Learning Language Via Computer Software:
Does It Really Work?

Written by: Renee BlackStar

 

I’d like to start off by saying that I believe it’s possible to learn how to do just about anything on your own if you have the drive to do so. It just depends on your level of patience and discipline. That being said, there is software a-plenty out there to help you accomplish your goal of learning a new language. The number one best seller on the market for such a venture is Rosetta Stone. They have 31 languages to choose from: everything from Arabic to Welsh. And they believe in their software’s ability to get the job done so much, that they even offer a six month, no risk, money back guarantee if you try it and fail. 

 

Now, for the purposes of this article, it would have been great to be able to purchase this top of the line software, try it out for a few weeks, and then download you guys on how easy or difficult the process had been thus far. But, when I went to price the software at my local Barnes & Noble, I found the price to be astronomically out of my budget. But, I think if I absolutely had to learn a new language for a job, or for traveling purposes, it would probably be worth the investment, neither of which is my situation. So, I digress… I left that pretty yellow box right on the shelf where I found it. To purchase version three of the Spanish edition of Rosetta Stone, with all of its five levels included, it’s going to run you a whopping $600 bucks! I needn’t say more… but, I will. A single level will run you a third less of the cost at around $200. But, even with that price chop, it’s still a lot of money for only a piece of the complete system.

 

Yeah, it wasn’t looking too good for the Stone, so it was time to implement Plan B.

 

If you’re not a fan of cheating, you can switch to “written mode” which allows you to write the correct
translation in the box and they will tell you whether your answer is correct or incorrect. And they even back
it up with a smiley or sad face. By the way, if you don’t want to get a sad face, don’t forget to add the
punctuation!

 

My second choice was to search the web for a less costly or free version of this same kind of software. And in my search, I came across numerous sites that offered free software downloads. I settled on one called “Byki”, whose tagline is: “Learn language fast. Know it forever.” It offers over seventy different language courses; double that of the leading brand. They even have the Zulu language… How about that?

 

On the website, one user proclaimed in his testimony that he “learned more in 2 days” with their course than he did using Rosetta Stone. It sounded nice, but I’m sure he was paid to say that. Even so, I had to start somewhere, but it was actually the word “free” that prompted me to give this one a try. So, I signed up. All I had to do was give them my email, to which they sent a link to download, and I was off to the races. In two seconds flat I received the confirmation email that contained the link that directed me to download the software for my computer, which uses Windows to run its software. It also has an option for those who use Mac OSX.

 

Depending on how fast your computer is, the download can take a few minutes. My computer is mad slow, and still, it only took about two minutes for the download to complete. Then, you follow the prompts for set-up: select your language, launch, and PRESTO! The last thing to pop up before you enter the program is an advertisement letting you know that, of course, you’re going to actually have to spend money to get the Deluxe version. That’ll get you games, activities, tests, and pronunciation practice, search features, and audio software to make Byki compatible with your iPod. I opted out… still waiting to see just how much information “free” will get me and hoping it’s adequate enough to get me through the basics.

 

When I went to price the software at my local Barnes & Noble, I found the price to be astronomically out of my budget … I left that pretty yellow box right on the shelf where I found it…

 

Step 1: Preview it! In the learning window, they provide you with a list of about ten or eleven words and phrases (which you can get more of by purchasing the Deluxe Edition upgrade). When you select the first phrase, a new window opens with what looks like a hand holding a flashcard and written on it is a word or phrase in the language of your choosing and its English translation written underneath it. Each time you click on a new card, the audio presents you with the proper pronunciation of the word. There are pie charts and gauges on the right-hand side of the screen that show you your progress and the percentage of lessons completed. Once you go through your first list of words, you can move to the next step.

 

Step 2: Recognize it! Now the cards have two sides to them. Some of the cards are accompanied by a little picture that clues you in on the meaning of the word or phrase you have been given. This is where they give you the opportunity to show them what you’ve learned so far. Using those same words and phrases from the previous list, they give you the option to flip to the back of the card for the answer. If you’re not a fan of cheating, you can switch to “written mode” which allows you to write the correct translation in the box and they will tell you whether your answer is correct or incorrect. And they even back it up with a smiley or sad face. By the way, if you don’t want to get a sad face, don’t forget to add the punctuation!

 

Step 3: Produce it! Now you are showed the English word and you must provide the translation in the language you’ve chosen. Sound daunting? Don’t fret! You are provided the same options of cheating or using the written mode that you had in the second step. This step was a little bit more difficult for me, so I opted to cheat a little. Hey, don’t judge me!

 

And that’s pretty much all there was to it. I learned about five words and five phrases in less than five minutes, some of which, I’ll admit, I already knew. Hey, I do live in California! So, next time I might try something a little more challenging like Creole or Swahili. The process is so simple, you can try as many as your thirst for knowledge allows. So, give it a try for yourself and be sure to come back and let me know what you think, por favor.

 

Adios for now!

 

 

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