Berlitz Communicate & Connect French

by Syracuse Language

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005KG5Z
• Item model number: 71249
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 15, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,598 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

With a wide range of language-learning products now on the market, it may seem hard to choose between them. Here's a tip: Berlitz Communicate & Connect French is definitely for the serious, adult user. While it does have some language games and gizmos, this program takes dedication and commitment.

Communicate & Connect French is easy to install. You can practically walk away from your computer while it sets itself up. Four CD-ROMS are included with the program, and you will need to keep them handy while you navigate the lessons. The program also installs AT&T Connect and Shockwave along with the language software.

The strongest features of Communicate & Connect French are the lesson plans, which include a lesson book and syllabus. We highly recommend that you read through this material before starting on the program. The included information will give you a head start, which is important, as this program is not conducive to aimless browsing.

Berlitz Communicate & Connect French's weakest point is the microphone and recording options. Recording your voice is complicated and stilted. It takes some time to learn the rhythm of the program and what you're supposed to record. While it does include a microphone, it doesn't assist the user in setting it up. We had to search through the help section to learn that one must go through a setup process. While this may be apparent to an experienced computer microphone user, it's not so basic to a novice. Also, make sure you have a high-quality sound card for recording your voice, or you will not be pleased with the sound quality.

All in all, Berlitz Communicate & Connect French can be a strong tool in learning a new language. Just make sure you have the time and inclination to dedicate to this program, or you will tire of it quickly. --Kendra Hayden

Amazon.com Product Description

Experience the world through personal communication and one-on-one connections using Communicate & Connect French. This program makes use of multimedia technology, so learning French is easy and enjoyable. Multiple learning methods combined with accelerated skill-building techniques are used for an effective and rewarding language-lesson package.

High-tech voice recognition helps guide pronunciation, while voice-mapping technology shows side-by-side images of your voice and a native speaker's. A headset microphone is included to make the most of these functions. Interactive conversations and role-play videos immerse you in the language and its usage. Culture tips are also provided to prepare you for real-world interactions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Buyer beware of Syracuse Language products, January 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Berlitz Communicate & Connect French (CD-ROM)

This review deals not so much with this CD-ROM as with its producer, Syracuse Language. I have two Syracuse Language CD-ROMs, for French and Italian, purchased a couple of years ago. I rated them as fair, until we upgraded to Windows XP. We were not surprised when the CDs no longer worked, but we were surprised at Syracuse's attitude when we called them about upgrades. We were told that they were no longer making language CD-ROMS (a statement that this listing on amazon would tend to belie) and that no upgrades or any other assistance were available to us. No apologies for the inconvenience, no thanks for our past business. I am not the most technical, computer savvy person around but, to me, this is like buying a book and then having the ink disappear after two years.

In short, I would caution against investing in Syracuse Language products (which also go by "Knowledge Adventure" and "Sierra") as the support for products is not there.

27 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, April 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Berlitz Communicate & Connect French (CD-ROM)

This software was extremely helpful in my journey to speak French. I had always trusted Berlitz and their fine, effective techniques in teaching new languages. It was easier for me to decide which of the many programs to use because of the high reviews from my peers.
The fun,lively backgrounds and real life experiences made the experiences all the more enjoyable. The interactive persona who guide you through the directions makes this a easy to learn software. This an excellent way to learn the new steps to a language! It provides excellent grammar, vocabulary, and feedback!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Confusing, March 30, 2003

By 

"kuofh" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Berlitz Communicate & Connect French (CD-ROM)

This software, first of all, was easy to install. The microphone was hard to set up to your voice, and had to be readjusted every time a new user came on. I found it easier to use the microphone included with my computer, which runs Windows Me.

Berlitz does not start you off with basics, and it is very boring! It immediatly starts asking you to say words, without first teaching you to pronouce sounds correctly! Their "sound wave" feature, which allows you to compare your sound waves with the native speaker's, is useless. I found my waves were completetly different! It was frustrating. After Lesson 1, they start you saying words far more complicated than Bonjour, etc. I suggest French for Dummies or some other more basic program instead of this. Unless you live in France and/or have to speak French daily, don't get this program!