Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 Learning Suite + Mobile [Discontinued]

by Fluenz

Product Features

• We custom made Fluenz Mandarin as language learners who knew there had to be a better way to learn languages. The multi-media applicationas well as the smartphone component were specifically designed to help English-speakers gain fluency in Chinese.
• To create a live learning enviroment, similar to what you are used to in a classroom, language tutor Sonia Gil guides you on video every step of the way.
• Adults do not learn in the same way as children; we need to use the rules of languages we know to learn other languages. Fluenz leverages your knowledge of English to accelerate your learning of Mandarin, with an emphasis on those words you are most likely to use.
• A next-generation platform blends beautiful full motion video with engaging, interactive workouts, including voice recording so you can compare your accent to native speech.
• Our Learning Suite bundles the original Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 DVD-ROM for your computer (OS X 10.3 or above, running great on Tiger and Leopard) with Fluenz Mobile for your smartphone (Windows Mobile 5.0 and above, with a resolution of 320 x 240 required). Also includes an audio CD for additional training and the handy Fluenz Navigator for on-the-go referencing of important words and phrases.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• ASIN: B000UV0NW4
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 7, 2007
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,459 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)

Product Description

Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 Learning Suite Mac uses the power of next-generation technology to give learners the right tools to learn Mandarin faster. It combines all the great features of Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 with the ability to take the software anywhere on your smartphone. At the center of our program is language tutor Sonia Gil, who went to China herself to learn Mandarin. Sonia is there to guide you throughout the program, blending full motion video explanations in English with a series of highly engaging workouts, helping you understand and speak relevant Mandarin. The Fluenz system follows three clear principles: 1) Live Learning - Learning a new language, especially one as unfamiliar as Mandarin, is difficult to do on your own. With Live Learning, we have brought to computer education the essence of the classroom experience: a teacher. All words and phrases are thoroughly explained and you are guided through a structured learning process. 2) Leverage Learning - Modern linguistics tells us that as adults, we need to use the tools of the language we already know and apply them to learning a new language. With Fluenz, you learn first in English and relate basic Mandarin grammar and syntax to that of English, rather than trying to understand Mandarin grammar with Mandarin logic. Using the English you already know to learn Mandarin is the essence of Leverage Learning; 3) Relevant Learning - You need to start learning the words and structures that will allow you to communicate the most in the least amount of time, taking into consideration which words are easier to remember for English speakers, which expressions make the most logical sense to us, and which are most useful--"cell phone" instead of "red apple." Being able to communicate right away in simple ways is the key to Relevant Learning; And, with more than 13 types of workouts covering verbal expression, comprehension, reading and writing, you practice and internalize what you learn in the video lessons.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alex Vannoni-- Fluenz can't be beat!, September 5, 2007

By 

A. Vannoni (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 Learning Suite + Mobile [Discontinued] (DVD-ROM)

I learned a lot of Chinese with Fluenz. The program's not cheap, but it's comparable to Rosetta Stone which seemed to have very mediocre reviews. Also only slightly more expensive than the Pimsleur cds, which are audio only. I especially enjoyed the visuals and workouts, which worked great on my Mac.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fluenz is Great, September 3, 2007

By 

D. Clark - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 Learning Suite + Mobile [Discontinued] (DVD-ROM)

Just finished using the Fluenz suite for mac--I loved it. Didn't waste any of my time teaching me useless vocab like the names of animals and flowers. Got to leaern some chinese that I might actually use, things like hotel, taxi, beer, and money. The virtual teacher Sonia has an attitude towards language learning that I think makes a lot of sense. Basically, since we are not babies anymore, we don't learn like them. Kinda obvious really. Instead the program is designed to help the user turn the knowledge of language that they already have into a way to quickly learn another. The sessions feature Sonia explaining Mandarin words and phrases, but also explaining why they are constructed the way they are--very useful. Sonia herself is not a native speaker of Chinese, but this doesn't bother me--its actually a positive. It is impossible to become proficient as a native speaker with a computer program, but Sonia's experience provides an excellent base from which I hope to build on in real-life settings. I bought the suite because I wanted to be able to take the sessions everywhere with me. Based on my experience, I strongly recommend the suite to anyone with a smartphone. All in all, an excellent product--great interface and very useful.