I’m trying to get my former fluency in French and Spanish back, and thought that a computer program might be a fun way to start. Has anyone ever used language learning software? Was it good/bad/indifferent? Does anyone have any specific recommendations for intermediate to advanced programs?
I’m using Rosetta Stone right now. (Or, more exactly, I bought Rosetta Stone software right now, and I installed it, but I haven’t been using it as diligently as I should have.)
It’s pretty ok, if you have some level of familiarity with the language already. I had tried it before with Italian, and that wasn’t a problem. I could look at the words, sound them out, notice the difference between masculine and feminine or singular and plural. Plus, due to vague, hazy memories of Spanish, I could make some reasonably good guesses as to what they were trying to teach me.
I’m now trying it with a language that has a non-roman alphabet with a structure that is significantly different than English. And I’m having trouble because I only half get what’s going on.
But for French and Spanish for someone who already has some knowledge of French and Spanish it might be good.
Go to your library- they will likely have language tapes and may have software to borrow. I found out mine offers the whole line of Pimsleur language tapes for download. I’ve been working my way through French and “essential Twi” (how much Twi is really essential?) and it’s going pretty well- indeed, better than all that French I took in high school. Working on audio and really understanding has improved my ability to listen and my accent immensely, and I’d recommend it to anyone.