Foreign Language Software

The world is shrinking. Whether we like it or not, we have to deal with people who do not speak English as a first language. The Chinese and Indians will be our major trading partners in this century and the middle-east will remain an area of interest in the foreseeable future. The use of Spanish is fast growing within the US. To communicate with this global audience and better understand their culture, it is vital that we learn their languages.

Language learning can be an enjoyable experience. Learning another language opens us to new ideas and new ways thinking. Your trip to another country will no doubt be more enjoyable if you speak the native language. Another advantage is that when you speak a foreign language, you can enjoy its books, films, and music in the original language. This combined with your better understanding of that culture allows you to grasp the original intent of the creator and makes the whole experience more exhilarating.

But learning a language is not easy. When you are young, you can pick them up without difficulty, but as you get older, it gets harder. Some people have a gift for languages. Most others stumble for good resources and guides. This is where language learning software steps in. It allows you to study the foreign language of your choice at your own pace. The software is also more economical than taking classes or hiring a tutor.

But which software can you rely on? Which is the best and most accurate? Who has the fastest and most effective teaching method? Softwareproguide.com provides you an overview of two of the leading language learning software available today.

Before You Know It (byki) – Free Download + Deluxe version $40 - Personalized language-learning software in 63 languages. Uses visual clues and audio with native speakers. The free software includes more than a dozen lists of words and phrases. A great thing is that these are not time or session limited and can be used forever. The Deluxe version gives you 75+ more lists of everyday words and common conversational situations. It also lets you customize your own phrases. The Deluxe also allows you to record your own voice and compare it to the native speakers. Also provides better learning techniques like multiple choice matching and dictation with support for Palm, PocketPC, iPod & MP3 players.

Rosetta Stone – Level 1 + 2 - $209 each, $299 combined, $110 for 3 month online subscription - This is by far the most established language learning software company. It is offered in 30 languages and uses what it calls the Dynamic Immersion™ method. The method teaches language using context rather than memorization or translation. It uses visual aids with audio with native speakers. It provides instant feedback and rates your pronunciation. The curriculum is carefully sequenced, gradually incorporating new words, phrases, and more complex grammar as it reinforces existing learning. It also helps you in reading and writing skills and offers an online subscription service that allows you learn from anywhere.