Joan

I've seen a number of language CD Roms and was wondering if someone had used several and could steer me to the easiest and most useful one.

Donna

I highly recommend those from The Learning Company. If the current version has a substantial rebate, it's a good deal. Otherwise, look for the previous version on the sale rack. The difference in price is not worth a couple of "enhancements". The programs are comprehensive, fun, and you'll learn a lot. A really nice feature is being able to practice your pronunciation to see how well you'd be understood. One advantage of a CD program over audio programs is the ability to pick and choose what you want to learn.

Bob Brown

Hi Joan. I recommend caution before you lay out a large chunk of change, like $100 or so. I made the mistake of buying the CD German Lessons distributed by Barrons. I thought that the name <BR>would ensure good quality. Boy was I ever wrong. The sound quality is not good and the lessons are endless repititions of 'Wo sind die Zigarren?" <BR>Where are the cigars? <BR>If there is a university with a French Department near you, give them a call and speak with one of the faculty members. Perhaps he or she could give you a steer in the right direction. <BR>The major problem with CDs is that you acquire a very passive knowledge. I have spent hours listening to tapes and CD's in German, but it does not do much to improve my spontaneous speaking ability. You need two-way communication if you are going to learn to understand the spoken language. <BR>

Diane

I used the learning company french 8.0 Very good and I got it with a rebate so I only paid $20 well worth it. Has games on it and interactive speaking.

beavis

Hi Joan, <BR>There is a web site called www.parlo.com that offers free, online language lessons in French, Spanish, and German (Italian soon to be added). You can receive free, daily email language lessons from them, and also listen to recordings of words to help with pronunciation. I think it would be tough to learn a language using only this website, however, it might be a good place to test you committment to learning and a way to start building a basic vocabulary before spending money on lessons. <BR>Good luck!