LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE WITH ROSETTA STONE

Can you successfully learn a foreign language online? Definitely YES!

 

I am a language - learning passionate as I speak 4 languages - Greek, as my native language, English, as a second language I deeply love and also the German and the French language. So this time, I decided to try myself an Online Language Software - something completely different by all means - and now share my advice and tips on this way of learning.

 

I absolutely agree with the fact that no software will ever be able to replace the human presence and power, but as a real travel AND a pure digital girl - deeply focused and dedicated to the digital world - I feel that I must try something new, something close to my way of living. If you can totally relate on this, then you are more than welcome to read this post and decide yourself! 

 

I decided to start the Spanish Language online with Rosetta Stone Language Learning Software, the largest and best-known program in online language learning. Over the years the company has built the reputation of being the household name of language learning. This sounds like a pretty cool challenge already I guess, right?

 

In my career as a flight attendant, I have never been asked to present a Language Degree, instead I have been asked to prove my skills in moments like the interview, the trainings or the flights. Same goes when I travel, where what really matters is to find a way to connect with the locals. No bachelors, no degrees. Just pure communication. 

So in my case, the online option was the perfect scenario.

 

However, the most important part here, is that having an online language program running, gives me the ability and also comfort to attend the courses at my own convenience from every corner in the world. Having the software on my mobile for instance, is a life-saver! This has been super useful, believe me!

 

So hereunder, I share a few easy-to-follow steps, a few important points you should know before selecting such a way of language learning.

5+1 EASY-TO-FOLLOW STEPS 


 

STEP #1 - LEARN HOW IT WORKS

 

The Rosetta Stone online software supports 30 foreign languages and this method uses zero English to teach you. Instead, it relies heavily on pictures and audio to teach you through context rather than translation. One interesting aspect is how they have no English at all in the program apart from the containing interface. Rosetta Stone was founded by people who appreciated learning by immersion, so they never present a translation of anything on this software. It's all represented in photos and untranslated audio and text.

With their method you are supposed to learn what words mean solely through the context of the images you are shown. I believe that the idea of not using your native language is an interesting fact that definitely holds a lot of potential.

 

 

STEP #2 - REPEAT, REPEAT & REPEAT
 


It is very important to understand that in any way of language learning, physically or online, success is based - guess what - on repetition. Having said that, the one thing you absolutely, positively can't succeed at Rosetta Stone language courses without is repetition. You will not see success coming up if you leave gaps between your courses. This may seem a bit ambitious, but remember -you're learning by the immersion method.

 

So before you go any further, decide how much time you' re willing to schedule for Rosetta Stone, then set it up as a part of your daily routine. Schedule yourself for "Language Tutoring" and stick to that schedule. Do not postpone sessions, do not delay online lessons.

Now repeat after me: REPETITION, REPETITION, REPETITION.

 

POINT #3 - FORGET THE DICTIONARY

 

If you want to benefit from using this program, it’s vital that you not refer to a dictionary during your initial use of the program but instead give your brain time to start connecting words with images, even if you're not entirely sure what the translation of those words is. Do not use a dictionary during your online sessions, even if you are not sure about the process. Memorisation is the key word on that, you need to count on that in the end. 

 

Not using a dictionary is a method I follow in any way of language learning. This forces me to rely solely on my own intuition while gradually acquire the language content necessary for the next level.

STEP #4 - ENJOY THE LIVE TUTORING WITH A NATIVE SPEAKER

 

Once you have completed each unit, you have the option of planning an online session with a teacher who will, however, speak ONLY the language you are learning. You can go to the “Studio” and schedule a session with a teacher, a native speaker. There is also the chat option, that will help you processing the language through real conversations with people who speak the language fluently - again with no english involved.

 

STEP #5 - VOICE RECOGNITION

 

Rosetta Stone prides itself on having “the world’s best speech recognition technology” called TruAccent™. In every unit that you need to speak, this technology analyses your recording and approves it or requests that you try again, based on your results. You will be asked to repeat if you have not pronounced something right. 

 

In a nutshell, by "pushing" you to pronounce something right, so you can learn it right. Right? I think the way in which it forces you to attempt to accurately recall the language while under pressure is absolutely brilliant. TRY IT YOURSELF!

STEP #6 - VARIETY IS KEY

 

My hands-on experience in language learning tells me that variety is key, especially in language learning so you should never rely solely on a program or book. In order to become fluent, you must be productive. Additional effort is required, so I suggest reading books in that foreign language (again with no dictionary) and most importantly, being in touch and  regularly practising with native speakers.