Customer Reviews

Rosetta Stone V3: French Level 1-3 Set with Audio Companion [OLD VERSION]

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I hate this software for two reasons. Nonetheless, I'm positive it will work wonders for certain individuals. At this price range you simply must know if you're one of those types or not. Otherwise you'll be wasting a lot of hard earned money. Rosetta's licensing makes it so that you cannot resell the software and their "money back guarantee" does NOT cover Amazon purchases. I know because I asked and researched. You only get the six month guarantee if you buy directly from Rosetta - at an even higher price I might add.

There are basically two schools of thought when it comes to language instruction. Total immersion or non-total immersion. The former is like dropping you in the middle of a foreign country without a guidebook or translator. The latter is like having someone with you who can speak both languages and can answer questions in your native tongue.

Rosetta is total immersion. I didn't know that when I received the product. In the past I've used Pimsleur (Brazilian Portuguese) and found it to be effective both in teaching the language and in motivating me to continue. The motivation part is why I prefer Pimsleur. There's also a new company on the market with a similar approach called Fluenz that offers a bit more hand holding than Pimsleur which many users, according to reviews here, seem to like.

For many people there's a very basic psychological principle in play when learning a new language. It's similar to those folks who resolve to exercise and lose weight after New Years. They start with the best intentions, but many if not most fail to keep their resolutions. One of the reasons is a lack of positive reinforcement. If you start out too fast, for example, and get hurt you've just created a negative influence on your motivation. Some people, however, are quite successful right out the gate and keep going on their own. No need for a trainer, no need for hand holding or compliments. They just do it.

Are you the type of person who will feel stressed (demotivation) by not having the rules of grammar explained to you while you learn a new language? If yes you won't like Rosetta. Try Pimsleur or Fluenz. Or are you the type of person who welcomes the challenge (motivation) of figuring out the rules of grammar on your own by using your own observations? Then you'll like Rosetta.

I am not one of those people who can stay motivated to do an extremely difficult task if I feel stressed out right at the beginning. I have visited multiple countries and what I experienced only affirms my dislike of the Rosetta approach. While in South Korea, Thailand, China or Iraq, I found that people assumed I did not know the local language so they either spoke slower or tried to mix English in with their native tongue. Much less stressful albeit slower way to learn.

In Brazil there is no single ethnic group. People assumed I spoke Portuguese. It was the most difficult time I ever had in another country. I'm not saying I shouldn't learn the local language - no way. Just that when you're learning, at least for some people, they need things to go a little slower and with a bit more assistance in order to be motivated to keep learning the language.

Rosetta's license is most restrictive that I have ever encountered. And they enforce their license. Some users claim that other companies have the same license rules. That might be true, but they don't enforce those rules like Rosetta. If you buy Rosetta on Amazon you are subject to Amazon's refund policies, not Rosetta's. Amazon doesn't give full refunds on opened software. And after 30 days you're probably out of luck for any kind of refund. You cannot get Rosetta's 6 month money back guarantee here. You only get it if you buy it direct from them at a higher price.

The software can be used on only one computer. No, you cannot use it on a laptop while you're away from your desktop. The software license requires that you register online in order to access all the exercises. Once you do this the software is then tied specifically to that computer. It cannot be registered on another computer. This means you cannot resell it _anywhere_. Rosetta customer service told me that they would consider the needs of customers on a case-by-case basis should someone upgrade their system and get rid of their old machine. In other words, there's a tiny sliver of flexibility here. But it ain't much.

You simply must know what style of language learning you prefer before purchasing this very expensive piece of software. Some people, like me, are going to hate it. Others who like total immersion love it. Know what kind of user you are.

While it should be a standard to wait a long while before reviewing there are aspects that become more quickly apparent both for comparison and understanding.

My previous French language experience came from two years of high school classes about sixteen years ago. I've had a few other language classes since then, establishing me if not as a thorough polyglot at least as a someone well versed in language training from a variety of different teaching styles, approaches, and contexts.

I've tried to keep up with a number of these languages I've studied, with various success, and with various software help. Mostly the inexpensive kind. I've picked up the Instant Immersion disks (a great, inexpensive, entirely un-thorough approach), the Learn to Speak series (about the same, though with a lot more content).

Recently, to learn German for my studies I looked at more thorough programs and two stood out. The Rosetta Stone series and the Tell Me More. I noticed Tell Me More was getting great reviews and was less than half the price. Being a little financially strapped I skipped the trend and bought Tell Me More. And I'm very glad I did. It's an effective program that has pushed me quite along in learning the language.

Still, there was a tickle in my brain. Is Rosetta Stone really better? So, when it came time for me to start with French, also for my studies, I decided to make a contrast.

And yes, Rosetta Stone is the better program.

In some ways.

Really, I'd have to say these are quite different programs, rather than one being substantially better.

Tell Me More is a like a class in a box. There is a mix of exercises that help to build vocabulary, sentence structure, writing, pronunciation, and other aspects. Each section has a large mix of short lessons that reinforce the learning without becoming dull or tedious. Save yourself taking language classes by using Tell Me More.

Rosetta Stone is a lot less like taking a class. It's more like finding yourself on an island with a group of people who all only speak another shared language. And if you want to learn how to thrive on this island, then you follow their patient, but focused, teaching.

This approach sticks, and it is effective.

My only quibble is I'm not sure it's quite worth the amount of money they are asking. Indeed, if money isn't an issue then by all means go with Rosetta Stone. There are qualities that do set it apart, and it helps a person feel much more involved in the language and less like taking a class.

But, if money is an issue Tell Me More is comparable in quality, without being nearly as expensive.

That's not a slam against the product quality of Rosetta Stone at all. It really is an extraordinary software, and revolutionizes language learning.

Color me impressed. I came in with relatively high expectations for Rosetta Stone, but I write this review after working with it for a month, and now holding a higher opinion of the product than I did before. I spent over a year at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey as a young Marine learning Korean. All the services were present, and DLI was good for dozens of languages. The approach was structured, and largely immersive, which is to say that my classes were taught by native speakers. There's a huge advantage to that, inasmuch you have instant and intelligent feedback and instruction when you need it. If all you hear and (try to) speak is the language, then it's being drilled into your head consciously and subconsciously. Surrounding yourself with native speakers, either through such an environment, or within the country itself, is going to be (for most) the absolute best way to approach foreign language mastery -- but what to do when that's not an option? Or what to do to prepare before doing so? This.

The software is intuitive, the approach is intelligent. You don't have that native speaker standing in front of you scowling because you're butchering the music of their language in the early going, but you do have the software giving feedback and similarly identifying where you might require a little more attention. The program constructs in the user a solid base of simple vocabulary, establishing a basic understanding of the mechanics of the language on which additional vocabulary and structure may be built. With regard to the interface, the absence of a tutorial (as far as I saw, though I didn't look hard because it was so easy just to start using) was a bit surprising, though it took a very small amount of time to get into the swing of things. The earliest exercises range from matching phrases to their appropriate pictures to out-loud (through a microphone) pronunciation tests to proper spelling and grammar training. The pronunciation recognization ability of the software is pretty sharp -- if you're off, it will tell you, but the program allows the user to improve before moving on to the next test.

Best of all, this is fun. I did enjoy the lessons (I have yet to complete all three levels), and continue to enjoy the process. You always feel like you're making progress, you always have visual cues in regards to where you stand in the process, and it almost becomes a game to try and move through it.

To be fair, I had a few years of French back in intermediate and high school, so I didn't come into this language pack completely unfamiliar. It would be very fun and interesting, I think, to try Rosetta with a language with which I have no familiarity, but that's neither here nor there. The overall point is that this is a fantastic way to start building a basic command of a language, it's fun, it's easy to use, and it's enriching. You're not going to be confused for a native speaker after completing this package, but you will be able to communicate, and that's the biggest and most difficult step towards mastery. The rest is (mostly) use and repetition.

Now I really want the Korean pack to brush up on all that's been lost in the 15+ years since I left DLI. And a new and unfamiliar language as discussed above to branch out a bit. Rosetta has a new and enthusiastic customer and cheerleader.

Rosetta stone language programs are effective. However, the new version 3 licensing requirements make this a questionable purchase. The program now must be activated through Rosetta Stone to work and, if you want to change computers, must then be deactivated again by contacting Rosetta Stone who will then reset your activation code to allow the program to function when re-installed on the new computer.

The issue here is, if you're like me, you'll go through a few different computers (or at least drives) before getting anywhere near the end of this thing however you're only allowed to activate it twice. Aside from that, I use several different machines in different locations and would like to install on a few of them. I can't.

This isn't a machine specific OS or productivity program. It's a user specifc learning tool and needs to be more portable than this. It is far too expensive for this kind of registration and copyright protection policy.

In short, unless you're quite certain that you'll only want this program to run on one single machine for the next several years I'd be carefull before plunking down several hundred dollars for it.

As helpful as Rosetta stone has been to me in the past I'm afraid that I'm going to have to say goodbye to them.

For those of you who are seriously determined to learn more than just the basics of French in a short amount of time, well this is your chance. This product is not cheap at first glance, but when you add up all the costs for books, language lessons and time you'll spend in a community college or with a private tutor, you'll quickly realize the value of owning The Rosetta Stone.

The product itself contains several useful tools to help you get started. There are the three levels of CD-ROM software that can be installed both Mac and PC, a microphone (that can be used with many other applications), the guide and then the multiple CDs that you can play at home, in your car or anyplace you carry your MP3 player (I particularly enjoyed these).

Functionally, this product is exceptional as it allowed me to learn how to spell and write, speak without following a script, strategies to learn and retain what I learned for a long time. With simple practice, I learned how to ask what is your age, simple greetings, finding directions, telling the time of day and using correctly past, present and future tense. If you are as diligent as I am, you'll learn in no time how to order food in restaurants, express ideas and comprehend terms from the daily life, such as the news from the media.

I highly recommend this product and personally guarantee that you can walk away with a lot more knowledge of the language than you presently possess.

I decided to buy Rosetta Stone because of all the convincing commercials on TV. The decision was made easier by the 120 day return guarantee offered. Unfortunately, the excitement was short lived after I received the product in the mail.

I began the program quickly learning small words, such as apple and bike. After going through the first level, I was left with no useful knowledge of the language. Sure, I knew how to say red apple, but not how to order the red apple at a restaurant. There is never any explanation for anything, especially grammar. You probably have seen the commercials where a word is said and you are given four pictures to choose from, that is what the entire three levels are! Nothing but picking the word that matches the picture. Eventually you get to phrases, but the words within the phrase are never explained. There is never a translation.

Please note that under all of the Rosetta Stone language reviews, the majority of the good reviews are from the Vine Program.

The best thing to do is check out the demo on Rosetta's website. This will give you a good idea if this product matches your learning style and needs.


EDIT July 3rd, 2009: I have been using Fluenz and believe this product is excellent. I would highly recommend it. You can also try out a demo on their website.

While I like the speech recognition feature (although it only works marginally well on a Mac), the rest of this application leaves something to be desired when it comes to actual effectiveness in learning the French language. Unless you are a young child who is bombarded by the French language 24/7, immersion as a singular method is not as effective as leveraging your knowledge of the English language to learn French. Although I certainly did learn a few things, I felt somewhat dissatisfied with RS. I decided to take a French course at a local community college and it was there that I realized with alarming clarity how much more effective a good classroom experience really is. There are simply too many rules and other idiosyncrasies to the French language which cannot be absorbed using RS. Having a teacher explain things to you in a classroom or via the superior Fluenz language application makes your learning significantly more effective. This is not to say that RS is useless. I firmly believe that RS can be effective, but only as a SUPPLEMENT to a classroom or an application which actually teaches you the rules in English. Just because RS looks pretty and is well marketed doesn't mean it is the best tool out there. It is not. If you happen to be one of the fortunate with money to burn, then go for it, but please don't rely on RS as your sole learning tool.

BEWARE! If you buy this product you can never resell it. Never return it. Never upgrade it. You better love it. Because you're stuck with it. I purchased version 2 a year ago and wanted to upgrade to 3 so I thought I'd sell my version 2. Rosetta Stone cancelled my eBay auction and threatened LEGAL action for attempting to resell an original legitimate in the box version of their product. They will only let you return it for 6 months and ONLY if you bought it directly from them (sorry Amazon) and there are NO upgrades. Basically, I'm out $500. Though I would never ever consider buying another Rosetta Stone product, where the customer is always wrong. BEWARE of this company.

Rosetta Stone French was the biggest dissapointment for me. The reasons:

1) The method is not that effective as advertised: for example grammar and sentence structure remains mystery throughout the course

2) Software has a lot of little bugs, especially in voice recognition, which could really drive you mad

3) The pace is terribly slow and has too much repetitions

I would never buy another Rosetta again.

First I'd like to say this is a great product. Many reviewers say it's the best language program currently available - that might be true (I've only tried 3 or 4 programs). I agree with just about every positive thing said about the Rosetta Stone in the customer reviews.

That being said, I would never order it again. First, the price is just too high. My $10 "Instant Immersion" CD box set is definitely not as good as Rosetta Stone... but is it work $400 more?? I definitely don't think so.

The Instant Immersion is good enough, especially when paired with other resources, such as a pocket dictionary, &/or the Pimsleur system (which is also inexpensive, and very efficient). Many people tell me that Fluenz is very good as well. So for me, Rosetta Stone loses one star for price.

Second (the much bigger issue), the licensing issues are a deal breaker for me. I will never again order any Rosetta Stone product.

You can only load the program twice ... the intent (I believe) is to have a copy at home and at work. But if the first install is bad, or if your computer crashes, that's it! You have to buy another copy. I replace my computers (or hard drives) every 2 years on average. This severely limits my use of this product. This is pure greed on the part of Rosetta Stone, and unforgivable in my opinion. If I have a serial number, I should be able to have unrestricted personal use of the product.

Also, you can never, ever transfer ownership or sell it. Again, an unforgivable offense in my opinion. If you fork out $400-500 for this software, and end up not liking the full immersion style, then your stuck with it. (And hey, let's face it - all of our brains aren't wired the same.) This really, REALLY bothers me to think that this company doesn't mind ripping people off just because you learn differently. I love this learning style...but again, some people learn differently.

Finally, you have to have the original CD in place to use it - which means, you CAN'T use it at work & home unless you carry the darn disc around. For travel I use a portable netbook, which doesn't have a CD drive, so I absolutely can't travel with it. So the product loses another star for stupid licensing & other user restrictions.

So simply based on the merits of the product, I give it 5 stars. But based on licensing issues, greed, and limited user rights, I give is 0 stars. So if the price (& risks associated with product) don't bother you, by all means, get it & enjoy it. But if any of the problems I've mentioned give you pause, try one or more of the alternatives I mentioned.

!Bonne chance à vous!