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Fluenz Version F2 Supplemental Podcasts
Only $323.00 @ Amazon
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Fluenz Version F2 Supplemental Podcasts
I purchased, used and will return Rosetta Stone. And I’ve purchased, I’m using, and still haven’t returned Fluenz. altho my father is German and I’ve been around that language all my life, I decisive to learn French. When doing the initial exploration on available choices I concluded that RS and Fluenz seemed to be the only choices for any kind of comprehensible self-teaching package. Although pricey, they were far cheaper than a French private tutor in my area, and in all probability cheaper than classes when factoring in all the material included.
Rosetta Stone presents an immersion type learning strategy in which one is supposed to learn as whether or not one were a child. The theory behind this is that children learn languages fast, especially their own, and going back to this stage would be procreative for adults. After such a good deal of reading I believe this theory was produced by Maximilian Berlitz 130 years ago, or in with regards to 1888.
My original few hours with the program proved rewarding in the sense that I learned a swell deal of vocabulary, even whether or not a lot of it was infantile. This session gave me momentum to continue, as well as the expectation that I would be staged with such a heap of sort of sequence allowing me to tie all the vocabulary together in a productive manner. In reality, the program generated more complex phrases, instead of single words or simple phrases, but without sufficient logic for me to comprehend the underlying grammar. I understood small yet the complexity of the sentences being generated held growing. As advertised, there were no explanations of any kind, but the troublesome percentage is that the material was never presented for learners with a sense of clarity. Even the so called Milestone, which offered a more dynamic situation, was not designed to offer the right grammar clues necessitated to competent to see the whole instead of a heap of parts. I never tried again after my second attempt, having given up on the idea that arbitrary words and phrases would contribute to my advancement through the language.
Fluenz had an opposite effect on me. They proposed to explain everything in detail so that I would comprehend what I was learning. They further suggested that seeing French from the point of view of the English grammar would make the procedure a logical one. After not much reading this view seemed to come from advanced Linguists followers of Chomsky, as well as those versed in Cognitive Science. I was thence expecting a swell deal of fireworks. Yet, things went off to a slow start.
At primary I thought that it was too simple, progressing too slowly. I jumped through the initial three lessons. When I reached the fourth lesson of Fluenz it became clear the program was not one thing whether or not not meticulous in it is making something publicly available of the material. Even more surprising, the tutor was not plainly talking, but going through a heedful plan. The words presented in the initial speech were precisely the words explained by the tutor, and incisively the words in the exercises. These workouts, to use their gym parlance, were in truth instead effective; and sufficiently directed to grant me to retain and be capable to use all the language being taught. There is small time wasted as each word matters, and every structure might be linked to everything else being learned. Again, the pace is very deliberate for an intermediate learner, but it is rather clear that every new step comes after the prior one has been strictly reviewed.
I’m well into Level 2 and the usual continues to holds Overall the media production is well done, and the program not at all difficult to run. I’m presently looking forward to finishing the program and putting all the work to the test in Quebec. My expectation is that everything will work out.
I have tried a assortment of methods to learn alien languages, including Rosetta Stone, Berlitz tapes, and classroom instruction, and I have to say this is the most effective, powerful, and FUN learning tool I have ever used. I have a very short attention span, and this fact has made it hard for me to learn languages. I get bored easily, and whether or not I’m bored with something, I’ll drop it is I’m learning French as a casual learner, for personal enrichment, not because I need it for work or travel right now – so the only thing that might compel me to keep going is a scheme that is fun. A demanding request – and one that Fluenz delivers on. Rather than the boring, dry memorization of such a heap of schemes and the repetitious actions of others, every lesson in Fluenz French includes assorted dissimilar actions that are not only exceedingly effective in helping you learn and do not forget do not forget writing practices peculiarly support you remember), but in addition fun and entertaining. such a great deal of activities implicate observing slideshows of real persons having a conversation. such a good deal of implicate sameness phrases with their translation. such a heap of implicate translating. such a good deal of implicate writing what you hear. Some involve speaking, recording your voice, and comparing your accent with the natives. Some involve corresponding pictures with words. You don’t do any one activity long sufficient to perchance get bored with it, and learning in so some dissimilar ways genuinely assists you perceive the material in a way no other system, most of which are one dimensional, might match. I may “study” for hours on end without becoming bored! I would add that the slideshows and pictures are attractive to look at and suitable to the language you are studying. In French, you will see humans and places in France and Quebec. (Unlike other strategies where you view the accurate same dry photos of persons and things whether you are learning French, Mandarin, or Swahili…) Culture is indispensable and helps “immerse” you as you learn the language. It is an inspiration, and a critical element that is missing in other systems.
Another thing unique to this strategy is the one-on-one tutor. Rosetta Stone advertises on TV that their strategy “feels like learning from your own private tutor” but it does not feel like that at all. In Fluenz, a real individual speaks to you at the beginning, middle, and end of each session, helping you make sense of what you are learning so that you may use the cognition to frame your own sentences, making comparison with English, and helping you retain the information.
I suppose the largest competitor for Fluenz right now is Rosetta Stone, and I implore you to please attempt the demo for Fluenz link to their website is at the top of this Amazon page). You attempt the demo online, free, without submitting an email address or registering. It entirely sold me. You will be amazed at how fast you may learn, and have fun doing it to boot. Rosetta Stone’s interface is ugly, has nothing to do with the culture of the language you are learning, and does not instruct you how to form sentences or support you use your noesis of English grammer to make sense of things. Instead, it just throws words and boring pictures at you with no translation. Fine, whether or not you just want to spit random words at individuals and be bored learning how to do it is But that is not pragmati for most people, who will want to learn how to ask and answer questions, and who will want to quit whether or not the procedure is not fun and interesting.
The program runs from the DVD, much like a solace game, so you won’t need to worry with regards to taking up hard drive space with the program. outstanding news for me, because I love the program so much I intend to take all of the other Fluenz courses (one at a time!) when I finish the French.
I may not possibly commend this program enough, even for people with very short attention spans like myself who have been bored trying to learn languages in the past. I never want to waste my time trying to learn a language any other way again.
This is my basi review in Amazon, and I’m taking the time to write it because finally, I may say that I’m learning. I’ve wanted to learn French gorgeous much all my life. I tried briefly in High School, more gravely in College, and then off and on ever since, both with computer self-teaching, tutors and classes. This is to say that I never learned much, but that I’ve become an expert in ways to learn French. At least I feel like I’ve seen them all.
Fluenz intrigued me from the beginning because the product description hit all the right notes: clear explanations, a gradual approach that doesn’t throw a bunch of grammar but rather builds it slowly, along with useful, relevant vocab you may use on day one. The whole pitch got me thinking.
I had constantly assumed I was a big loser for not being capable to learn (well, a bit of an exaggeration, but you recognise what I mean). I just thought I hadn’t tried hard enough, but reading in regards to Fluenz made question a lot of my experiences. certainly the whole argument regarding usual sense explanations in English, just enough grammar well learned, and only utile words. Those three elements, put in that way, I had never seen.
Classes at the Alliance Francais in my area were way too fast, included too a heap of exceptions, elaborated grammar, and other material that would ofttimes overwhelm. Whenever I studied I was on top of it, but the realness is that I still didn’t couldn’t have a conversation.
Then I had a tutor, not for too long, because she never wanted to talk to me in English and I didn’t feel like I was progressing in any way. It was all French from the beginning til the end. Yes, occasionally I felt I was making progress, I could understand a thing here or there, but not enough to continue paying for it is
I’ve tried a couple of software programs, along with two internet sites that offered free lessons. In every single case I was never motivated after a few hours. Again I thought I was lazy, but now I realize that these programs are never designed to get you to speak the language. At any rate, all these programs seem like they use they same script for every language they teach. To them, Pashtun is no dissimilar than French, just another language to sell.
I was skeptical regarding Fluenz, or rather, when it comes to my capacity to complete it is But because the product description made me think with regards to these other programs in a very dissimilar light I decisive to give it a try. And I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
Fluenz is effective, simple as that. For the firstborn time I feel hooked on my French classes, and no matter where I stop I acknowledge that I may already say many things. That is the most indispensable percentage for me, in reality what keeps me going since I can count on becoming a usable nugget every time I turn it on.
The tutor, Sonia, is a actually fantastic teacher. She explains, I can rewind whether or not I don’t understand and hear it again, she is pleasant to look at, and seems in truth smart. Her classes evolve in a logical way, step by step, and then the practices work. And the practices are both attractive and effective, something rare in this world. After you are into it the stuff gets in your head, and again, you can use it right away.
I haven’t finished the whole program but I can say two things. I recognise more today than I’ve ever been competent to retain. And, I’m pretty sure that I’ll finish, which is astounding given how many times I’ve tried to start.
I currently own the following French language software/audio products:
* Fluenz French I & II
* Pimsleur French I Audio CDs
* Rosetta Stone French I
The cost of each of these productions is alike and none is cheap, but only Fluenz French provides you with value to match the cost.
At the moment I’m over 2/3 through Fluenz French I and I’ve still got a full head of steam. With the other two merchandise I in the long run lost interest after I felt my progression stalled out. These other merchandise may be enough for some folks, but it wasn’t true for me. Fluenz French incorporates all the best features of both Pimsleur (Écoutez et répétez) and Rosetta Stone (image stimulation), while adding additional value, including English language explanations of some confusing French sentence constructs and pronunciations provided by Sonia, your on-screen tutor. I find the exercises included in each lesson to be extremely advantageous as they stimulate all learning modes (visual, repetition, listening, and writing). Oh, and the production quality of the software is top notch. The visual representation is absolutely stunning on our 24″ iMac. folks in multi-OS households, the Windows version of the software runs without a hitch from within a VMware Fusion 2 virtual machine on a Mac running OS X Leopard.)
Although I’ve benefited from incorporating other language material (the BBC French site is helpful), for me whether or not I could have only one product to guide me on my journey with the French language, it would unquestionably be Fluenz French. For those of us who attempt to go it alone, having Sonia Gil on a DVD in a little red box is the next best thing to having a private tutor. Buy it is Enjoy it.
I write this review only six lessons into Fluenz French, and will update periodically …
We decided on this scheme for a few key reasons, and it has proven to be worthy in these areas:
1)Can be used on multiple computers. This has been great for use on both our home computer and my laptop.
2)We liked the idea of learning structure, grammar, etc. vs. just full immersion style (ala Rosetta Stone)
The strategy overall–intro, conversation, “lesson,” and assorted exercises that include writing, speaking (into a computer-based microphone), reading, picture matching, and listening–is useful. I have been using it in the following way:
Day 1: Go through an entire Lesson 1
Day 2: Repeat exercises from Lesson 1, then go through entire Lesson 2
Day 3: Repeat exercises from Lesson 2, then go through entire Lesson 3 occupation etc.
I have done lessons every other day, and listen to the audio CD in the car daily.
Overall, so far, we are pleased.
Some things, however, to note.
1.I dislike that other than the picture matching, there is no randomness to the way words are presented in the exercises. The word or phrase you require to spell, identify, or emulate initial is constantly first. The second word or phrase is perpetually second, etc. It would make learning even more inviolable whether or not it was random.
2.I was disappointed with some inconsistencies in pronunciation. I veritably am a beginner occupation when one of the voices pronounces “est-ce que” (which, at least in the original 6 lessons is crucial) as “ess-quer” (2 syllables) and another pronounces it as “ess-se-quer” (3 syllables) I genuinely don’t have a sense of which is right. I had to ask an actual French teacher (who, for the record, said “ess-quer”). Even if multiple versions of a word are accepted, (which, like accents here in the states, I’m sure is true) for a learner’s sake, consistency is key. On a good note, “est-ce que” seems to be the only phrase so far in which this has been noticeable to me.
3.So far, the audio CD is a weak point. Lessons 1-4 are put together, with with regards to 15 minutes of instruction/practice. It appears this is the case for the entire CD job each lesson isn’t on its own, but rather tied to three other lessons and short. I would have liked a lot more help on the audio CDs occupation a perfect way to heighten the lessons during a commute.
4.If you’re an average-language learner (which I believe I am), plan on necessitating to review lessons. This doesn’t bother me at all–I expected it is But if you weren’t expecting that, it might be disappointing to realize after the fact.
5. The video teacher is dubbed in at times. Given the cost of this program, I would have liked to have seen them redo what necessitated to be redone vs. dub in her voice afterwards for a word or two.
Overall, the Fluenz system seems good, but would gain from an update that addresses some of the concerns above.
I will tell you right now what makes this piece of software one of a kind.
Most (other) language learning software is based on templates. They have a single template for your learning needs and they just fill the blanks for each different language. That’s just like having a single universal template on how to “drive” and then hoping to fill the blanks for a car, a bike, a truck and a tank, no matter how different they actually are.
Fluenz is different. Even even though they in all probability follow similar scenarios for the different languages, it’s downright evident that each lesson was produced from scratch according to the language’s specific traits and difficulties.
All the explanations you’ll find in Fluenz French are there for a reason, and that reason belongs to the specific language you are learning. What may need 10 minutes of comprehensible statement in one language, may take no time in another.
Something else Fluenz gets right is that they teach you how to say ideas in the new language, not only words and grammar, but whole ideas. That’s what you need for fluency. I’ve been learning languages for quite a while, English is not even my native language, and you can trust me when I tell you that having to create phrases in your head putting grammar rules and words together every time you speak will take you nowhere.
Finally, maybe irrelevant at first sight but unmistakably important a few hours later: it has the right ambiance. It has nice background music, i.e. it doesn’t feel mechanic or boring.
I’m not an easy guy to please with this kind of software but so far I’ve done about one third of the program and I’m extremely happy with its
I talk for a living, and have done so for more than a decade. So of course the more languages I can speak the better mouthpiece I can be. This is exactly why I turned to Fluenz. I’ve tried other programs like RosettaStone and while it helped a bit, years later I can’t do not forget a single word.
Of course, there is no replacement for complete immersion. But the Fluenz programs are pretty darn close. It’s without delay applicable, starting with what I think is the most important: verbs. Action words are what matter.
Only a week into the program and already I feel like it’s sinking in. In fact, I’m on a conference call right now in which every one is talking French and while I certainly can’t follow it all I now recognise enough to follow the speech comfortably and at least know the main gist. This is a huge improvement in such a short time!
Next time I will know more, and in a few weeks I hope to be able to join the conversation speech if whether or not When learning languages you need to practice, practice, practice and Fluenz makes that not only easy but also fun.
Highly commended for those of us who want (or need) instant gratification!
I prefer the teacher/classroom model of Fluenz to the picture-only model of Rosetta Stone. The teacher is excellent, and the workouts are very well designed. But….where are the words? est-ce que les mots sont?) The introduction of new vocabulary moves at a snail’s pace, the rate at which one would expect a middle school level French course to progress. A year ago I expended about 30 hours with a superb book (“French Step-by-Step”, by Charles Berlitz), and devised a reasonable vocabulary in about one month. The problem is that there was no audio to go with it, so as a result my pronunciation was miserable and I did not construct an ear for spoken French. Last year (before Fluenz) I tried to purchase a rail ticket to central Paris at the airport and, although my vocab and grammar were perfect, the attendant responded “Que? Would you prefer to speak English?” Thus, I needed a program like Fluenz to invent a better ear for the language. Fluenz has fixed these problems, but if you rely on Fluenz 1 and 2 alone, you can forget about keeping a conversation, as you plainly won’t know anywhere near enough vocabulary. As a result, you will need to supplement Fluenz French with some other vocabulary building tool. I believe that “French Step-by-Step” no longer is in print].
I’ve always been frightened to learn a language, but with an approaching trip to Paris, now is the time! I tried Rosetta Stone but it gave me a headache, and tried various other low-cost products but rapidly became frustrated. Fluenz has me captivated! I am working through the lessons, practicing the sentences with my husband, and even feel comfortable saying the words! I can’t say enough about Fluenz! If you wonder if this product is for you, attempt the free presentation on their websites Finally, they have fabulous client support! I had some difficulties with the Amazon shipping, and Fluenz stepped right in and took care of its These things, along with their splendid return policy, make buying this product an magnificent choice!