If you’re considering picking up a new language, whether out of quarantine boredom, preparing for an international relocation, or simply seeking cultural enrichment, Rosetta Stone likely comes to mind as one of the premier language-learning programs. Since its inception in 1992, initially distributed via CD-ROMs, Rosetta Stone has maintained its status as a household name in language education.
However, the investment in Rosetta Stone isn’t insignificant, with prices starting at $80 for a three-month subscription. This begs the question: is it truly superior to free language-learning apps like Duolingo, or other more budget-friendly alternatives such as Mondly? After immersing ourselves in the program for about a month, here’s what we’ve discovered and whether Rosetta Stone justifies its cost.
What is Rosetta Stone?
As you might have gathered, Rosetta Stone is a computer-assisted language-learning tool, offering 24 language programs ranging from popular options like Spanish, Italian, and French to more unique languages such as Turkish and Persian. Each language is divided into multiple “levels” to progress through as you learn.
Rosetta Stone offers various usage options. You can opt for an online or app subscription, granting access to several levels of the program for a predetermined number of months. Alternatively, you can download the software onto your computer or purchase it on a CD-ROM. With these latter options, you pay a one-time fee for each level of the program, gaining perpetual access to it.
How does it work?
To test out Rosetta Stone, I decided to delve into Latin American Spanish—after all, I’m stuck at home, so why not? Although I had some experience with French from high school (le langage de l’amour!), I’m a true beginner when it comes to Spanish. Starting out, my Spanish vocabulary was limited to greetings, farewells, and counting to 10.
Selecting a “Plan”
I opted to try the online subscription via my laptop, and the first step was to choose a unique learning plan based on my objectives for using the tool. There are four options available, each featuring specially curated lessons focused on relevant content:
- Travel: Meeting people, dining out, hotel stays, directions, and locations.
- Family: Family relationships, compliments, special occasions, and general correspondence.
- Work: Business etiquette, invitations, time, money, materials, and merchandise.
- Basics & Beyond: Everyday items, daily routines, colors, sizes, as well as formal and informal situations.
I chose Basics & Beyond, and the program suggested dedicating around 30 minutes a day, five days a week to practice. With that, I dove into my Spanish learning journey!
Learning vocab and grammar with image-based lessons
In nearly every exercise with Rosetta Stone, you’re presented with corresponding images, albeit some of them are cringe-worthy stock photos. At the outset, I began by matching vocabulary words with pictures or vice versa. As I progressed through the initial sections, the program introduced verb conjugations and prompted me to pronounce words.
I was pleasantly surprised by the pace of progression. Within just a few days, the program had introduced several dozen words and a variety of verbs. Having used programs like Duolingo before, I noticed a difference in approach—Rosetta Stone doesn’t linger on vocabulary for too long before moving on to new content. It also minimizes the use of simple flashcard-style learning that other programs heavily rely on.
As the difficulty level increased, I appreciated having translations readily available if I needed help (you simply click on the image). I also liked that the program doesn’t attempt to stump you with tricky questions; everything is fairly straightforward as long as you’re paying attention.
Practicing speaking and listening
Besides grammar and vocabulary, Rosetta Stone includes sections specifically dedicated to pronunciation, speaking, and listening skills—crucial components for using the language in real-life situations. In the listening exercises, various speakers present words and phrases, allowing learners to become accustomed to hearing the language spoken in different voices.
In the speaking segments, Rosetta Stone utilizes its patented “TruAccent” speech-recognition engine to assess pronunciation. Learners can adjust the strictness of the grading, which could be particularly useful for those striving to achieve native-like pronunciation.
Is Rosetta Stone worth it?
In conclusion, determining whether Rosetta Stone is worth the investment ultimately hinges on your personal learning goals, preferences, and commitment to mastering a new language. Renowned for its immersive approach that mimics natural language acquisition, Rosetta Stone has been a trusted name in language learning for decades, offering a breadth of languages with its intuitive, interactive software. For learners seeking a structured, self-paced program that emphasizes pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar without direct translation, Rosetta Stone can be a powerful tool. However, it’s essential to consider the cost relative to your budget and explore the full range of features through a trial before committing. With consistent dedication and by leveraging its immersive lessons, Rosetta Stone has the potential to be a worthwhile investment in your language learning journey, opening doors to new cultures, opportunities, and personal growth.