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I've been thinking about learning a new language and, according to their ads, Rosetta Stone is the way to go. I checked on Amazon and the 5 level training courses are $199 ($300 off regular price), but that's still pretty expensive. Has anyone used Rosetta Stone, and is it worth the cost? Sorry if this has been asked, I looked through the first few pages and didn't see it.
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Dec 21, 2014 05:45
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| # ? Apr 24, 2024 10:12 |
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IIRC the underlying logic of Rosetta Stone is that you're supposed to learn language "naturally, like you did as a kid! Ever notice how children pick up languages crazy fast? The Rosetta Stone system simulates that." The primary reason that this is bullshit is that when you learned languages as a child, your brain was in a critical stage of development. It's kind of like how baby birds will imprint on the first thing they see and recognize that thing and that alone as their mother forevermore. When you're a kid, your brain is crazy efficient at acquiring new information, particularly when it comes to linguistic patterns (this is referred to as "neuroplasticity"). As you age you rapidly lose this ability, and no program can "simulate learning like you did as a kid." It'd be more possible for me to squeeze into the cupboards I liked to hide in when I was a kid than learn languages like I used to back then, simply because I can at least take out the shelves beforehand. You may get something out of Rosetta Stone, you may not, but my take is that now that your brain is all mature and dumb it's probably best to study from a formal course to learn grammar and vocabulary more explicitly.
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Dec 21, 2014 06:05
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As near I can tell, Rosetta Stone is a useful tool, but there are similar tools available for free (and thus with a community of support rather than a for-profit support). Also, the $199 is kind of bare-bones. Not everyone learns through the same means. Rosetta Stone has an AV style, with a lot of point and click (which is handy for casual stuff). Personally, I'm a bit more tactile and Rosetta Stone does not come with any workbooks or anything to practice actually writing the language. (I know, I nitpick, but it's not like some .PDF files you print yourself would have cost them anything.) Also, RS has its own idea of a learning course. You can skip around, which is handy, but if you're having trouble with one area (pronunciation, vocabulary) there are not many options to toughen your skills apart from repeating the exact same exercises over until you're more confident. Personally I would have liked more vocabulary sections in Rosetta Stone. The more words in your head, the more you are able to think in the language you are trying to learn. (And even if you rock out and never learn to speak the language competently, you may still be able to recognize important words and be able to order food in a restaurant.) You might want to ask a local librarian for help, because you're probably not the only person interested in learning that language. Also, a native speaker is invaluable. They might not even possess teaching skills, but your goal is probably conversation and that they can do. TL;DR: Rosetta stone is slick and a useful tool, but over-hyped.
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Dec 21, 2014 06:35
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Rosetta Stone's pitch is basically that with their product you won't have to do any boring studying, translating, or memorization, and will essentially learn the language by magic after repeating some travel phrases. It's bullshit
icantfindaname fucked around with this message at 07:40 on Dec 21, 2014 |
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Dec 21, 2014 07:38
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Just use Duolingo watch/listen to the media in the language you want learn
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Dec 21, 2014 07:52
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You'd probably be better off using what you'd spend on Rosetta Stone paying a tutor, whether locally or over Skype.
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Dec 21, 2014 08:26
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| # ? Apr 24, 2024 10:12 |
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DangerZoneDelux posted:Just use Duolingo watch/listen to the media in the language you want learn Note that Duolingo is totally free, and was made by a language professor iirc
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Dec 21, 2014 11:47
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