Rosetta Stone Version 3: French Level 1, 2 & 3 Set with Audio Companion

I toyed with Rosetta Stone years ago through a $20 intro package they had. It seemed promising, but the cost of the full package was and remains prohibitive for the casual learner. For professionals needing language training, I think this is an excellent package, but if starting cold, this would best complement classroom instruction. One other thing: for the money, you'd think the program would get you functional faster, e.g. travel french - where is the bathroom, i would like a glass of wine, etc. Instead, we have "the bicycles are yellow." Overall though, a very professional package.

Excellent. Instructions for use of teaching methods should be more explicit. Booklet with all words and phrases used in the lessons would be of help

I got this to learn some French, but I haven't learned a single thing. That's because my wife got her hands on this software as soon as it arrived and I haven't ssen it since. She took French many years ago in high school and wanted to refresh her knowledge. She's been using the software at least a half hour a day for the last month and she says it is really great.

Rosetta Stone takes good and full advantage of computer technology (graphics, animation, video, audio, speech recognition) to assist in learning a new language. It is far more sophisticated than, say, a language teaching book transferred to a computer presentation. It is very interactive. The speech recognition is quite accurate and very helpful in improving the student's foreign speaking skills. It is fun to use and it's never a chore to go through the lessons.

The only concern about the product is a lack on explanation about some language concepts that would be new to someone who has never learned a non-English language before, such as masculine and feminine nouns and adjectives, and how adjectives are made plural if the corresponding noun is plural. But unless she missed something, my wife says these things are not explained anywhere. So someone that is unfamiliar those things might not be taught as well as possible.

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 and easier 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 great family activity 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.

The concept of Rosetta Stone is simple - learn a language the same way our parents thought us through picture books. We are shown a photo and told what it is. We then say the word over and over until it is second-nature in our brain. When the photo comes up, we can easily identify it.

Unlike other programs, there is no need to memorize a ridiculously long phrase or sentence that doesn't mean anything to us at the moment. In Rosetta Stone, we start with simple objects and words. Then we build to phrases and sentences using those same objects that we learned about.

There is an included USB headset with mic so you can speak, analyze and compare your pronunciation with the voices on the program.

The interface is simple and easy. There is nothing to learn. You install the program, activate the levels depending on what you purchased and then create a user so that you can save and go back to where you left off.

Which means you work at your own pace.

The latest addition to Rosetta Stone learning software is the so-called Audio Companion. Unlike other learning software that simply comes in an audio CD that you pop into your vehicle to listen and hopefully learn, this Rosetta Stone Audio Companion is a supplementary to the program. Do not attempt to learn by simply listening to the CDs. These were created to assist your learning experience for words that have already been imprinted into your brain by way of visual association.

Like all other programs, this also has it's short-comings. Because Rosetta Stone immerses you right into the visual process, there are numerous times where you are fed phrases and sentences which only leave you wanting to ask questions on why it was constructed that why or when to leave out a letter in pronouncing a word which has slightly changed.

I would want to be able to CHAT with someone on the other end to help me understand further before I go on to the next level of learning. Isn't that the same way when we were younger. We always asked WHY so we can understand the rules and be corrected for proper speaking.

When I repeat the word, Rosetta Stone says I am correct. When I speak the same word to an actual friend who is native to the language I am not understood as much. I need to know when to pronounce certain letters and when not to. The program simply spoon feeds me the words. I can repeat a million times the word and boost the volume until my ears bleed, but for a person who speaks another language I need to know if there is a silent letter involved or if the letter is in fact pronounced but only in a subtle manner. You will know what I am saying when you get into the program itself.

Lastly, despite the so-called Dynamic Immersion, you will not be able to learn as much and as fast if there is no one else you can converse with in the process of learning. Like your parents who were constantly speaking to you in a language you don't understand, your 24 hour immersion and constant questioning is what makes you finally understand. With Rosetta Stone and all other program, your learning and inability to ask questions is what makes learning a second language slow and limited.

However, despite these I would strongly recommend Rosetta Stone as the only program to successfully make you understand another language in the fastest way possible. The price of the software is steep, but definitely worth it. It is there for you to learn and re-learn over and over.

Finally after installation, don't forget to check for software updates (if the software has not done so already).

Hope you enjoy learning a second language as much as I am learning right now with the help of Rosetta Stone.