Language learning software

[unterhund]

Does anyone have experience with computer software for learning languages? I'm particularly interested in a crash course in Japanese.

Background: We hosted a foreign exchange student from Japan two years ago, a summer program. Great fun and a great learning experience. Last year was out of the question for a couple of reasons, but we're back in the application process for this coming summer.

Problem: None of us knows more than a few words of Japanese. As in, I can count to five if I think about it for a minute. And the rest are gleaned from assorted media references. Not useful in daily conversation for the most part. And our last exchange student could read English to a point, but she spoke it as well as my family speaks Japanese.

So, is there any software worth the money? It doesn't have to be extensive, just enough to help us along a bit.

[Malcontent]

While I haven't used it myself, I hear good things about Rosetta Stone. I know a couple of people who have used it and thought it was great.

[GiveMeLight]

Rosetta Stone learning method works well, but a bit pricey for someone only casually interested in learning a little bit of a foreign language.

If you can handle learning by audio lessons only... you might try the Pimsluer Conversational Japanese (Instant Conversation) $30* (first 16 lessons)
Or the Pimsleur Quick & Simple series for about $15 can sometimes be found... (first 8 lessons)
These are basically like Sampler packages for the full Level One courses... that run around $300...
Consider it a sample, at sample pricing... if you find that your interest isn't there... or the method does not suit you. you are not out a great deal of money... However, if you do wish to continue... you can always buy the full lesson package...
I would think that if you make it all the way through the 16 lessons (8 hrs. total) you will feel quite accomplished and be able to impress people, including any exchange students!
I don't want to dissuade you from trying, learning languages is very fun. -to me it is :)
But, Japanese is one of the harder ones I have tried... Chinese (Mandarin) is far easier.
-Consider this: American students studying for a masters degree in Japanese, take the course for 8 yrs., graduate, and are still not considered good Japanese speakers.

-The Pimsleur method is divided into 30 minute sessions. You should do one each day.... or if your retention is not great... repeat the same lesson the following day...
The Pimsleur learning method uses graduated recall to train your brain into being able to recall the information you want. -In this case, the words in another language anyway... (simplified explanation: during the lesson, you will learn a new word/phrase, then be asked to repeat it. Then, several minutes later you will be asked to repeat the word/phrase you learned several minutes back....* at the end of each lesson is a review, including sample conversation using what you have learned...
-The method is very effective for me....

Do try something though, otherwise,* you won't know!
-Try your local public library, they often have a selection of audio cassette or compact discs for language learning... often several brands for each language.
I don't have any affiliation with Pimsleur, other than I own 8 different sampler packs from them... I did use the French and Italian to gain some basics for my trip to Europe in 2004. I ended up speaking more French than my girlfriend that took French language throughout college... My Italian learning was strong... I found Italian to be very easy to learn... many of the words are very similar to Spanish. :) Only problem is that primarily the only place you can speak Italian, is Italy... Most Italians I spoke to, also spoke English as a second language....
Okay, that's enough. I wish you lots of fun!

Cheers,
Gabe

[unterhund]

Thanks for the replies, both of you. GiveMeLight, my local library is woefully understocked across the board. I know they have no audio CDs for languages, but they may have software. I'll check into that also.

[kamkazmoto]

If you have an IPOD, there is language software that you can buy to help learn basic Japanese but I don't know how effective it is.