Customer Reviews

Rosetta Stone Global Traveler (Spanish French German Italian English & Pocket Translator

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

 

 

This is the most fantastic computer-aided language learning value I have ever seen! Not only do you get CD-ROM instruction with all the essential phrases you need to know in 5 languages...but you also get an electronic translator that you can slip into your pocket and take with you on your trip. The translator handles six different languages and seems to have every word I've needed. It is a solid, good quality device that is easy to use and it also functions as a world time travel clock with an alarm and as a calculator with a currency converter. Great gadget for traveling....The quality of the Rosetta Stone multimedia lessons are first-rate. The method is engaging and very intuitive, yet it still plays like a game and is fun enough for my 8-year old who is learning Spanish (very quickly!) I'm learning Italian. There is really a lot of valuable content here, I don't know how they can sell the whole package for such a super low price, but I would recommend that you grab one of these fast. This has got to be the language learning deal of the century!!!

To say it simply...this is a wonderful (WUNDERBAR) program.
Easy to understand and learn by. The fantastic pocket translator works great and is equally easy to use.
Works better than some of the much more expensive pocket translators I had been looking at...
This is a great buy...

I wanted to wait on my review until I got back from vacationing in Italy. I studied the course for two months by allocating at least one hour per day. The course has 3 units and each unit has 10 lessons. I finished two units during this period.

Each unit builds upon the last one. The course uses images and repetition to drill the lessons. It works extremely well. The publisher advices that you cover the lesson using the audio methods (4) presented to you. In the beginning I followed the advice but later realized that I could remember the lesson by simply using two methods (1 & 2). The publisher recommends that after you finished a unit that you go back and cover it using the writing and speaking methods. I did not use either one since I repeated the words/phrases while using the audio methods.

Course does not address grammar. How can it in 3 units!?! So, you need to buy a grammar book ("Essential Italian Grammar") and a dictionary ("Webster's New World Italian Dictionary"). YOU WILL NEED THEM! If you are really serious about learning the language, you will need to get a book ("501 Italian Verbs")on verb conjugations. I bought them all from Amazon.

I printed the lessons from the CD and took them with me to Italy along with my dictionary. Occasionally, I referred back to them to refresh my memory. They were very helpful throughout my stay. Learn to say "Parlo un po' l'italiano" before engaging someone in a lengthy conversation. Italians do appreciate you talking to them in their language even when you screw up. Carry your dictionary around and they will SEE that you are trying to learn their language.

This review concerns the pocket translator. I wanted to warn people that are about to purchase this set that the pocket translator is so abbreviated that I think it may be harmful. For instance, when translating the verb "fly" it gives you "mouche" which I think is the insect and definitely not the verb that the Rosetta Stone Explorer has used (voler). When you input "voler" into the French-English translation it outputs "rob." Apparently "voler" has many definitions in English and without supplying the user with the majority of those definitions this translator could be very frusturating in France (and maybe get you into a little trouble).
I had to rate this product for my review to be posted, but my rating only concerns the pocket translator!