Customer Reviews

Rosetta Stone V3: Spanish (Latin America) Level 3 with Audio Companion [OLD VERSION]

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

 

 

I am kind of disappointed with this software-- I purchased the combined package of levels 1-3, but I wanted to write this review separately. I think the program is REALLY good for people who are true beginners. The program will start out teaching you thinks like.. the girl is drinking, the boy is drinking-- and then go in level three to teach you that they are jumping and everything is in this place and not the other.

So... not the greatest for conversation-- but pretty good for getting a BASIC grasp on concepts.

I'm upset with this misleading info for the price. I purchased the Arabic lessons, which have been extremely useful in combo with audio CDs and workbooks. Arabic is nothing like English-- and the program has a section that breaks down their alphabet. The Spanish version does not have separate letters for "rr" and "ll" which I was always taught could stand alone. Ie, in the spanish alphabet song they say r, rr and l, ll. But, they do show examples of words using both letters. Not too big of a concern, but being 100% new to other languages, I'm not really sure how many other shortcuts were taken.

I have had no trouble with speech recognition. It's actually pretty good and catches subtle differences in words like este and esta.

I was hoping to learn how to use the past tense correctly. The verb HABER in particular.. and the endings -ido and -aba. This program did not provide those things which I think are essential to any alleged Level 3, Intermediate, or Advanced language program. Most things you talk about with people are NOT spoken of in the present tense.

Level 3 is equivalent to end of first year college spanish, or beginning second year college spanish. One will find more intro to subjunctive tense, informal and formal commands, and some conditional phrases. It will complement either a first year or second year college spanish class well to improve pronunciation and conversational skills. For folks who took college spanish years ago like myself, it is excellent review when used in conjunction with brief review of the tenses with a text, or for me, the vised flash grammar cards. I highly recommend it for a good review course. To learn spanish from the program alone might be difficult. But probably doable for someone with the will and determination. I have went through both level 2 and 3 course completely 2 times the last 4 months. It can be done with a 1 hour investment daily, and will get you up to par conversationally at an intermediate level of spanish. To get to a higher level of spanish, one would have to read, build up vocabs, and watch and listen to alot more spanish program and music. Rosetta alone is not going to get me or any one "fluent" in spanish. But it will beat practicing with your college classmate any day.

I got this for my mom who had taken Spanish 1 and 2 but wasn't going to be able to take Spanish 3 at the community college. She really enjoys it and her only thing was that it can a little too repeatative and the first parts were a little below her level but that's no fault of the program. overall she really thinks its great.

This item arrived without an ID # to start it. The seller claimed this was unnecessary. Rosetta Stone said it was essential and sent me one. Much praise for the great support from Rosetta Stone over many e-mails. The seller became the problem.

This is the best program for learning a new language. The other day, I was in a health center and there was a Spanish speaking person who needed help. I had no problem assisting him. The program works.

Learning a new language is hard and can be discouraging. I have tried other language products and even classes but Rosetta Stone with Audio Companion makes learning much easier and even enjoyable. I go through a few lessons at night and then listen to the Audio Companion the next day on my way to and from work. It amazes me how I can visualize what I just learned the night before when I listen to the Audio Companion. This is definitely the fastest way to learn a new language.