Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / December 2004

Hi,

Does anyone have experience from using the Rosetta Stone method on
computer?

I am going to learn Japanese.

I tried out a trial of Rosetta Stone but was confused a bit when I
realised that as I am completely unfamiliar with the language in
question, only from looking at the pictures, it's a big source of
insecurity while learning that I often cannot make out whether for
instance a man is running or if he is in a hurry. So I just repeat and
don't really know what I am learning. I also tried a couple of lessons
from Pimsleur and that was much more to my liking since there is
parallel explanation of what I am really saying when I repeat. But I
liked the Rosetta way of working and would like to try that method
first if I can.

I am all for the immersion approach, but when I have done it in
real-life (2 languages) there is always enough context to the
statement that these uncertitudes get more or less washed away.

Maybe should I not care so much about whether he is running or in a
hurry? Will that distinction establish itself later in the course
work?

Any feedback anyone?

/Pierre