Review by Patrick O

While it should be a standard to wait a long while before reviewing there are aspects that become more quickly apparent both for comparison and understanding.

My previous French language experience came from two years of high school classes about sixteen years ago. I’ve had a few other language classes since then, establishing me if not as a thorough polyglot at least as a someone well versed in language training from a variety of different teaching styles, approaches, and contexts.

I’ve tried to keep up with a number of these languages I’ve studied, with various success, and with various software help. Mostly the inexpensive kind. I’ve picked up the Instant Immersion disks (a great, inexpensive, entirely un-thorough approach), the Learn to Speak series (about the same, though with a lot more content).

Recently, to learn German for my studies I looked at more thorough programs and two stood out. The Rosetta Stone series and the Tell Me More. I noticed Tell Me More was getting great reviews and was less than half the price. Being a little financially strapped I skipped the trend and bought Tell Me More. And I’m very glad I did. It’s an effective program that has pushed me quite along in learning the language.

Still, there was a tickle in my brain. Is Rosetta Stone really better? So, when it came time for me to start with French, also for my studies, I decided to make a contrast.

And yes, Rosetta Stone is the better program.

In some ways.

Really, I’d have to say these are quite different programs, rather than one being substantially better.

Tell Me More is a like a class in a box. There is a mix of exercises that help to build vocabulary, sentence structure, writing, pronunciation, and other aspects. Each section has a large mix of short lessons that reinforce the learning without becoming dull or tedious. Save yourself taking language classes by using Tell Me More.

Rosetta Stone is a lot less like taking a class. It’s more like finding yourself on an island with a group of people who all only speak another shared language. And if you want to learn how to thrive on this island, then you follow their patient, but focused, teaching.

This approach sticks, and it is effective.

My only quibble is I’m not sure it’s quite worth the amount of money they are asking. Indeed, if money isn’t an issue then by all means go with Rosetta Stone. There are qualities that do set it apart, and it helps a person feel much more involved in the language and less like taking a class.

But, if money is an issue Tell Me More is comparable in quality, without being nearly as expensive.

That’s not a slam against the product quality of Rosetta Stone at all. It really is an extraordinary software, and revolutionizes language learning.