Customer Reviews

Instant Immersion Language Lab (8 CD-ROM)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you want a program to teach you how to speak the basics in a fast, fun, simple way, this would be a good one. If you want a program that will teach you as if you were taught in school, including grammar, writing, and verb conjugation(I did, she saw, we went, etc.), you will probably be disappointed. This program gives you two CD-ROM's per language, one for basics, one for intermediate level learning. The first CD, "Talk Now" gives you excercises in foods, colors, phrases, body parts, numbers, time, shopping, and countries. Under each heading, you play two word games, record yourself speaking and compare it to native speakers(your computer needs a microphone to do this), print vocabulary flash cards, and play a "Memory"-style game with the words you learned. They work on the premise that people remember things better if they've learned in fun situations. Though a bit cheesy at times, it _is_ fun, and you _will_ build your basic vocabulary. The second CD jumps more to full sentences, listening skills, identification, and writing dictation, all still in game-like form. It's a bit of a leap in knowlege, and can be a bit frustrating, but it's a good start for 'learning by listening', much as you would if you were struggling in the actual country, only without making a fool of yourself. At this level, if you have never been exposed to the language, the help/? icon becomes your best friend. Still little in grammar and verb forms, though. To get the most out of it, I would also recommend purchasing a pocket dictionary of the language(s), and maybe even one of those "500 [the language] Verbs" books, so you can actually have a better understanding of your vocabulary and how to form sentences. Overall, these programs are fun & effective as a means of learning to speak, by yourself (or with a friend), on your own time.

My kids had expressed an interest in learnig a foreign language and I was curious about the "immersion method" so I got this software. Each language has 2 CDs. "Talk Now!" deals with basic words, much like how we learned English in grade school. Spelling in English and chosen language is provided. The kids like the format because it is presented in a game show fashion. The other CD "World Talk" is more advanced, using conversational sentences which beginners would not understand if you haven't picked up some elementary words. It does give out clues but no translation in English. Pros: This program will teach you how to speak by repetition and visual recognition of objects and is excellent for beginners. You can also print out a picture dictionary and exercises and record your voice. Cons: No explanation of pronounciation, grammar, or spelling. Same words and graphics for all four languages. Overall, a great program with no glitches, entertaining, and excellent introduction to foreign language.

Eight CD's with 2 CD's for each of the four languages, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. This is a great deal, seeing that buying the equivalent programs would be over .... The TALK NOW! (1 of 2 for each language) CD's are great for beginners and extremely fun. This was a great review for me, because my foreign language skills were a bit rusty. This is great for beginners who want to learn helpful phrases and be able to recognize objects in a different language. The WORLD TALK CD's (2 of 2 for each language) is rather difficult to work with if you aren't moderately able to speak or understand the specific language. This course jumps from TALK NOW!, which is partly in English, to nothing but French, except for the help menu that rarely offers much of what the title would suggest. Regardless of the rather quick jump from one to the other, this package is still a great deal and a great program. I would suggest it for anyone who wants to bone up on one of the four (4) Foreign Languages, or if they want to begin learning one.

I've been working with the IM German now for some time (it's part of the 4 CD set). I had fun and learned at a faster pace with the first CD. The 2nd CD was quite a jump. I think you have to do a little studying on the outside before 'mastering' this CD. However! I tried out the Dictionary CD, and it is HORRIBLE!!! I've been studying German long enough now that the speaker isn't even pronouncing the words right. It sounds like someone reading the words for the first time. Be careful this CD can throw you off. If someone has a explanation for this let me know!

I never thought that Fench would be as easy as it is. Really amazing French course for novel people into that language. First step in learning. Great multimedia development, in order to improve pronuntiation. If this is your choice for your first French classes, you are right, this is the best choice.

Installation of the German TalkNow module would hang with no explanation on Windows 98SE. I "Opened" the CD next and tried to launch instal32.exe and instal16.exe manually instead of from autorun. Both hanged. When I attempted to autorun the CD again it produced an error message "Astra32 - System Error -5, 12, 0". The only printed documentation consists of a poorly xeroxed page inside the box with installation instructions for Windows 3.1, 95/98, and a Mac.

This product definitely did not impress me.

This program lets you learn 4 languages for $30! If I wanted to d tha at learnalanguage.com, I would have to pay up to $600. Ths is awesome!