Apps and computer programs like Rosetta Stone are popular options when it comes to learning a new language. But do they actually work? Learn about the pros and cons in this guest post by New Milford, NJ teacher Matthew H...
Many adults who wish to embark on learning a foreign language often question whether or not it would be better to take lessons either with an instructor or group classes, or to invest in software or apps. Some of the best language learning software options include Pimsleur, Duolingo, and Rosetta Stone — but these language-learning tools all have their advantages and disadvantages, which you should consider before investing your hard-earned money and time. Let’s explore a couple of the most popular approaches students take when wanting to learn another language.
Rosetta Stone
Pros:
Programs such as Rosetta Stone are designed to mimic the way a young child learns his or her first language. This is quite a popular theory among linguists specializing in second language acquisition. The software is better than most other CD/DVD approaches because it requires the user to speak, listen, read, and write completely in the target language. On top of that, it includes lots of photos to help those who learn more visually.
Cons:
Aside from a steep price tag (although they have installment financing options available), Rosetta Stone is not going to be too helpful once you’ve reached an intermediate level. To fully understand how a language works, you need the context, which in this case would be not only native speakers, but the cultural component as well. Rosetta Stone is just a bit too generic in that respect. Also, it does not target kinesthetic learners or those who think more abstractly.
Duolingo
Pros:
Cons:
Currently it’s only available for very few languages (Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, and ESL), and it’s not available for Android, Blackberry, or any other non-iPhone products. You must have Internet access, and there is limited visual interaction. It provides more culture content than Rosetta Stone, but not nearly enough for a learner to get the full picture.
Personalized Instruction
Private language lessons, on the other hand, can be much more beneficial than apps because you have somebody with you to help you along the way. Sometimes Rosetta Stone has glitches where it doesn’t register what you speak into the microphone; you may have large fingers, which are not great for Duolingo’s iPhone keyboard. This means they are not as reliable as an actual person. Furthermore, you may set yourself reminders to spend time using RS or DL, but that is not the same pressing motivation as going to someone’s office, or having someone come to you. While an instructor is of course human and may not be perfect, he or she can provide you with additional information catered specifically to what you want to learn that is just not possible with any other form of learning.
In short, some of the best language learning software options, like Rosetta Stone and apps like Duolingo, are great tools to supplement your foreign language learning experience, but they should never be your sole method of language learning. Private lessons with an instructor who can provide additional cultural information and cater classes to your needs is always best, and using such tools to add to your progress is a great way to improve your language skills.
Matthew H. teaches a variety of subjects both online and in New Milford, NJ. He recently received his MA from NYU with a background in Sociolinguistics and related research. Learn more about Matthew here!
Photo by Jake Mates
Suzy S.