Anyone ever use the RosettaStone Language Software???

[mlwilliamsiv]

Hello everyone.

I am planning on moving to Florida in August 2009 and I would love to learn a second language by the time I move down there. I want to learn to speak Spanish and I keep hearing about this RosettaStone language software that's suppose to be pretty good about teaching languages.

I just wanted to know has anyone on here had any experience with the software personally or knows someone who has? The software is rather pricey ($200 bucks) but if it works the way they say it does then I'll get it.

Thanks.

From a loyal degree seeker,

Marshall

[HawkGuy]

I used the Spanish one and liked it. It was really easy to use and I actually learned a lot. I didn't stick with it as I found out about CLEPs, but it was worth the time I put into it.

[HawkGuy]

Marshall, sent you a PM

[goldpaws]

I, myself, have not used the software, but I know someone that did, and they did great with it. You have to stick with it consistently.

I learned Spanish through Dime! software & books, StudySpanish.com, and some Spanish books.
After I finished learning, I realized StudySpanish was more thorough than most spanish books, materials, and courses. It also has listening on it, and its free. I would definitely recommend starting with that. It is almost addicting, and it has quizzes & tests, not to mention lessons. Most courses and such try to just teach the basics and then leave ya in the dust. A software that is challenging is always going to provide a better education in the language department. I live in Tx, so ordering food in another language is usually necessary. Florida is even more like that than any other southern state because of native fruits, different local terms, and (of course) for the fact Spain used to own Florida.

Is there any way you can get a free-trial version of RosettaStone to see if you like it?

[april004]

I've never used Rosetta Stone but I am studying for the Spanish Clep in between studying for my other exams.

I particularly like the Michel Thomas method, although he is not a native speaker. You'll be able to conjugate verbs at the drop of a hat after doing his courses.....Granted your Spanish may sound German accented after the course but that can be corrected!
I got the Michel Thomas Cd's at the library but liked them so much I went out and bought them!

I also went through Margarita Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish book since the teaching methods were very similar. This book was recommended on foreign language forum as a f/u to the Michel Thomas courses. It was published in the 50's and some of the vocab is dated i.e. words like telegram, record player,etc. Aside from that I found my understanding and usage of Spanish multiplied exponentially.

Now I'm using the Learning Spanish like Crazy downloads I and II. I got it for super cheap since I am an Audible member. I enjoy it but not really good for a visual learner. Alongside that I am also doing Platiquemos which is a revised FSI course, a bit dry ,but hands down a great course for the serious learner. Also am talking to as many Spanish speakers as opportunity allows and also using Speakshop.com for extra converstational practice with tutors from Guatemala. No English is used during my speakshop sessions. It's a truly interactive immersion experience. I highly recommend Speakshop. I am hoping all of this prepares me for the Spanish Clep.

[cookderosa]

Hello everyone.

I am planning on moving to Florida in August 2009 and I would love to learn a second language by the time I move down there. I want to learn to speak Spanish and I keep hearing about this RosettaStone language software that's suppose to be pretty good about teaching languages.

I just wanted to know has anyone on here had any experience with the software personally or knows someone who has? The software is rather pricey ($200 bucks) but if it works the way they say it does then I'll get it.

Thanks.

From a loyal degree seeker,

Marshall

Marshall, my husband and kids use it- I on the other hand suck at foreign languages :eek:
Go to their website, you can try any of them (all of them!) for free! It's an immersion program- meaning they never really do tell you "gato is cat, cat is gato" they just show you the pic of a cat and say the word! It's kinda cool actually.
I can only tell you what I know second hand (my family is in level 1) but apparently the military uses RS and I know for a fact in the homeschool community is is rated the most popular.
Good luck to you! (you could always change your major to...oh i don't know ....French....or Spanish.....hilarious )

[9292]

This curriculum did not have the grammatical parts that are necessary to learn the language; it was missing instruction on declensions and conjugations. MAKE SURE YOU SEE IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT. We didn't end up finishing it- too much money to waste at that price! Try videos from the library of real language users as they have for American Sign Language instruction.

[BrandeX]

I have, and don't use Rosetta. I prefer pimsleurs for initial language aquisition.

[saiguanas]

I second the Michel Thomas method. I knew very little spanish when I went to Spain and ended up fooling natives at times, as long as it was a short sentence and not a long conversation.

I've always wanted to try Rosetta Stone but it is way too expensive. I've used Pimsleur's for Italian and didn't really care for it too much.

Another free podcast is coffeebreakspanish. They are short 15 minute lessons that remind me a lot of Michel Thomas except this guy is Scottish but has a pretty good spanish accent. He's a bit more entertaining than Michel Thomas. I think there is around 80 podcasts available. I'm not sure how in depth it gets because I haven't finished it.

On a side note, if you don't know the story of Michel Thomas, you should look it up. He's a pretty interesting guy. michelthomas.com

On notesfromspain.com, in the forums, they have an area for "intercambios". You get yourself a skype account that lets you call other people throughout the world that have an account for free. Hook up with a native spanish speaker and help each other out. Talk in spanish half the time and english half the time.

[april004]

I second the Michel Thomas method. I knew very little spanish when I went to Spain and ended up fooling natives at times, as long as it was a short sentence and not a long conversation.

I've always wanted to try Rosetta Stone but it is way too expensive. I've used Pimsleur's for Italian and didn't really care for it too much.

Another free podcast is coffeebreakspanish. They are short 15 minute lessons that remind me a lot of Michel Thomas except this guy is Scottish but has a pretty good spanish accent. He's a bit more entertaining than Michel Thomas. I think there is around 80 podcasts available. I'm not sure how in depth it gets because I haven't finished it.

On a side note, if you don't know the story of Michel Thomas, you should look it up. He's a pretty interesting guy. michelthomas.com

On notesfromspain.com, in the forums, they have an area for "intercambios". You get yourself a skype account that lets you call other people throughout the world that have an account for free. Hook up with a native spanish speaker and help each other out. Talk in spanish half the time and english half the time.

I also love Coffebreak Spanish! Listening to Mark and Kara is like being amongst friends. Plus- I adore Mark and Kara's scottish accents.

I get the same thing--fooling people. After doing the Michel Thomas course when I would talk to Hispanics around Chicago they would think I was more advanced than I actually was. Thus, the reason why I am immersing myself in more courses so my listening ability catches up to my speaking and reading.

I've always wanted to learn French. I think after I'm finally done with my degree I'll reward myself by buying the Michel Thomas French course since the Spanish course was so good.