Are the Rosetta Stone language programs any good?

Question

I am thinking of learning an additional language, or two, and I just wanted to know if the program works. I am committed to learning new languages, but before I spend hundreds of dollars on a CD, I need to know if it actually works. Will I get anything out of it? Has anyone used it and actually learned a language? Also I don't want to buy it and then not use it because I feel it is a waste of time, so does anyone know where I can download it for free (any language)?

Answer 1

I've used it as a teacher and also as a student. As a teacher of ESL, I found it adequate. I'm learning Mandarin with it, and I'm having problems with pronunciation. I've contacted the Rosetta Stone office several times. Even went on a teachers' tour at the UN of the new program. I have never gotten an answer back nor have I ever had any help from them. Rosetta Stone is fine if you have a native speaker nearby to help, as in a classroom situation, but on your own, it depends on the language, how difficult it is to learn, and if you are an auditory learner. I'm not.

I'd try the sites mentioned, and also use library CDs before I'd go out and spend close to $200 on a program you will have to use on your own.

Answer 2

http://www.ebay.com

http://www.languageprogram.com

                               good   luck,..,  bye,..,

Answer 3

It's good for vocab review and for practicing phrases, but it's really not good for actually learning the language.  It assumes that your brain works like a young child's does and will allow you to pick up the complexities of a language simply from hearing a phrase and pointing to a picture.

It is extremely weak on grammar, and in my opinion, is a weak over-all language program.  If you're able to get it for free from your library or something like that, it's a good review, but certainly not worth the money.

I would suggest this one: http://www.tellmemore.com/

Hope that helps!

Answer 4

I used it while teaching ESL overseas and was not that impressed with it.

I also have been learning languages myself and have not considered it as a good program for my own learning. I would buy other programs first for myself and if I had the option to choose programs for my students Rosetta Stone would be an extra, an activity but not the main program to learn from.

Answer 5

Give these a try before you spend any money.

Free Language Lessons

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/

http://www.elanguageschool.net/

http://www.europa-pages.co.uk/

http://www.talklanguages.net/freelessons...

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/...

How to Do A Language Exchange

You should practice using the Cormier method, a language exchange method that has been proven for over 3 years at the C.E.L.M. school in Montreal, Canada.

http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/

Answer 6

I had one and it works pretty good.

Answer 7

Rosetta Stone language Cd's are not available for down loading.  I have worked for a multicultural school district in Canada along with a specific Arabic school where ESL was the focus. We regular use the Rosetta Stone material with our students.  The wonders of it are that is starts with everyday speech and objects of word(s), 2.  From there the program teaches pronunciation of the language and then, it "might" require students to read and write the language.  Good luck with your language learning.