Wow. If I had a peso for every time a client asked me this question... I'd have about a dollar.
"What about Rosetta Stone?"
This is actually a really good question, and frankly, one I do not mind answering.
First off, it is important to recognize that Rosetta Stone has tackled an amazing marketing feat: making learning another language easy and natural. You may not have used the software, but you know that's what they're about.
That yellow box is more recognized than any other language learning software. Period.
Heck, I even bought it for my parents one year for Christmas. I'm pretty sure they never used it, but it was probably the most amazing re-gift known to man (sorry Mom).
That yellow box is more recognized than any other language learning software. Period.
Heck, I even bought it for my parents one year for Christmas. I'm pretty sure they never used it, but it was probably the most amazing re-gift known to man (sorry Mom).
The rub with Rosetta is that they use a "natural method' to learning language, like the way you learned your first language as a child.
Well, as it turns out, the jury is still out on that one. If you're interested in that sort of nonsense (like me), then you can Googleyourselfsilly on Noam Chomsky and his Language Acquisition Device. And if you're still awake after that, check out Government and Binding Theory (just don't leave me any comments about it).
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| Noam Chomsky He looks pretty cool, right? |
For the rest of you, I'll simplify it. As cunning as those linguists are (sorry Mom), they still can't agree on how our brains absorb language. It seems that we learn it very easily as children, but it is more difficult to master as we get older.
This might explain the frustration that a lot of folks get with Rosetta Stone.
Language learning is still possible in adults, but my experience teaching grown-ups is that they need a context to relate the language to. Adults also need a way to apply language and get some type of return on their investment (That's "Adult Learning Theory" for you Googlenerds). Adults don't want to get ripped off by foreign cabbies or accidentally eat something they can't pronounce in any language. Maybe this explains why we learn quickly in immersion situations?
That is not to say, however, that Rosetta Stone doesn’t “work”. A lot of my clients report having experienced positive results using the software alongside language classes or private tutoring that provide a framework for learning.
Would love to hear what you think! Except about Government and Binding Theory. Don't leave me any comments on that. Seriously.
Over and out.
