Before I travel to a region where I do not know the local languages, I try to log on to the BBCs Language site. Here I can download lists of select phrases, etiquette guides and other pointers that can help me navigate through an unfamiliar culture. More recently, I discovered Radio Lingua's free apps for iPad, iPhone, MP3 player and computer which can get me up to speed regarding learning some key phrases very quickly.
But if I want to really immerse and learn another language, I found I need to invest time and money into a more in-depth program. So I took two of the most popular language learning programs out for a test drive by seeing how well they both taught basic French. Heres what I found.
Pimsleur Unlimited markets itself as a visual, interactive program in three levels that allows users to learn quickly, review easily, and confidently engage others with their new skills. After installing the CD and registering the program, I could access a number of visual aids such as flash cards and match challenge questions. Another key feature is the opportunity to practice my new-found language skills by joining in live all audio-chat rooms with native speakers.
As someone who is constantly traveling, my favorite feature was the ability to download the 15 short 30-minute guided audio lessons that come with each level. These audio lessons are led by a male and female speaker who engage in simple conversations. Each lesson builds on the words and phrases learned in the previous lessons, so I found I was able to retain the material I learned. While the conversations seemed simplistic and a bit banal at times, the speakers' interactions had an engaging quality that held my admittedly short attention span. After completing French Level 1, I felt I grasped the basics though clearly I will need to purchase levels 2 and 3 if I want to engage in more in-depth conversations.
Unfortunately when I tried to travel with an iPad that doesn't contain a CD/DVD drive, I discovered I couldn't take much of this program with me on the go. Along those lines, many portable devices don't have the memory needed to load such a graphics heavy program with ease. With the advent of tablets, smartphones and other devices that don't come with CD/DVD drives, one wonders why this program doesn't come on a USB stick or can be downloaded via the web. A graphics lite version would be helpful for use with portable devices. So this is a program that works best for people who travel with a laptop computer or are able to sit at home and learn via a desktop computer.
With Rocket Languages, I found a web based program that I could access on the road using a netbook. Like Pimsleur Unlimited, this learning program comes in three levels and contains many of the same features, most notably downloadable audio lessons. Additional components available via Rocket Language include language and culture lessons, software games, interactive quizzes and online forums.
Rocket Language's 25 minute audio sessions were led by highly enthusiastic coaches who guided me through the lessons instead of simply repeating conversations. At times, I found this approach a bit too energetic for my tastes. But at the end of the lesson, I knew the material very well. "The essential to budget travel is to plan ahead. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the truth of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our heads. Arranging and expending our travel budget properly is a priority for most families. Curbing spending and charges, while still enjoying your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured achievements and fiscal obligation. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The reasoning regarding protecting money while touring is simple: Even if your personal funds is highly tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel expenses!..". Also, I had the ability through Rocket Record to fine tune my French pronunciations, so I knew when I was able to speak the word or phrase correctly. In addition to French, one can also learn Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean and American Sign Language. Prior to signing up for the entire program, test drive a free sample course to see if this approach works for you.
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