Like the pronunciation modules, the speaking exercises ask learners to either repeat or guess words, phrases, and sentences. Luckily, pronunciation modules usually only have about 5 steps or “pages” with 1-4 words each. These can be some of the most tedious exercises if you know the vocabulary, though. If you sort of know the alphabet but haven’t mastered it, this can be helpful. In the early chapters, words are broken up into syllables to help you better recognize the sounds in the language. To pass these and have a “complete” unit, you need to say phrases out loud. One of the main benefits of Rosetta Stone is its speaking and pronunciation modules. However, in the current version of the software, you can read a translation if you tap and hold the phrase. Historically, Rosetta Stone has taken an “immersion” approach, despite studies highlighting that using a student’s native language can improve the learning experience. You will only get images describing the action, item, or adjective. It’s also important to note that Rosetta Stone doesn’t use native language translations immediately. If your target language uses a new script, you’ll want to learn that before using the software. You also shouldn’t count on learning the alphabet. This concept is introduced in Genki I, chapter 7-after learning the polite and te-forms. For example, in the Japanese course, verbs are introduced with the 〜ている ending, which is used to indicate ongoing or habitual action. By my estimation, by the end of completing a 5-level Rosetta Stone, you should have the grammar and vocabulary foundation for A1-A2, give or take a few concepts.ĭon’t expect the program to follow your textbook in terms of grammar. The vocabulary and grammar for each new module will build on what you learned in the last one. I recommend avoiding this and going through the lessons in order. Writing (optional A screenshot of Rosetta Stone’s home screen, where you can choose a goal to structure the lessons.Each page includes 2-8 boxes with a word, phrase, or sentence with audio, text, and visual aid. Modules are composed of anywhere from 5-30 exercise pages. Chapters end with a “milestone” lesson meant to simulate a conversation. A 5-level course has 20 units, and every unit includes 4 chapters with modules on pronunciation, speaking, listening, and reading. Objiwe Breaking Down the Rosetta Stone MethodĮvery course is broken down into up to 5 levels.Iñupiaq (Coastal) and Iñupiaq (Kobuk/Selawik).Through the software’s Endangered Languages Program, indigenous communities can also tap into courses for languages like: Rosetta Stone currently supports 25 languages at various levels for individual learners: Which Languages Does Rosetta Stone Support? Of course, before we do a deep dive, let’s review what languages are available on the platform. Before prepping for this review, I’d recently finished both the Hindi and Greek courses, and I’m going through the Japanese course now. That said, it’s still a tool I recommend (and you’ll see why). And there are more apps to choose from, too. And, while my grammar was quite clumsy, I was beginning to speak more confidently.īut it’s been well over a decade since then, and the platform has evolved. Within a year and a half, I had finished all five levels. Even if I couldn’t get to my PONS textbook or the Deutsche Welle A1-A2 course, I could finish at least one lesson before bed. I would do 10-30 minutes in the morning and the same before sleeping. The bite-sized lessons made it easy to fit into my schedule. This was before Babbel, FluentU, and Duolingo. Given my recent enthusiasm for the language and the price tag, it was a big deal. Adding some lessons that teach this would be a huge improvement.Back when I first started learning languages seriously-starting with German-a relative gifted me the “premium” language learning software of the day: Rosetta Stone. For languages like Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Mandarin Chinese, you don’t learn how to read or write at all. The final area of improvement I want to mention is how Rosetta Stone teaches languages with different writing systems. This is demotivating for people who want to learn quickly. It seems like the more complete sentences and conversations don’t come until later units and lessons. The pace of the courses could also improve. This has value for some, but I personally prefer to learn more casual ways to speak. Rosetta Stone tends to use more formal language as opposed to teaching you how people speak in daily life. But the content of the conversations could be improved. What the app does well is simulate situations that force you to speak on-the-spot. And it’s only fair to include them as part of this Rosetta Stone language learning review. Rosetta Stone is a solid app in some ways, but it also has a few areas of improvement.
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