Has anyone tried the Rosetta Stone language CDs?

Question

If so, how well do they work? How long does it take for them to work? Thanks!

Answer 1

Many of us professional language teachers feel that RS does not deal effectively with language as a means of COMMUNICATION. It focuses primarily on vocabulary acquisition, and ignores most of the other aspects of speaking a language.



I am afraid that their ad campaign and marketing blitz is working better than their software.



And I have told many people -- If you are a parrot, it is fine. If you are human, look farther.



(Pimsleur has a very good reputation. I don't know which language you are wanting to learn,

Answer 2

I've tried Rosetta Stone for a few different languages (well okay, just 2, Japanese and French).



How well do they work? They work really well.



How long does it take for them to work? Right away.



You'll immediately start learning key words and phrases with Rosetta Stone.



I'm not saying it's a magic pill, and obviously you aren't going to be speaking with someone in that language a week or more later. Obviously it takes time to learn a language, I don't care what anyone says, no matter HOW you learn, it will take time.



However, Rosetta Stone and other software programs are in my experience the best way to learn - simply because they are:



1 on 1

Interactive

More engaging than a book / dvd / cd / tutor / teacher (unless you have an amazing teacher, good luck with that for a language class).

Use them when you want.



Two other programs I strongly recommend are Rocket Languages and Fluenz. If I had to rank all three products in terms of overall rating it would be:



Rocket Languages

Rosetta Stone

Fluenz



Fluenz:

Read the reviews: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_hpc?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=fluenz&x=0&y=0/?tag=clogui-20

Rosetta Stone:

Read the reviews: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rosetta+stone&x=0&y=0/?tag=clogui-20



Rocket Languages:

http://abclearnlanguage.com

Answer 3

I just started using Rosetta Stone. It has been working really well. If you are willing to take an hour a day to learn the language that you want, you will be able to speak it in no time. I suggest Rosetta Stone to anyone.

Answer 4

I agree with Louie. But then again, what non-human form of education is going to adequately teach you how to communicate like a human?



the bottom line is (I have been told) it is an excellent means of learning a language, but in order to effectively communicate like a human being, you'll need to PRACTICE with a human being (not a book/computer).



So do RS, but try to aquire a penpal, or find a native speaker that is living and breathing and that you can communicate with.....that is, if your end goal is to functionally speak the language like you do english:)

Answer 5

I use it, and I love it.