How effective are language learning programs?

Question

Like Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone. By the end of the programs will you be able to speak like a native? Also do they teach you the informal or formal language or both. I'm trying to learn French in 6 mo.

Answer 1

I don't know about Primsleur, but I've used Rosetta Stone for German. Although it is a great tool to learn vocabulary and practice pronunciation, I haven't found it to be very effective to actually learn the language. I was definitely glad to be taking an actual language course at the university along with it. Rosetta Stone does not provide its learners with any grammar or structure exercises. You basically see sentences and repeat them. Being a language teacher myself, I see these programs as helpers, but not much more. Don't expect to have actaully learned the language to converse fluently by 6 months, and definitely not like a native. Spending 6 months in a French-speaking country might not even get you speaking like a native speaker, unfortunately.

Answer 2

Most software or CDs will teach you the formal French.

I tried Rosetta Stone for Spanish and found it effective for basic sentences or words. But you could not get fluent or reach an Intermediate level with it, especially as there is no grammar explanations. The best way to get fluent is to communicate with a native speaker or live abroad, which is unfortunately not always possible. Rosetta Stone can teach you the basics, but not be really communicate.

Pimsleur is very different as it is audio CDs so you will listen to the language, and then try to repeat it. It is efefctive if it is your learning style. One of the disadvantage is that you don't get any feedback with audio CDs so you can think you are saying it right but nobody will correct you unless you can talk to someone.



Nonetheless, I found another language software that my college was using called TeLL me More. I found it to be less repetitive than Rosetta Stone, but also more effective to communicate. For instance, they have an activity where you could actually have a dialogue with the computer: the computer says one sentence, you have three choices of answer and you actually speak the correct answer (headset and mic is already included) and the computer recognizes what you are saying and moves you on to the next sentence. They have a free trial on their site www.auralog.com . I also found out after buying it that they are better ranked than Rosetta Stone on http://learn-spanish-software-review.toptenreviews.com/. I reached an Advanced level already and feel confident communicating in everyday situation. It has an audio CD which was nice

Learning a language takes time and dedication. If your goal is to learn in 6 months, you should spend several hours a week regardless of the solution you choose.

Answer 3

Ive been learning greek for about 1 year and i started out with the pimsleur courses. These boost your confidence in speaking the language and by the end of the first lesson you can say something at least! Very useful for learning how to speak and understand but does not teach any reading or writing. They are expensive courses but i borrowed mine from a local library. These taught the formal language but then went on to the informal as it progressed. Try a "teach yourself" book which comes with a cd to help with your pronounciation. Good luck! Dont give up!

Answer 4

Unfortunately, none of the programs are cheap. The Rosetta Stone program is suppose to be one of the best and I think they have a version for kids. Trying to teach my nephew and niece Italian, I found fun songs in Italian that they love and sing. Kids have an affinity to singing fun stuff! Why don't you partner up with your child and learn the language with him? Maybe for 1/2 hour on Saturday and Sunday mornings? Children's books are also good. They're simple and geared toward kids. I bought my kids an illustrated Italian dictionary (maybe 60 words in the whole book) and they loved that too. Do they teach Spanish in your child's school? I think it's wonderful that you're taking this interest! Good luck. Buon fortuna!

Answer 5

I've never tried them myself but I heard Rosetta Stone's ok. I don't think there is any existing program that will enable you to speak like a native speaker (of any language) upon completion.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Ver effective!!!