The advantages of being multi-lingual are numerous, whether you are a student or a professional looking to expand his/her horizon and become globally competitive. For those who are complemplating on learning another language for whatever purpose, it becomes imperative to make smart choices when it comes to choosing a program.
While there is a great number of language training programs online, very few actually delivers on their promise of fluency. One of the best ways to find out whether a program works is to look up honest and unbiased reviews on it. Consumers can very well get their money’s worth by carefully examining what different programs offer, and which ones possess the right components for effective learning.
Below is a comprehensive review of the Rosetta Stone Language Program, which is among the popular products sold online. Those intent to find out the best language tools should pay close attention to the list of pros and cons associated with the RosettaStone Program.
What is Rosetta Stone?
While the name suggests an affiliation with historic artefacts, Rosetta is just as modern as other programs that teach languages from all over the world. This program is mainly provides web-based lessons designed to teach the principles behind various spoken languages, as well as techniques on how to become fluent in each of them.
As with all language-related products, RosettaStone is made up of several lessons (audio and text based) that educate users about the language they wish to learn, starting with the basics, until they become fluent and confident speakers.
Advantages of Using RosettaStone Languages
20 Different Languages to Choose From
Choosing Rosetta would provide you with a wide range of choices, which includes languages from Asia, North and South America, and Europe. You will not be limited to just one or two languages, which means the learning potential is quite impressive.
Program users can start with one language, and then move on to others in an effort to become multilingual.
Culture Sensitive Learning Process
Language has a direct relationship with culture, as one is part and parcel of the other. Rosetta devised a learning program that provides critical information about the culture of the county or countries from which the language originated or otherwise widely spoken.
Understanding the culture of any language is of utmost importance as the words used emanate from a long and rich history of people and their nation. Understanding the specifics of each language is essential in becoming a fluent and native sounding speaker.
Audio-Visual Language Tools
The latest version of Rosetta offers different lessons, which have been clustered based on what they cover. Included in these lessons are visual and audio tools that help users relate words and phrases to certain images. This technique is believed to be effective in stimulating the cognitive parts of the brain, thereby facilitating effective retention.
Intensive Lessons on Pronunciation and Vocabulary
The same rules apply in the learning process, regardless of which language you choose to acquire. Being acquainted with the most basic words and phrases is important in order to effectively formulate correct sentences, and carry on a fluid conversation.
It is important to note that some languages consist of words that can be used in more than one context based on the pronunciation. The lessons included in the training package deal with this aspect.
Drawbacks
While many consumers agree that Rosetta has helped them learn a new language, others are not as impressed with this program due to its limitations. Here are some of the disadvantages to using RosettaLanguages:
Slow Learning Pace
A lot of Rosetta users have reportedly experienced very slow progress as far as language acquisition rate is concerned. Some of the methods used in this program prevent people from learning at a much faster rate, compared to other language training courses online.
Those who are looking to learn a language within a truncated time table may very well be disappointed because it will take time before they become fluent.
Rosetta is fine for those who are not conscious about making quick progress, i.e. individuals who treat language training as a hobby rather than a goal.
Redundant Lessons
Most of the complaints about this program have to do with repetitive courses that seem to retard the language acquisition rate of users. Those who have compared RosettaLanguages with other products in the market have noticed that it does not provide enough lessons, which translates to incomplete learning.
Rosetta Stone claims that repetition is key to fluency and mastery, but many language experts believe that there are much better ways to instil proficiency than going over the same lessons at different levels.
Overly Simplistic Learning Methods
Language learning, being a difficult task to accomplish, is met with a very simplistic approach by the Rosetta Stone program. While it is necessary to ensure that users understand instructions well, a number of language experts do not think oversimplifying lessons is the right approach.
Since the techniques are too simple instead of being multi-layered, many Rosetta Stone users get bored and eventually lose interest in learning the language. Those who quit usually blame the boring methods, which come across as child-friendly but uninspiring for adults.
Less Value for Your Money
Due to less effective methodology and an entirely uninteresting approach to language training, Rosetta is deemed by many as a product that does not provide much value for the customers’ hard-earned cash. This can be a real problem, especially for people who save up their money just so they can learn to speak a new language.
Verdict and Recommendation
The Rosetta Stone appears to be a fine product at a glance, but it does have a lot cracks in its system. However, since it provides a good foundation for language learning, it can be considered a satisfactory tool regardless of its shortcomings.
In conclusion, Rosetta is recommended to those who like to learn a language but do not mind waiting a while for real progress. Compared to other language training products, Rosetta proves to be inferior but it is not a total waste of money. If you decide to purchase this program, be sure to have modest expectations.
Rosetta is recommended to those who like to learn a language but do not mind waiting a while for real progress. Compared to other language training products, Rosetta proves to be inferior but it is not a total waste of money. If you decide to purchase this program, be sure to have modest expectations.
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