Learning a Foreign Language

[beavis]

I seem to remember a thread about this from many moons ago, but I'll be damned if I can find it.

Anyone have a recommendation on software for learning a foreign language? I've heard good things about Rosetta Stone, but thought I'd request some feedback before I drop the coin on it.

Thanks in advance.

[elvomito]

i like rosetta stone...
but the lesson menus are in the target language. its a little hard to read kanji if your going for the jap level 1

oh well, cant complain too much. i got a real good price on all the languages

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by beavis

French, God help me.

[beavis]

Originally Posted by elvomito

oh well, cant complain too much. i got a real good price on all the languages

That was going to be my next question. Where can I get a deal on it? Couldn't find anything on ebay for much less than retail.

[Jenson71]

Originally Posted by beavis

That was going to be my next question. Where can I get a deal on it? Couldn't find anything on ebay for much less than retail.

If you signed up on for the demo, they sometimes have 20% off deals. I get them a lot in email. That's all that I know of.

[teedubya]

Originally Posted by Metrolike

My friend said it was free on teh intranets.

yeah, I know a guy who knows a guy who found it on isohunt[dot]com

[Fairplay]

Originally Posted by beavis

French, God help me.

Rausch is really the guy to ask about this language.

Send a PM.

[Silock]

Take a class at the community college. It's much better than trying to learn from software.

[Pants]

Originally Posted by Silock

Take a class at the community college. It's much better than trying to learn from software.

The only real way to learn a language is to immerse yourself and live in a country where that language is spoken for a few months. Understanding the grammar rules and having some basic vocabulary (that's what you get with classes) will only speed the process up.

I'm speaking from experience.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Metrolike

The only real way to learn a language is to immerse yourself and live in a country where that language is spoken for a few months. Understanding the grammar rules and having some basic vocabulary (that's what you get with classes) will only speed the process up.

I'm speaking from experience.

I agree.

[beavis]

Originally Posted by Metrolike

The only real way to learn a language is to immerse yourself and live in a country where that language is spoken for a few months. Understanding the grammar rules and having some basic vocabulary (that's what you get with classes) will only speed the process up.

I'm speaking from experience.

That's all I'm looking for. I don't expect to be able to carry on a conversation or anything. But I'd least like to look like I'm putting forth a little effort before I get there.

[Pants]

Originally Posted by beavis

That's all I'm looking for. I don't expect to be able to carry on a conversation or anything. But I'd least like to look like I'm putting forth a little effort before I get there.

I think it's an awesome idea to do what you have in mind. I wasn't trying to say you shouldn't do it, quite the contrary. I think it's a very good way of starting to learn a new language, which, in itself, is a massive undertaking. It's certainly much better than taking juco courses, IMO. No pressure, you go at your own pace using a proven method and it's much, much cheaper.

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Metrolike

The only real way to learn a language is to immerse yourself and live in a country where that language is spoken for a few months. Understanding the grammar rules and having some basic vocabulary (that's what you get with classes) will only speed the process up.

I'm speaking from experience.

Okay. Now, let's be realistic, here. Most of us can't just pick up and trot off to a foreign country to learn the language. Of course that's the best way, but it's not entirely practical for most people