Fluenz (TM) Language Software

Hello again! Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have a really interesting website to share with everyone today. Fluenz (TM) software http://www.fluenz.com/index.html is an introductory language learning program offering training in Italian, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Pedagogically (i.e. it's approach to instruction), it is essentially the antithesis to Rosetta Stone. (See my previous blog on Rosetta Stone.) This is what makes it interesting to me.

The program uses a video recording of instructors teaching each of the principles of a lesson, with an overview, leading examples, breaking down phrases into smaller units, explaining grammar and pronunciation points, etc. NONE of these features are available on Rosetta Stone (TM) for the simple reason that Rosetta Stone is an immersion program, i.e. you're supposed to do everything in and through the target language, and figure it out for yourself.

Instructional approach aside, the production quality is outstanding. The sound quality, video, animation, etc. are all very user friendly, realistic and engaging without being too game-like or cartoonish, or alternatively too dull.

I have taken the "test drive" sample lessons and gone through the demos, and these run very well, but as I have not attempted to work through long stretches of learning, I cannot vouch personally for the efficacy of the product, or if there are any bugs in the programming, etc. The price is about the same for both, though I don't if either has significantly more lessons than the other.

Is either program better than the other? In the end, it's really a matter of personal preference. If you like clear instruction, information about grammar, translation of vocabulary, etc., then Fluenz is for you. If you prefer to 'tinker' and figure stuff out for yourself, don't want a teacher or anything resembling a classroom experience, go for the immersion experience in Rosetta Stone. Either is a great tool, as long as you find a way to use it regularly and make it work with your natural preferences. Take a look today!