Customer Reviews

Talk Now! Learn Bengali - Beginning Level [Old Version]

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

 

 

Don't depend on this software to teach Bengali script or grammar. You should use it in conjunction with a grammar book. I use this and 101 Languages of the World mainly to practice pronunciation but also to build my vocabulary. You can click on a word over and over to hear the pronunciation. You can also record yourself and compare your pronunciation to that of the native speaker. The software focuses on basic vocabulary like numbers, colors, greetings, travel phrases, food, etc. It has games to reinforce learning.

I like the fact that they show you each word written in Bengali script which helps with word recognition when I read Bengali. I highly recommend getting this and 101 Languages of the World. I am giving it 4 stars because they don't teach as many words as I would have liked. I estimate that there are about 400-500 words. But for the purposes of improving pronunciation it is worth it.

While I like the CD format and am impressed with its interactive features, I was mainly disappointed by this product. The vocabulary is quite limited, and also not very culturally appropriate. For example, I don't see myself going to Calcutta and asking where I can buy pizza, a hamburger, and a beer. Also it would be more useful to know how to say sari, blouse, and bindi, than shorts and tee-shirt. The lessons were also too focused on nouns and very few verbs (if any?) were taught. I did like the feature that allows you to record and compare your pronunciation, and the spellings were shown in Bengali script, which is good for those trying to develop their reading skills. Definitely need to supplement this product with other books.

Unfortunately, this product does a very poor job of teaching Bengali.

Many Indian languages use a great deal of English borrow words, and this CDROM does a great job of covering them. According to "TalkNow," the Bengali word for "hospital" is "hospital" and the word for "saucepan" is "saucepan." While it is true that English borrow words are used in everyday speech in Bengal, there certainly are a whole lot of other words too. This CDROM will not help you with those. What (disproportionately few) Bengali words are mentioned are accompanied by Bengali script with no transliteration and no accompanying lessons on the Bengali Aphabet.

In short, buy this product if you're looking for a good laugh, or if you would like to learn how to speak English with a Bengali accent. However, if you would like to learn actual Bengali words and phrases, I would suggest you buy Teach Yourself Bengali Complete Course by William Radice; or take a class. (The University of Wisconsin, Madison, has Bengali summer programs) Good luck!

I loved this CD. As a native english speaker married to a native bengali speaker, I purchased this CD as my first introduction to the language. I did not expect to learn to speak bengali but (as the product indicated) for beginner learners it was a truly interactive introduction to vocab, numbers, nouns, etc. I very much enjoyed the games, quizzes, and such (silly as they are) because my expectations were to be introduced. My native-speaking husband never scoffed at the program but was impressed by my ability to create a beginners (apx. 2 year old level) vocabulary. That actually came in very handy when I took my first actual Bengali Language Course. My parents and other relatives have since played with the CD and also think the games are rather challenging and interesting for someone who has had no previous exposure to the language but wants to pick up some words. For example, my parents can speak to my mother-in-law through basic noun exchanges (which they all find hilarious). I recommend the product for those who are looking for something different from the straight layout of a text or course. This is product will not make you a fluent speaker but you can have a lot of fun and build up some basic language skills. Remember, there are many components to learning a language (skills required) listening, reading, speaking, and writing all require practice. This product will only introduce you to vocabulary but paired with many other techniques, I found it to be extremely enjoyable.

This software is addictive. Although it is Calcutta Bangla vs. Banglasdesh Bangla, it's fun to learn using this format.