5 comments about Fluenz Version F2: Spanish 1 (Win/Mac) with software DVD, audio CD, podcasts, and Navigator. Learn Spanish with the latest upgrade..

1. I got this system to brush up on my Spanish before visits to Spanish-speaking countries. The narration is the unique aspect to their methods. It feels more like a classroom than other CDs I have for other languages. I prefer Fluenz to my other teaching aids and have since bought their Mandarin guide.



2. I'm enjoying the interactive use of Fluenz Spanish 1. I have tried to learn Spanish for many years on and off and am finally getting it. Thank you for such a creative and personal program.



3. A trip to Barcelona prompted me to review of Spanish language learning programs and purchase of Fluenz Spanish 1. I don't like visiting a country without some knowledge of the language. I was extremely satisfied.
   
   I am a native English speaker with some/limited fluency in French, German, and Japanese - because I have traveled in those couuntries. No Spanish. Despite the "some fluency", I have no real facility for languages. I find them hard to learn.
   
   I put 50 hours into Fluenz Spanish 1. Yes, it takes some work. But that 50 hours alone says a lot -- I didn't give up because the program is engaging, and I was learning what I needed to know to travel.
   
   The approach of this program is very clever. For example, the future "tense" is taught by using the phrase "I am going to...tomorrow". So you do not have to learn a mess of verb conjugations. And the vocablary is directed for the traveler/visitor. No schoolyard conversations with your classmates about whatever.
   
   The use of English is hugely useful. It makes learning so much easier. And Sonia Gill is a really good teacher.
   
   Did it work? Absolutely. I was very comfortable in Spain. In Barcelona, the native language is Catalon, not Castilian. Catalon is somewhere between Castilian and French. I could read every sign in both languages - useful if you want to get somewhere. I could always make my requests understood - useful if you need the toilet.
   
   The down side: I could understand people in the tourist industry because they spoke slowly. Anyone else - hopeless. They speak really fast. And you have to decide which language they are using.
   
   The good side: I actually bought Fluenz Spanish 1 F1, I guess. There were some errors in that version - not major but annoying. I assume F2 fixed those. But because of a very generous upgrade offer, I now have Fluenz Spanish 1 F2, 2, and 3. These folks take care of their customers. And I like the program enough to buy the additional two programs.
   
   By the way, my wife's passport got stolen. I was able to do "okay" in the police station. That was a good thing.
   
   Barcelona is now my favorite European city. Part because of the city, part because of the people, part because of the food, and part because of Fluenz Spanish 1.



4. Fluenz is like a real classroom with an on-screen teacher who is a native Spanish speaker. Although I think there is room for improvement in the usability of the Fluenz interface, I have found that the Fluenz approach works for me and is helping me learn. I bought all five levels and I'm currently half way through Spanish 2.
   
   Each Fluenz session starts with a short intro letting you know what you're about to learn. Next you listen to a dialogue three times, with and without English and Spanish subtitles. The instructor then spends six to ten minutes explaining the grammatical structures, verb conjugations, and new vocabulary. Exercises follow, in which you will type what you hear, match what you hear to images, match Spanish and English phrases, repeat the pronunciation, and record your own dialogue. The exercises are generally well constructed and build up slowly the way a good teacher would cover the material in a class.
   
   The dialogues are focused on real-world situations that you could be expected to find yourself in as a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country. For example, you'll learn the words to speak about going to a hotel, buying a cellphone, taking a taxi, and asking how much something costs. Fluenz does not try to teach you the broadest vocabulary or every grammatical structure.
   
   Fluenz requires a lot of typing, so you may find Fluenz more challenging than competing products if you're not a touch typist. Fortunately, you can ignore accents if you choose. Typing is important even if you will never write in Spanish because it's easy to recognize the best option in a list of choices, but it's more difficult to stare at a blank screen and have the words come to mind. Typing requires that you be more fully engaged so you are learning more actively.
   
   Fluenz's interface is attractive and is entirely Flash based. There are several small usability problems and a couple of Mac-only challenges. These issues will not stop you from learning Spanish, but the usability could be improved.
   
   I like Fluenz and I recommend it to others who want to learn Spanish. I am definitely learning quickly and I find Fluenz's approach to be easy, effective, and even fun.



5. 
   I have quite a poor memory, and have proven that many times in my life!
   So I was not very confident I would get far, but it is going muy bueno!
   
   I read the other reviews, and jumped in. I am just finishing up f2 now, and looking forward to f3-5 (Yup, I got them all!)
   
   If you read some of my other reviews, you will see I am not shy about panning products, but I want to assure you, that it is possible to learn another language when a great product is holding your hand!
   
   Gracias,
   r44chopper

5 comments about Rosetta Stone Spanish (Spain) Level 1, 2 & 3 Set with Audio Companion.

1. Tried to download prior to leaving for vacation. Was unable to because of a virus software protection on the CDs. Went to the Rosetta Stone help FAQ and found out that this is a common problem Will try and download again today.



2. The product is extremely helpful in learning Spanish; however, should you need Tech Support - you may have difficulty! Shortly after my purchase, I started experiencing intermittent microphone problems.
   
   Unfortunately, unless the problems occur between the hours of 8:00-8:00 M-F, you are out of luck, because Tech Support will not even talk with you unless you are at your computer and the problem is occurring. After more than a month of dealing with microphone issues, it finally happened during Tech support hours, but the person on the other end was extremely difficult to understand due to his heavy accent. This difficulty in communication made solving the problem even more frustrating. It took close to 30 minutes to go over a few steps and then there was no real solution and there will not be a solution unless the problem occurs again and I can contact them - right when it is happening!
   
   All in all, I like Rosetta Stone & feel it has been very helpful in learning Spanish - I just hope they can change their Tech Support system.



3. This is an excellent course of Spanish. Based on my initial trials, I assume I am going to learn Spanish in a relatively short period of time definitely shorter than attending classes.
   
   I received my purchase as scheduled without any delays..



4. I rated this program five stars, and that rating is based solely on the quality of the product. Rosetta Stone is really fun, and it's wayyyyyyy more useful than most of the Spanish classes you'll come across. As far as helping you remember words and pronounce them correctly, Rosetta Stone is awesome. I am currently taking a Spanish class at my college, because I figured if I doubled up I'd have the best chance at learning how to speak (and write, ug ug ug) Spanish. The class is a good time, and my professor is a riot, but I must admit that the computer program is more effective. My feeble brain doesn't want to deal with verb tenses and formal and informal usage of words, and all that stuff that makes my attention wander away until I'm gazing out the window and not paying attention at all and writing really long run on sentences that end in ellipses... You see my point. The Stone is also cool because it makes me think of Sesame Street, which makes me feel sort of nostalgic and happy. Clicking on the brightly colored pictures takes me back to simpler times, sigh. And yeah, it is an expensive product, but pay for a college course and a Spanish book and guess what- you end up spending even more money, and maybe you'll get stuck with an unattractive professor who rants, and waves his arms around, and throws pieces of chalk at your head when you are gazing out of the window, and not paying attention. There are cheaper computer programs for learning Spanish, and you guessed it, they totally blow. I ought to know because I wasted upwards of forty-five dollars on such junky products. I would like to know how Rosetta compares to that other popular language program... Pilsner or Plodner or Pimsleur or whatever.
   Rosetta Stone is also known for having crappy customer service, and apparently if you try to resell one of their programs they will hunt you down like a dog and there will be a public stoning. Sometimes greed is so shameful that it becomes hilarious. This is the case with Rosetta Stone, and I guess that's too bad, but it gives people a chance to one-up the greedy buggers! Share the product with as many people as possible and then it will be as cheap as free! After all, it seems that many folks are just in a tiff because they can't get any money for a used product. For shame, you are being just as greedy. Give your copy of Rosetta Stone to some poor, sick kid who has always wanted to learn a bit of Spanish but never had the means.



5. I did a lot of comparisons and read a lot of reviews. The things said against this product are absolutely untrue! The Rosetta Stone course teaches grammar right along with the vocabulary (both reading and listening) and pronunciation skills. I got the Tell Me More for free, but use Rosetta Stone instead! Great course and now they have added two more levels...what more could be asked for?!?

5 comments about Rosetta Stone Portuguese Level 1, 2 & 3 Set with Audio Companion.

1. I had 2 yrs. spanish in high school, and a 40 hour (tutored) refresher course while stationed in Honduras. I've had tutored classes in Italian, Croatian, Finnish, and Japanese.
   
   After 1 week of daily study with Rosetta Stone Portuguese (Brazilian), I speak and more easily remember the Portugese language THAN any previously studied language I had. I used books, CD's, etc. for the previous languages, BUT NOTHING works for me like this product. I WILL be ordering other languages, by Rosetta Stone, as time goes by.



2. A fun way to learn another language. It feels more like a game than a lesson. The product works very well and progress comes quickly enough to keep it interesting.



3. The learning process is effective. I have no problem learning but it does require real concentration. Expect to have your mind expanded. The initial lessons proceed by introducing a word with an associated picture. Your job is to match the correct picture. The lessons proceed to phrases, gender, and multiple vs single items. New items are often introduced with no explanation, you just use the hints provided by previously introduced words and ideas. It is very effective. I can't wait until I get to level 2 to see what happens.
   
   On the negative side is the upper level interface. You are left guessing as to where to find out what you need and even how to exit properly. The user guide must be downloaded. You need to have an internet connect while installing otherwise the installation requires you to connect before the product can be registered. At one point I had to call customer service to complete the registration.
   
   As a software engineer I can see improvements at interface and in word recognition. I was asked a few week ago if I would be interested in working with them. Wish I could but I am not going to Virginia. It will be interesting to see where this company is going.



4. Be aware, this NOT standard Portuguese! It is Brazilan... which has a VERY different pronounciation and words. As Amazon listed several different Portuguese products, some labeled "Brazilian" and some not, that clearly indicated that the ones that were not labeled Brazilian should have been standard (continental) Portuguese. Extremely misleading by Amazon. They should immediately label all of these products with a "Brazilian" label. I am very surprised they didn't do this after the very first compliant.
   
   In reading another reviewer, I am shocked to see they contacted Rosetta Stone and they didn't even offer standard Portuguese! After seeing the dozens of languages they offer, I can't believe they are mis-representing the Portuguese language that way.
   
   I just received it today and will be sending it back immediately, unopened.



5. First of all, great product. I received it within the specified dates and have been really pleased with what it offers. I am able to go at my own pace and work on my Portuguese. Rosetta has a unique mixture of grammar, writing and offers the ability to practice the language which has proved to be very helpful.
   Rosetta Stone Version 3: Portuguese Level 1, 2 & 3 Set with Audio Companion

5 comments about Instant Immersion Spanish Platinum.

1. It has everything you need if you are well into spanish. I am about 2 months into spanish with 2 other programs. I am not disapointed with this product. except the beginner is at least INTERMIDIATE. I can't wait till I am far enough along to really use all this program. What a beginner can use this software for is the part where you talk spanish to the program throgh a microphone and it grades your pronouciation. You don't need to know what you are saying, just how well you are saying it. Besides it is my suggestion if you really want to learn spanish--to speak it. You need more than one program. Several modules included in this software are worth the money that it costs at Amazon. if you don't believe it. check the price of other good programs out. Its just that this one does not start at ground zero, but in a few months you will be glad it does not. Hopes this helps. We have spanish speakers in the family and the agree with these starements. phoenix Az



2. This is a great way to learn Spanish on your own and at your own pace. The CDs give you exercises as well as downloads for your ipod so that you can learn "on the go". Better than most of the programs I have checked into but much less costly than Rosetta Stone but quite comparable.



3. If you've never taken a single Spanish course, then this is not the software set for you. While the packaging notes that it is for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced learners, the reality is that the beginner's lessons are considerably advanced. The software appears to have been designed with the understanding that a user has at least some background information-- vocabulary for body parts, numbers, and places in addition to the conjugation of verbs in the present indicative and an understanding of feminine versus masculine articles/endings. To jump into this software without a couple basic lessons under your belt will leave you beyond frustrated.
   
   However, if you've had some exposure and are looking to clean up your grammar and add some depth to your conversation, this set is an unbelievable bargain. The sheer volume and diversity of types of practice exercises will give you hundreds of hours of quality practice. The ability to hear proper pronunciation and check your own quickly becomes an indispensable tool.
   
   As long as this is just one of many tools in your arsenal of educational aids for learning the language, you'll walk away impressed and thoroughly satisfied.



4. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). This set of CDs presents interactive language learning at it's best. There are literally thousands of exercises, and hundreds of hours of lessons, making the program highly comprehensive. There are three levels included in the course, with more than enough information to give students a solid understanding of the Spanish language and a strong vocabulary to get by in most situations and conversations. Starting with the basics, the lessons build a foundation of language and then move on to more complex phrases and concepts, gradually increasing your level of skill.
   
   It pays to take some time to familiarize yourself with the format of the lessons in order to easily navigate through the program and access all of the features. For example, menu buttons are hidden so that they do not take up space on your screen while studying, but can be made to reappear simply by hovering the mouse over a specific area. If you have never used an interactive software course, learning the navigation and structure of the lessons will prevent you from getting frustrated as you learn.
   
   The animated features are fun and engaging, keeping your interest level high and presenting information in a way that is both easy to learn and remember. There are also cultural activities designed to help you to apply your newly learned vocabulary to an interesting context, therefor making it easier to remember. These also give you a sense of accomplishment.
   
   In addition to the 3 CD ROMs, there are also audio CD's with a further 6 hours or so of lessons. These are great for when you don't have access to a computer and are a nice way to complement your virtual learning. Audio lessons are a great way to continue your studies in the car, or you can download them to your iPod or other mp3 player to listen to anywhere. There are multiple native speakers on the audio, which is an excellent way to get used to hearing how words sound when spoke in different Spanish voices.
   
   One of the unique and possibly most valuable features of this program is the use of the Spoken Error Tracking System (S.E.T.S.) which assesses your pronunciation as you repeat phrases into a microphone. The software will correct you when you are wrong, allowing you to improve your speaking skills and develop an authentic Spanish accent. If you have ever wondered "Am I saying this right?" then this program can give you the answer!
   
   The flexible learning model allows you to study at your own pace, progressing through the lessons comfortably. If you find a sentence has been spoken too quickly, the software allows you to isolate a single word or phrase, so each student can break down the lessons into pieces that they can manage. The full package is comparable to much more expensive programs, so represents excellent value for those who are serious about learning Spanish.
   
   In closing my review of this product, I'd like to share with you the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish. If you are truly serious about achieving fluency, I'd recommend getting all 3 of them if you can afford it.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the Spanish vocabulary words and phrases from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs. Especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs and who is looking for a new way to make learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an easy and fun activity
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions entirely in Spanish. I use this one only because it was highly-recommended by a friend from Spain who teaches Spanish. According to him, in academic circles in Spain as well as Latin America this Spanish dictionary is the standard.



5. I purchased this product in spanish and french and have really enjoyed it. I was willing to spend $500 for Rosetta Stone until I came across Instant Immersion. I'm soooo glad I did! It isn't the most up to date software system but it does the job and is fun and YOU CANNOT BEAT THE PRICE! ;)

5 comments about Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1 & 2 Set with Audio Companion.

1. Yes, the product is decent for learning languages, especially the new Version 3 of the software, which is much more intuitive. The problem is you can't resell them anywhere. They'll kick you off eBay, Craigslist, etc if you try. I bought the Version 2 and hated the interface and couldn't figure out where to start or stop, just bought the Version 3, but I can't even get a penny for my old version. Very frustrating. I think this practice of not allowing reselling is illegal and would love to see a class action suit against this company. I'm not selling a copy, can't use it without the original disc, so why can't I sell my original? I can resell music CDs I bought, DVDs I bought. This really seems to go against basic rights.



2. I'm so glad I read these reviews. My husband and I were going to buy this item to supplement our Spanish classes. I do not like dealing with companies like this. Thanks for the info!



3. Excellent way to learn a language. Having taken language courses for three years in college, I have learned more in level one than I ever did in college. Great way to learn without memorization. Just bought level one for my daughter who is taking beginning Greek at the college level.
   Would recommend to anyone!



4. I rated this program five stars, and that rating is based solely on the quality of the product. Rosetta Stone is really fun, and it's wayyyyyyy more useful than most of the Spanish classes you'll come across. As far as helping you remember words and pronounce them correctly, Rosetta Stone is awesome. I am currently taking a Spanish class at my college, because I figured if I doubled up I'd have the best chance at learning how to speak (and write, ug ug ug) Spanish. The class is a good time, and my professor is a riot, but I must admit that the computer program is more effective. My feeble brain doesn't want to deal with verb tenses and formal and informal usage of words, and all that stuff that makes my attention wander away until I'm gazing out the window and not paying attention at all and writing really long run on sentences that end in ellipses... You see my point. The Stone is also cool because it makes me think of Sesame Street, which makes me feel sort of nostalgic and happy. Clicking on the brightly colored pictures takes me back to simpler times, sigh. And yeah, it is an expensive product, but pay for a college course and a Spanish book and guess what- you end up spending even more money, and maybe you'll get stuck with an unattractive professor who rants, and waves his arms around, and throws pieces of chalk at your head when you are gazing out of the window, and not paying attention. There are cheaper computer programs for learning Spanish, and you guessed it, they totally blow. I ought to know because I wasted upwards of forty-five dollars on such junky products. I would like to know how Rosetta compares to that other popular language program... Pilsner or Plodner or Pimsleur or whatever.
   Rosetta Stone is also known for having crappy customer service, and apparently if you try to resell one of their programs they will hunt you down like a dog and there will be a public stoning. Sometimes greed is so shameful that it becomes hilarious. This is the case with Rosetta Stone, and I guess that's too bad, but it gives people a chance to one-up the greedy buggers! Share the product with as many people as possible and then it will be as cheap as free! After all, it seems that many folks are just in a tiff because they can't get any money for a used product. For shame, you are being just as greedy. Give your copy of Rosetta Stone to some poor, sick kid who has always wanted to learn a bit of Spanish but never had the means.



5. This program would be great ... if I were 6 years old. But for adults, it's a waste of money. i've gone several hours into "lessons", and so far all I ever get is first person singular useless info (ex.: "the boy is tall", " the house is old"). You'd think that at some point the program would actually get on to language that we would use (like "can you tell me which way to the rest room", or "I'd like too order a bottle of wine").
   
   If you're wanting to spend years learning the language from childhood, than perhaps this program eventually has something to offer. But for someone wanting to learn practical phrases, especially for traveling or navigating our way around a Spanish speaking country, this program is a horribly disappointing waste of money. And VERY expensive to boot.

5 comments about Fluenz Version F2: Spanish 1+2+3+4+5 (Win/Mac) with software DVDs, audio CDs, podcasts, and Navigator. Learn Spanish with the latest upgrade..

1. I hate doing this, but, I feel this product is WAY over priced. I feel the high price is attributed to all the special effects, i.e., her hitting the letters and making them spin, dissappear, and such.
   
   Pronounciation of this product of "Yo" and "Ella" throw me off a bit. She says it like, "gee-yo" and "eh-ja". I asked a bunch of friends who speak spanish, and they were saying that it sounded questionable ...
   
   I suppose I'm being very harsh. I don't mean to be, but, if you are like me, you might consider trying it out first before buying.
   
   Other than that ... I suppose one could learn from it.



2. I bought this product from recommendations I found in this site and I don't regret buying it at all. I can see that the makers of this product thought long and hard about the materials to be included, the order of presenting those materials, and how to present those materials. And so far, it seems that their method of teaching Spanish works. I find it easy to absorb and more importantly RETAIN the lessons I learned since I began their Spanish program.
   
   I am now in the middle of Fluenz Level 3 and I am more or less comfortable ordering food in Spanish-speaking diners in Downtown Miami. But I still have a long way to go till I achieve full fluency and I can't wait to continue the Fluenz Spanish program so that I can get there.
   
   I have no illusions that just finishing the program will give me full mastery of the language; I know that it also requires working hard to always expose myself to situations where I would need to speak Spanish or understand someone speaking Spanish. But I believe that anyone would do well to use the Fluenz program as one's main tool (although not the only tool) for mastering Spanish.
   
   Their philosophy and method of teaching a new language seems to work well when it comes to Spanish. I hope they someday develop programs in Japanese and (Brazilian) Portuguese (two languages which I am interested). Given the seeming success of their philosophy and method of teaching another language when it comes to Spanish, I have high hopes about the resulting programs for these two languages. (Right now they have programs in languages other than Spanish, but they don't have programs for Japanese and Portuguese.)



3. I really love the format, delivery, interface, and teaching style... I like to know as much as possible about the background of words, tenses, grammar, etc., so this is perfect for me.
   
   I'm sure there are plenty of reviews that outline the difference between Rosetta Stone's "Immersion" approach vs. the Fluenz structured learning approach (if you haven't, just look at a few reviews, you'll see a detailed description before long), so I won't go into that here, other than to say that there's nothing wrong with the immersion approach per se, but both my wife and I would have found it frustrating not knowing the details. That said, the Fluenz approach is perfect for us... they really do an outstanding job of explaining everything in an engaging way, with really nice visual queues. The exercises following the scenarios are well thought out, and are a good balance of repetition and variety so that you really come to understand how & why the language is structured the way it is... and they do it in a way that allows you to learn how to put together the pieces in just about any way. I really feel like I understand what I'm saying when my wife and I practice using different sentence structures.
   
   I work in IT, so I see a lot of software, and Fluenz Spanish is actually very impressive... they've just done a great job with the software application.
   
   We'll definitely go with Fluenz for our next language project when we decide on what's next!



4. 
   i got so proficient in spanish with this program that i could hold a pretty complex conversation last night with my spanish speaking friends after just one one and a half level (2 months of studying). granted i have a colombian husband and speak 3 languages already, however i made a language challenged friend take a session and she was ecstatic over how much material she grasped and how easy it was.
   
   fluenz teaches basic structures and as one progresses the course builds new layers upon the material that is already internalized. the results are very impressive. i feel more and more confident with every session. it's very rewarding to see how i can handle easily the structures that are getting more and more complex. also fluenz introduces many different environments to be comfortable in from customs to finding your way in an office building. it goes over many extremely useful situations which is rarely found in any other language course...
   
   this course does not particularly focus on vocabulary, but the words that are taught are pretty useful. i found it very helpful to supplement it with flash-cards to expand the vocabulary. there isn't a strong emphasis on pronunciation either, so if that is a challenge one might want to devote more time to it. i suppose it could be very useful to listen to the audio many times and try to polish that aspect. Ivan Loscher has an amazing voice, however i prefer sonyas, it's a little bit less theatrical and easier to understand.
   
   i strongly believe fluenz is the best language program available, way ahead of rosetta stone. and it keeps improving! customer service is the best i ever encountered in any industry (to the point, not phony or condescending, informative and quick)
   
   questions about my experience with this software? please do not hesitate to ask...



5. Like everyone else, I'm comparing what I consider to be the two top dogs when it comes to Spanish language learning software: Fluenz and Rosetta Stone. Which software you should choose depends on what you want to be able to do first. Do you think it's more important to learn to order food in a restaurant, or explain where a cat is in relation to a table? It's a serious question, because therein lies the difference between these two programs.
   
   Rosetta Stone assumes that you are an infant who should learn colors and animals first. If you are an infant, stop reading, and navigate to the Rosetta Stone section. If you are an adult who would rather learn the word for "cellphone" before "horse," then you should undoubtedly choose Fluenz.
   
   Fluenz features a slick user-interface and a real person who acts as your personal tutor. (Incidentally, she is quite attractive.) Unlike Rosetta Stone, which uses a strict immersion model, Fluenz relates Spanish to English in order to build on the knowledge you already have about grammar and the way words work together. With Rosetta Stone, I found myself having to look up words because the pictures are sometimes unclear. For instance, there was a picture of a child and a man with the word "abuelo." I didn't know that it meant "grandfather" until I consulted a dictionary. You can't rely strictly on visual cues for everything. With Fluenz, every detail is spelled out and explained for you. You are told the precise meaning of every word and given tips for pronunciation and usage. I have found that this explicit approach is much more effective for my learning style. Your experience, of course, may vary.
   
   After the principal lesson, Fluenz tasks you with a series of "workouts." These are very enjoyable exercises that increase in difficulty and require different skills than Rosetta Stone exercises. For instance, in Rosetta Stone, you can almost always use process of elimination to choose the correct picture. In Fluenz, you are almost immediately asked to construct your own sentences using the words you've learned. In other exercises, you must transcribe spoken dialogue. I immediately realized that comprehending an entire spoken sentence was much more difficult than comprehending a single word. To me, it's a far more aggressive approach than Rosetta Stone, and I can feel my brain working harder.
   
   I will also say that I have used Rosetta Stone quite a bit, but I stopped using it because I simply became bored with the tedium of the program. I find Fluenz far more stimulating. I can hardly wait to come home every day and use it again. It's as addictive as a video game, and the best part is that I'm getting practical knowledge of Spanish that I can immediately apply to real life situations. I'm so fond of the program that I plan to try the Italian next.
   
   If you are on the fence, but are one of those people who tend to go with the most popular choice, let me say this: Rosetta Stone will probably always outsell Fluenz. The reason is simple. Rosetta Stone only needs one Spanish program that it can sell world wide, because it does not teach using other languages. From a business standpoint, it's genius. From a learning standpoint, it's lacking. Fluenz is specifically designed for those who speak English to learn Spanish. If this statement applies to you, pick Fluenz over Rosetta Stone.

5 comments about Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1, 2 & 3 Set with Audio Companion.

1. If you watch the flash video presentation of their "Dynamic Immersion" method, you might be captivated by the idea that you could learn as you did your first language. While this sounds nice from the start, it is highly impractical and goes against all studies of language learning (second-language acquisition). As an adult, your mind is not as flexible as a child's. Why can children learn music easily? Run and bend more than you can maybe? The expression, "can't teach an old dog new tricks" has some truth to it. It takes 15 years or more to learn a language like a child. Does that sound fast to you? That also, is with constant input all day every day--not what Rosetta Stone offers you.
   
   I took three different languages at the best language school in the US, Middlebury College. Their approaches were not always my favorite... but they met half way: Rote is REQUIRED because it's faster and makes it easier to understand. But rather than explaining the most difficult parts of the language day one, they let you absorb it through other means, such as by watching movies, listening to the language in a native setting. There isn't one way to learn a language, but Rosetta Stone is a glorified flash-card program with audio.
   
   The limitations of Rosetta Stone first of all are to a script you can read. I spent years writing Chinese by hand, learning about stroke order, trying to understand the history of the characters... and Rosetta Stone makes it sound like "look at the word" "see the word" "know the word".... which isn't the case at all. They don't tailor their programs at all. You will see the same pictures in the Spanish version that you do in the Chinese or Hindi version. Think of the intricacies of your own language to understand how difficult it is to achieve a level of "understanding". Rosetta Stone will not teach you that.
   
   Rosetta Stone is for people who feel they do not want anything to do with rote memorization and who also have no need to learn the language seriously. Pimsleur Spanish I - 2nd Rev. Ed.: Learn to Speak and Understand Spanish with Pimsleur Language Programs (Comprehensive) (English and Spanish Edition), while far from complete, is at least worth it's money due to the fact that you can SAY full sentences, and it helps you to overcome fears in pronunciation. As other users have mentioned, there are far superior products now available, such as Fluenz, if you really want a computer method. Fluenz also is smart-phone compatible. They also tailor their programs for their languages, and readily recognize how adults learn. Fluenz Version F2: Spanish 1+2+3+4+5 (Win/Mac) with software DVDs, audio CDs, podcasts, and Navigator. Learn Spanish with the latest upgrade.
   
   There are too many subtleties in languages for you to just "pick up"---please don't think that this program will give that to you.
   
   If you are excited by the prospect of pictures, I would suggest using a DK Visual Dictionary, which Amazon has. Spanish English Bilingual Visual Dictionary (DK Visual Dictionaries) Also, watch movies you know with Spanish subtitles or with a Spanish track and Spanish subtitles. (Most DVDs have this option) I find that movies I know the words to, make this exercise very meaningful... when watching Forest Gump, I was familiarized with the imperative (commands) when Jenny shouts, "Run, Forest, run!" Grammar can be picked up through cheap or free means. Reading the lyrics to songs in the language can help, and translations now are abundant. It also helps if you can hear quick speaking and pick out the words. One of my main problems with French was learning where words ended and began. Rosetta Stone wouldn't teach me that, but movies, music, and other media do. Try using podcasts. Blog/podcasts such as [...] give you more meaningful aspects of the language, such as idioms and how to learn different accents.
   
   Remember: language learning is all about input. True immersion means you will live a life of the language, just as you would if you were raising a child. I recommend reading newspapers online, even if you only understand 10% or less. Familiarity with the shape of words is important as well. You want to be able to "know" when a word "sounds" Spanish.
   
   There are workbooks, dictionaries, programs, audio tapes, all geared toward helping you. Be honest with what you will do. If you won't put in the effort to learn things by "rote" even if through flashcards, then your progress will be greatly inhibited. There are also online communities to get involved in if you want a "penpal".
   
   I am absolutely against buying Rosetta Stone for four main reasons:
   1. The program is a "one-size-fits-all" where they change the audio to whichever language they want to sell you.
   2. There is no depth to the language, in Spanish for example, the word "banana" isn't the same in every country, even in Latin America. This is an important cultural point, which they pass up, due to point 1.
   3. They don't explain pronunciation at all.
   4. Their marketing is false and unfounded, and the price is much too high for what they offer.
   
   If you want computer software, check out Fluenz before you buy. (There are others as well) Personally, I'm going to stick to music, movies, Pimsleur, and books such as Using Spanish: A Guide to Contemporary Usage which give me depth to the language. See also: Using Spanish Vocabulary for explanations on registers, polite speech, colloquialisms, regional phrases, and differences between synonyms.
   
   It bothers me a great deal that people are being sold on this marketing that they should "grasp the language without interference". Rosetta Stone IS INTERFERENCE. The availability of Spanish resources for English speakers makes this product a FAIL. If you are hoping to learn Turkish, then perhaps I understand why you would choose it.
   
   For those who want flashcards, download Anki [...] you can make your own and add audio, or you can download some that are pre-made.
   
   [...]
   
   If you're really going to spend $500 on learning Spanish, take a class where you can have things explained to you.
   
   That's my two cents, hope it's helpful.
   
   At the very least, please try the demo on their website before you buy it.



2. I purchased the Spanish (Latin) American. When my package arrived it is labeled Spanish.
   When I went to download it is when I found out it was not what I ordered. What else I found out it came with no activation code. I contacted the seller she told me it would work with out it. Only for the first two lessons. Then it kicks you out to the activation code page. I called Rosetta Stone customer support. They told me I purchased from a unauthorized dealer. That I need to ask for my money back. I called Amazon / Chase Bank. They will dispute the charge. I am returning the product. Only thing it came from China. Who knows how much this will cost to ship back to them. I learned my lesson. Know who your buying from. The product is great I have already learned more in two weeks than I have in the last 6 months on other methods I have tried. I will be buying it. But this time I will pay the full price from a authorized site. The old saying goes you get what you pay for. The price was too good to be real..$393.98 for 3 levels and the Audio Companion, headset.



3. It's as good as advertised! Be careful though, You can only instal it a couple of times. So if you have computer problems like I did, it can be a problem. The support at Rosseta Stone was very helpfull though!



4. We received package but unable to activated since I can not find the Activation Number.It remain idle.



5. If you want the original Rosetta Stone and the activation codes to get the full use from it, buy directly from the source, or a reputable source that will stand behind their sale. I bought mine and when I asked for the activation code the place I purchased it from never returned my correspondence. Buy Beware!!

5 comments about Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1 with Audio Companion.

1. I am thrilled with the results of this product. Just purchased Level 1 in the event I didn't like it. As advertised it is based on intuition learning and I would also add that it teaches for the "visual" learner. I have never studied Spanish but I have studied French (30 years ago) and I have had a very easy transition to this Spanish program. I installed it on my Apple Mac OS/x and both CD's installed beautifully and the software works perfect. The software comes with one license number that can used twice. I installed the software again on my teenage son's Apple laptop and it worked like a gem. He immediately started breezing through the program and so far he is extremely happy with his results as well. I would highly recommend this software and I am thinking of purchasing one for another family member as well. The only complaint I have now is that I didn't buy all four versions at once.



2. Great, love the program. I've had College level (1) Spanish, and this is far better. However, the micophone is terrible. Constantly having to reset and relaunch. I'm going to have to by another headset. If pronouncing spanish is important to you, you need a reliable microphone headset.



3. Like more and more software programs, Rosetta watches the limit on the number of installations. If you are upgrading PC - Windows versions or other major repairs you may not only have to reinstall but reactivate. The best solution is to deactivate the current installation and MAKE SURE to save the deactivation number. Having failed to do this myself I needed customer support. The good news is customer service was great.



4. I'm enjoying the Spanish lessons very much. I never thought that learning a language could be so easy. There is a level of repetition re-inforcement (to me) like; the same situations presented in various contexts so the learning never gets boring and one becomes familiar with the actual sounds through the headset-microphone. Similar things repeated in different ways is a great way to become familiar, both visually and through audio to a different set of circumstanses.



5. I was really disappointed, after all the rave reviews this software will not install on my Vista laptop. I keep getting different error messages. Their support is no help either they just blame my computer and tell me to contact the computers manufacturer. I know my way around software, it is definitely not my computer, its called crummy programming. Instead of fiddling around trying to make my computer accept this software I am sending it back, I will try another company. I haven't had this kind of trouble with software since Windows 95.

5 comments about Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1,2,3,4 & 5 Set with Audio Companion.

1. I've been working through this program with my girlfriend. We do it on Saturdays and Sundays. My big screen is hooked up to my pc so we can do it from the couch and we spend 2 hours at a stretch on the couch. This helps with the ability to concentrate for long stretches. But this works very well. Rosetta Stone is fantastic. We've purchased all 3 levels of the Arabic package also. Do it! You'll be glad you did.



2. Great Product. Received it as promised, on time and in good condition. The price wasn't bad either. Just so you know, there is NO English spoken in this product. That is what makes it so easy to learn the language being taught. It has pictures and they are being described in the language being taught. It is a great system. Buy according to the level you want to attain. If you are just wanting to communicate with a co worker or neighbor just buy #1 then later go to #2, but if you are wanting to use it on a regular basis for school, work, travel and more, your best bet is to purchase the whole system like we did. The price was alot cheaper, just do the math for yourself. Over all We got a great product, and was very pleased with the whole process.



3. I've been hearing people rave about Rosetta Stone for years, so I decided to give it a try. I took 3.5 semesters of Spanish in college, but it has gone rusty, and I encounter Spanish speakers often in my line of work. Because I learned a lot about grammar and not much about conversation, I decided to give Rosetta Stone a try. I bought all 5 levels because I did not know where I stood.
   
   I like the intuitiveness of it - it starts out very simply, "girl," "boy," etc. I found a couple of lessons on Level 1 were too easy, so I went up to Level 2, where I am being challenged a bit, without it being too overwhelming.
   
   My only pet peeve is with the voice recognition software. I Tweeted about it to Rosetta Stone, and they suggested I dumb down the "speech recognition level." But sometimes, I still have problems with it recognizing what I'm saying, though I'm pretty sure I'm mimicking the voices in the program, even with their overemphasized "rr" sounds and the "da" that turns into a "tha." Part of it may have to do with the numerous variations in Latin American Spanish (it's hard to fit the accents of so many countries into one voice). Other than that, I can see it's a useful tool for people who want to supplement their Spanish courses, or want to refresh their knowledge.



4. I never received the product, I've been waiting 5 weeks and it still has not arrived. I filed a claim with Amazon but I have not yet heard back from Amazon regarding my claim.



5. My daughter is 4 and loves learning with this system. I am also picking up the language with this product.

5 comments about Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe.

1. I can not say enough about this item. Our children love it! It has been awesome so far... I love the fact that they can pratice and hear themselves. I like the workshops and the ease of install... You just have to see for your self! We looked and looked for a good product we purchased this one and one other.. This one was the best one! Have fun! We sure are, great for our whole family.. children and adults... our toddler even loves it!!! Whew!!! Ten stars if they had it!



2. I bought this software once it came down to under $20, and I wish that I'd done it sooner! I am at an intermediate level Spanish speaker interested in improving my skills, and this would have also been a great way to learn from the start. By taking the pretest, the software develops a lesson plan for you. There are multiple ways to learn, and it even checks your pronunciation. I highly recommend this software. I have used two other language software suites in the past, and this one outshines the others a million-fold. I haven't used the vaunted Rosetta Stone, but I doubt it's worth the 10x extra cost.



3. Didn't work on my Mac. I think it might be a great product for someone with a PC but it was no good for me.



4. I purchased it for my fiancé because she wanted to be able to communicate with my mother whom is from Mexico and after a week she was able to start small conversations. She has been learning at her own pace and loves it.



5. This product is good for the price. However, don't count on their customer service if you encounter any problem. They will never respond to your phone or email.