A review of Transparent Languages by: Kurt von Behrmann Composed: March 17, 2004
Want to Learn a Foreign Language on you PC, or Mac?
Also, visit www.byki.com for free language learning tools.
Learning German Now is just one of several language programs for the PC and The Mac.
The Word Ace interface where you can hear the words as well as see them spelled before you.
Before you know and its colorful bright interface.
What It Does:
Language progams on the personal computer or mac. Methods for learning a new language, or keeping an existing one.
THE REVIEW
- Learn German Now! Version 9 $ 39.95
- Word Ace Translation Dictionary (German/English)$ 24.95
- Before you know it (Multi Lingual version) $ 39.95
All versions include both the Mac and Windows versions.
Have you wanted to learn a foreign language, but lack the time to do so? Have you wanted to do it in a way that is convenient and does not require a class or long lessons? Learning a language, or even maintaining one you do know, requires effort. While audio tapes have been a successful way to learn, the PC with its multi media abilities offers a great way to brush up on a language, or enter learning a new one.
For many years Transparent Language has been at the forefront of learning languages on CD Rom. My first exposure to their programs came about via Easy Translator Four. This program can “magically” translate text into Spanish, German, French and even Japanese! It was a wonder to have particularly in the Southwest where it is becoming more and more important to be able to communicate in more than one language. From that point I wanted to see just what new programs they have out, and how well they work.
Learn German Now, version 9, is about as comprehensive as a language program can be shipped on two CD rom disks. Coming in German, French, Italian, Chinese, Hebrew, Arabic and many other languages, this is language education on the best possible level. Instead of just reading sentences, you have the advantage of a multi-media learning experience. With the ability to see, hear and read what is taking place, the program replicates the way we all learn a language, interaction with other people. The big advantage that this program has is that it is based around little scenes that show events in daily life. Basic normal everyday types of conversations that in turn become the basis for communicating in a new language are at the heart of the program.
The other features with the program include, my experience was with the German version, Grammar Pro, -- an interactive German grammar tutorial, Unitype, a multilingual word processor, and a language learning screen saver that is a not so subtle reminder of your lessons. Added to this are regular features available for free on the Transparent Language web site. Definitely, check their web site for new information, email lists and support information, which is often updated.
The features included with the program cover, full motion video, record play back and comparing of your language pronunciation with the native speakers, slow sound to hear differences, On-Line testing and a slew of other features that many packages I have seen simply do not have. Shipping with over 10,000 words and a slew of activities, this is perhaps the most comprehensive learning package I have seen and at excellent price points. Plus, the quality of the program runs high and it comes dual with Windows and Mac versions removing the need to purchase both versions separately.
Before you Know It is like a flash card program on steroids for your PC , Mac, and even Palm Pilot OS 3.5 or better. For those that want to expand their vocabulary or learn common phrases, but hate the idea of flash cards, this is not only a great way to learn effortlessly, it is not a bad way to kill time.
Rather than playing another game of solitary on the PC, I actually found
myself picking up new words and phrases using this system. For those
that are new to a language and want a basic vocabulary, this is an
excellent way to start expanding your word count.
With a pleasing pastel colored interface, and the use of multi media, pictures and actual voices, this takes a lot of the tedium out of learning new words. Perhaps the most difficult part of learning a language is actually adding words to your vocabulary. With this updated “see and say” approach, it makes learning interesting, and you can pace yourself.
If more than one person is using the program, it creates at start up “personalities” so that each person can set his or her own preferences and choices.
Word Ace Translation Dictionary is pretty much what the title states. The first thing anyone needs in learning a new language is a dual dictionary. For those moments when the word is on the tip of the tongue but you cannot recall it, something like this takes the guess work out of finding the right word.
What this dictionary also offers, available in German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Italian and Russian, are pronunciations of the words selected. Not only can you locate a definition, you can hear the word. Through this process one can easily eliminate the problems of not knowing how a word is pronounced off the bat. Although this program has been around a while, do not let that stop you from using it on your new system. There is a 16 bit version and a 32 bit version. Naturally, windows XP users should opt for the 32 bit edition.
A feature that I really like on this program is the Ace Word Finder. If you are not sure how to spell a particular word, the program comes up with possible options for you.
Summation
Taking value and features into consideration, Word Ace, Before you know it and Learn German Now are all high quality educational tools designed to augment the learning experience. What they can offer is an excellent way to brush up old skills, acquire new ones and to do so at your own pace.
Of the tools I have seen that accomplish this goal, Transparent Language has done an outstanding job of putting together packages that when taken as a whole are solid, easy to use and most of all effective. Naturally there is no substitute for hard work. One still has to study and put time into the process.
While I have heard many people down play the importance of these programs, I feel they also excellent tools for those already taking a class. The extra activities that these programs offer as a unit are great resources that can only strengthen existing skills.
For those that have a basic understanding of the languages they are selecting to learn from, this entire little set of applications is sufficient to get you back to speed. For those absolutely new to the process, I would suggest a simple basic high school or college text book just to get you started as a supplement. Aside for that, this is whole series makes solid sense and works extremely well, and in many cases is compatible with older operating systems, which is now becoming more and more of a rarity with new and recently released software.