possibly do.
It towers above 95% of all other similar language programs, imho
Because Poland and Hong Kong are the most free economies and have the least taxes in the world, and they welcome Americans, I’d choose Polish. Cantonese or Mandarin would score you bonus points getting a job, but English is, also, an official language.
Take Portuguese...better country to go to (Brazil vs. Mexico or any other Central or South American country...PLUS...you can understand Spanish-speakers, but they can’t understand you...that could be USEFUL!
I think it’s the best language learning tool I’ve seen.
Ahem.... I’m pretty sure RS can be found in torrent form. On Demonoid for example.
Yes, French, having fun learning.
Huh? I would take Chile over Brazil.
I will now practice my Spanish:
“Si si senor Juan McCain! - Amnesty mucho gracias!”
More Spanish:
“Si si senor McCain! Senorita Graham-nesty mucho maricon”
Like the other poster said, pick up the demo before buying.
You can get the same thing from other companies for a lot less money. With Rosetta Stone you’re paying for their advertising. Check some reviews online.
Pimsleur's OK, but Thomas is much easier, almost fun. And lots cheaper than Rosetta Stone.
What always works best for me is building my vocabulary and learning as many words as possible.
I have to second the Pimsleur courses. They’re audio only but they concentrate on learning words in the context of conversation so you learn grammar in context rather than as a set of rules. Also, since most language usage if verbal it’s a great way to learn and can be done in the car or just running around doing errands.
Pimsleur is the best.
how many levels do you have to have to be able to speak it?
Try Fluenz. I’ve used both their Spanish and Mandarin. Fluenz is better than Rosetta by far. Use Pimsleur audios for additional vocab after using Fluenz for the fundamentals.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.