Rosetta Stone V3: French, Level 1

I have just completed Unit 1. I have major issues with this product. First & foremost is the teaching methodology. There was no instruction or theory. You simply begin by clicking buttons & interacting; it seems as though the software was engineered 4 a child. I am not suggesting that interaction should not play a role in language learning software, but rather that 2 ignore theory from the beginning (as Rosetta Stone has) is inexcusable from my personal viewpoint. Secondly, its far too expensive; you pay monopolistic pricing 4 a product that could be much better & much cheaper. If I had it 2 do over, I probably would not buy it; I certainly wish there had been a more critical & sober review of this product.

Better that I ever expected. All of my kids want 2 learn French now because of it.

I'll keep this short & sweet. I've been reviewing this version of rosetta stone on their home website & basically everything on version 3 is on version 2. Now I do not own version 3 but from all the reviews that I've read on amazon as well as yahoo answers, these versions are about the same. I've had the french version 2 & am completely satisfied with it. I can not begin 2 tell you how much I've learned already. Of course it takes much dedication & immersion inside the french culture but you'll be speaking fluent french in no time.

Rosetta Stone products are expensive, far more expensive than most of the language learning tools you'll find on Amazon or in a bookstore. But Rosetta Stone is well worth the price.

Without a true immersion experience (visiting a foreign nation or cloistering yourself at a very expensive university program like Middlebury's where you must pledge 2 speak only the language you're trying 2 learn) it can be quite difficult 2 build speaking skills. Reading skills develop, but speaking, & listening, tend 2 lag pretty far behind.

Rosetta Stone's French isn't as useful as a summer in Paris, but it's the next best thing. The lessons are exceptionally well-designed 4 a software immersion program & it's possible 2 begin 2 build real fluency if you stick with it & practice frequently.

Some folks may find the program more useful if they supplement the lessons with a good textbook 2 garner an understanding of the grammatical concepts introduced by the software. This is particularly true if you find you are more a "book learner" than a "visual learner."

If you need a two week cram session before visiting France 4 a week, go with Pimsleur's beginning CD course. It's more geared 2 travel survival French (and it's far cheaper). If you are more serious about learning French, & you want 2 invest some pretty serious time, Rosetta's products are well worth the cost.

I didn't know what 2 expect when I ordered Rosetta Stone French Level 1.. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of installation, the precise instructions, & the provided USB Microphone Headset that is needed 2 "talk back" at the lessons. I am still working my way through the lessons, reading, learning, & speaking. Beware.. if you don't say the phrase correctly, Rosetta Stone knows! A great way 2 learn any foreign language. Learn, hear, speak..

French Level 1 allows you 2 build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary & essential language structure. Gain the confidence 2 master basic conversational skills, including greetings & introductions, simple questions & answers, shopping & much more.

Why is Rosetta Stone the world's No. 1 language-learning software? Because it works.

Escape the endless tedium of translation, memorization, & grammar drills. Get the language you want, the skills you need & the success you deserve by learning a new language naturally--the same way you learned your first language.

	The complete immersion environment puts your native language-learning skills 2 work, eliminating your dependence on tedious translation & rote memorization.

	Images		Intuition
	In Rosetta Stone you learn the meaning of new language from clear, real-life images. In this activity you learn colors.		You advance using language you've learned & clues from new images. That's your intuition at work. Now that you know colors, you can easily grasp the meaning of the new words...
	Interactivity		Instruction
	Throughout Rosetta Stone, you constantly interact with the program 2 confirm your intuition. ...and then check what you've learned.		From beginning 2 end you build systematically toward your language-learning goals, 4 the most effective & enjoyable instruction anywhere. And finally, you get the fun of trying your new language in a real-life simulation. Speech recognition shows you exactly how you're doing.

You learned your first language without translation.
You learned your first language easily & naturally by connecting words 2 objects & events around you. With Rosetta Stone, learn a new language the same way: using native speakers & thousands of real-life images 2 help you think in the new language from the very beginning. Studies show that learning exclusively in the new language, without translation as a crutch, is crucial.

The exclusive Dynamic Immersion method reinforces your natural language-learning skills with award-winning instructional technology. Identify your learning goals, then choose customized courses that take you there.

The timeless immersion method, along with research-based techniques & new technologies, make Rosetta Stone the clear solution 2 your language-learning needs.

What will you be able 2 do?

Understand everyday language.
Through Rosetta Stone’s proficiency-based listening & reading activities, you'll learn quickly.

Pronounce words correctly.
After practicing with Rosetta Stone’s speech recognition & analysis tools, pronunciation will come easily.

Speak without a script.
Contextual Formation makes sure you have the confidence & cues you need 2 get the words out on the spot.

Spell & write accurately.
You'll build gradually from letters 2 words & sentences.

Engage in real-life conversations.
With Milestone activities, gain confidence using speech alone in simulated situations.

Retain what you learn.
The unique Adaptive Recall reinforces language so it sticks with you in the real world.