Does Rosetta Stone work?

[Uennie]

I see a lot of testimonies on the web but I don't know anyone personally who made it work for them. I need to start brushing up on my French/Japanese and learning Russian for the work I do, so I was wondering if there were people here who were familiar with it (and aren't being paid to say it does work). Does it work or is it like a weight-loss/erectile dysfunction scam?

[Nalfeinn]

Its fantastic. Instead of spamming you with info and expecting you to learn it gives you just enough to be able to figure bits out for yourself, the visual representation is pretty decent too, really worth a try. (and no I dont work for them i just found it to do what it advertised, and well)

[Uennie]

Sweet thank you!

[Elegiac]

It's a bit on the pricey side, but in my opinion well worth the cost. A lot of the language teachers I know swear by it as a very effective method of picking up a language to a conversational level. Not just that, I own both French and Japanese versions and dip into them to keep my skills in both languages up.

[mercutiouk]

It's...erm "widely available" if cost is a problem too. Usually a sign it's worthy of interest.

[Xeveri]

While I have never used it, my very good friend who took Japanese in college did use it as an aid in his studies. He claimed that using only the program itself wouldn't net you enough experience in some languages and works very well as an aid to a class taught course.

It may also vary by person...but since he is teaching in Japan right now, I tend to believe him.

[apepi]

Rosetta Stone program name is based off an actual Rosetta Stone which taught us what Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.:}

[Elegiac]

Rosetta Stone program name is based off an actual Rosetta Stone which taught us what Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.:}

A little bit obvious there. But yes.

Also, just a warning. Some of the language programs are more comprehensive than others; there are 5 levels of French but only 3 of Greek, for example.

[Galluccio]

I know Italian. I found that using Rosetta stone really did help me fill in the gaps.

[GennGreymane]

My friend learned french from it. they suck at everything so i assume it works.

[Deleted]

My mother uses it for two different languages she wants to learn, and so far, is really doing fine.
Seems to be quite good, and way better than just trying to learn via a book etc.

Definitely worth it.

[Remilia]

I tried using the Japanese one... not really great for that. It's using formats that aren't used even in formal speech.

[SageKalzi]

It's a bit on the pricey side, but in my opinion well worth the cost. A lot of the language teachers I know swear by it as a very effective method of picking up a language to a conversational level. Not just that, I own both French and Japanese versions and dip into them to keep my skills in both languages up.

Well, use TPB then? Fairly simple instead of having to pay their ludicrous costs.

Infracted - please do not discuss TPB to circumvent copyright laws

[Deleted]

Well, use ~snippety~ then? Fairly simple instead of having to pay their ludicrous costs.

Might wanna edit that out. Fairly sure it's against the rules to discuss things like that.
As for the program itself, I've heard it's really good.

[Elegiac]

Well, use ~snippety~ then? Fairly simple instead of having to pay their ludicrous costs.

Because piracy is -totally- ethical.

[SageKalzi]

Might wanna edit that out. Fairly sure it's against the rules to discuss things like that.
As for the program itself, I've heard it's really good.

Huh? I'm not linking it or anything, never heard of the rule that we couldn't talk about that site.

Edit: If you can post the rule I'll gladly remove it though.

[jivey15]

Don't pay for Rosetta Stone. Use Livemocha.com. Works just like Rosetta stone but is online and free.

[aztr0]

It works, but you have to keep at it. Its definitely not a scam. I've used the Japanese language system and for the time that I was focused on learning, I was able to learn.

[Agent Mercury]

Depends on the language. And it HELPS it won't do it alone. It also expects you to have some initial knowledge for Japanese (Only one I used)

Overall if you are paying full price I do not think it is worth it.

[Deleted]

Because piracy is -totally- ethical.

Ethical, really?