The other thread on the Rosette language CDs reminded me of this. What do people recommend for learning languages (self learning) on either DVD, IPOD or some other portable form factor that you could work on while travelling. I have the intro Japanese from Pimsleur on my IPOD but Japanese is so hard it is a little difficult for me to evaluate it. Any experience or comments on the various brands/approaches out there? Probably most interested in French, Spanish or Italian. Thanks for any info.

I'm curious as well about people's recommendations/experiences. I'd be open to software as well that could be run on a laptop.

I have a Berliz CD, Pimsleur CDs, Living Language CDs and Rosetta Stone.

Pimsleur is good to listen to and repete, but you only learn to speak some of the language.

Rosetta Stone is by far the best. You listen, see the words, and a picture, and pronounce.

IMO..

I think if you are actually trying to learn more than just a few traveller phrases then you should start with the ability to read the new language. I currently live in South Korea and I can read Korean fairly well, even though I do not always know what the words are that I am sounding out. It makes learning the spoken language so much easier and surprises the locals when you ask them to write out, in Korean, the new word they are trying to teach you. It is not always easy to hear the word but if you can read it and see what they are trying to say then you will get a better grasp of the langauge. Dual language road signs have been my best friend in this effort as I can practice as I drive to work and back.

Learning a new langauga can be tough but learning a new langauge with a new alphabet is something else entirely.

I have used Rosetta Stone and I am a big fan of it. However if you are trying to learn a few phrases quickly it isn't a great program. I have also been using Penton Overseas CD's, Learn In Your Car series. Basically you don't need the book as you do the lessons, however the book is good for checking words etc and also includes tips which are written down and not on the CD.

Overall I would say that I improve most quickly when practicing with both the CD's in the car/plane and also doing Rosetta Stone lessons as they teach in slightly different ways. Unfortunatly there aren't a great number of native Spanish speakers where I live.

Mal.

SQ's Wisemen IFE system has several language courses by Berliz IIRC.

CD's and Mp4 programs are great to supplement language learning especially for kids, but the only way to learn a language in my opinion is to be stranded in a situation where everyone speaks that language and english will do you no good.

If you really want to do some good speak to your toddlers in every language that is mastered in the house and give them the CD's and DVD's in foriegn languages. Their odds of success are much greater than adults.

I Don't want to sound like a downer but technology, and language and adults are not a real successful combo in my opinion, but kids are amazing.