Rosetta Stone Chinese (Mandarin) Reviews
Level 1 (60 Reviews)
The Complete chinese set will enable you to fully express your ideas and opinions in chinese and master the conversational skills required to plan adventures, care for your health, and move abroad.
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Chinese (Mandarin) Level 1
60
60
A Gift of Language
My wife and I are adopting. And I'm sure you can guess from where. This will be our first child, and she will be welcomed with the necessary excitement, from not only my wife and I, but my best friend who gifted us with the Mandarin version of the Rosetta Stone. We had a large, art-auction fundraiser, where he surprised us with not only a sizable donation, but the means to learn our daughter's languarge as well. We were more than touched, more than moved, but instilled with a wonderful new hope. For adoption is expensive, and the language gap was simply one we expected to muddle through with the primitive impotence of signs, gestures and grunts. But instead, we'll have expression, thoughts, and words.
Glorious words, conveyed with an astounding ease through Rosetta Stone's immediate immersion. I was on the other side of the first 30 minute session before I realized no english had been involved with the lessons; just clear pictures that presented simple and concise ideas, solidifying that word or phrases definition in my mind. DEFINITION, mind you, not translation. For true mastery of a language comes not in the ability to translate one foreign word into a familiar one -students of language will tell you tha runs right quick as many thoughts and expression don't translate at all. Rather, the valuable epiphany comes when you find you can THINK in the new language, which is certainly the skill Rosetta Stone cultivates from the earliest sessions.
It is invaluable, particularly to my wife and I. Soon we travel to China, there to meet a small, special-needs child, with the hopes of providing her a life filled with care, warmth, and the comfort of conversation -now from the very outset. There should be a new option, when I describe my reasons for studying this language. It is something beyond self-improvement, but family improvement -the improvement of many lives. Facilitated by Rosetta Stone.
December 4, 2012
good content, poor software experience
as always, the product content is excellent, however, the software installation, login, upgrade and overall usability leads a lot to be desired.
December 2, 2012
Fun Learning Experience!
I purchased the Mandarin Level I Rosetta Stone when I began planning my second trip to China. I wanted to have some level of familiarity with the language as I had very minimal Mandarin knowledge my first time there. This is my first Rosetta Stone experience and I was so pleased with my choice. The material is easy to follow along and fun to work through. I found myself wanted to spend more than my alotted time practicing! In China - I wouldn't go so far as to say I was conversational, but I did pick up on words here and there. And I was able to impress my Chinese hosts with a couple of phrases!
November 28, 2012
Awesome
I thought learning Chinese was going to be a challenge. But with Rosetta Stone, it was easy! My favorite part is the Studio Sessions, in which I can have real conversations with real Chines speakers.
June 5, 2012
Awesome, I use this to talk with my Chinese friends, helps a lot
February 12, 2012
Excellent intro to a foreign language
This is a great product for learning the basics of a language. I am a native English speaker, and took mandarin. The program involves immersion, which seems like the best way to learn; I liken it to how an infant learns a language, through visual cues. Because level 1 seemed so effective, I purchased level 2 without a moments thought! I always like to compare this course to the French courses I took when I was in school; I feel I have learned more Mandarin in 3 months than I did in 3 years of french class!!
June 8, 2011
Worthwhile Investment
Rosetta Stone's sales people are good, but the product is definitely worth the money. I look at the purchase as an investment in my education and growth. The software is very user friendly and the voice activated pieces of the lessons are non-imposing and invaluable. Being able to practice Chinese on my own time and without the anxiety of talking in a class is comforting. Using this program is giving me the time I need to build up my confidence in Chinese before speaking with Chinese acquaintances and traveling abroad. I'm glad that I decided to invest in Rosetta Stone's Chinese language program.
April 11, 2011
wonderful
I tried almost for 3 years to learn Spanish language and then I tried R. Stone. It was a completely different experience. My children and I are larning and progressing dwith Spanish and Mandarine. Thank you.
April 9, 2011
Better than a teacher
This program is the best thing I have seen on the market. You can go at your own pace, go back and review as much/as often as you like. Learn at your pace, without a teacher getting frustrated at you asking the same question. Excelent support with all aspects of the program. As soon as I master my current program, I will be learning another Program.
I have recommended this program to all my Family and Friends.
Thank you, Rosetta Stone.
April 7, 2011
Hard but Self Improving
I recommend this product because it is great when you do not want to attend to a physical university and/or college offering the language. It is also great because you get to do it AROUND YOUR SCHEDULE & TIME.
I love it because I LOVE TO LEARN & LOVE CHALLENGES.
I find it hard, and do not like the fact that you only get three months of interaction with someone virtually, but everything else is EXCELLENT!
April 7, 2011
BEST language learning software out there!
This is an amazing program. I was astounded by the simplicity and ease of use this software featured. I am learning Mandarin Chinese, and love how quickly I can interact with people from an entirely different culture! (I ordered my first Chinese food in Chinese completely from what Rosetta Stone taught me in only 3 days!!!) I have tried Pimsleur and many other of the competition, but there is no match for Rosetta Stone! It's speech recognition software and iPhone/iPod app are simply amazing. This is the best way to learn languages out there and i highly recommend it!!
April 7, 2011
Excellent for Kids!
My son is 12 and is enjoying every minute of the Chinese/Mandarin Software.
Definitely reccommend it to everyone not only adults.
April 7, 2011
Great Investment
This is fun and very interesting. I was able to start speaking Chinese correctly in a short amount of time. I'm still learning & look forward to building on what I can say at the moment.
April 7, 2011
Great for me and my 3-year-old!
My wife bought Rosetta Chinese Mandarin for me 2 months before a vacation in Taiwan to visit her family. I had tried other programs a few years back after last visit to Taiwan, but they didn't take -- too easy to give up on. My wife, a native speaker of Mandarin, was quite impressed with my progress over the past 2 months, especially compared to my total lack of progress in the previous 5 years. This time, I was able to understand here and there, and importantly meaningfully speak some basic important sentences while there.
Even my 3-year old loves the program and has benefited. Not too surprising, as the program was developed for users to learn 'naturally', like a child learning 1st language. It would be great if there was an option to have even more pre-reading child option -- more picture-matching...
April 7, 2011
Mandarin Chinese
Excellent learning tool. I would recommend this
to anyone interested in learning a new language.
April 7, 2011
Easy to use, intuitive tool
Rosetta Stone has been easy and intuitive to use and offers enough flexibility for personalization. The voice recognition software can sometimes be frustrating, but everything else is fantastic. For a complete novice like myself, RS is a perfect first choice for the first step in learning Mandarin. Lessons are enjoyable and memorable.
April 7, 2011
Amazing learning program
I won't lie, at first I believe that this product would do the exact opposite of what they advertise. I picked up Chinese just two nights ago and can pick out words that my girlfriend's family and parts say. Being a native English speaker makes it quite hard not to translate them back, but it's just a habit. I would recommend this product to anyone hoping to get a background step into the Chinese languages.
December 30, 2010
Chinese course
I have just started learning chinese. It is a very hard language to learn. But Rosetta Stone makes it fun to learn. The program is not boring at all. I like it because at the begining it doesn't translate for you. It shows pictures only, I realised all of the sudden I'm repeating long sentences without even noticing.
November 11, 2010
Great activities, okay pronunciation sensitivity
Having previously used the Japanese language Rosetta Stone, I was thinking about purchasing the Chinese language version. I was convinced that I should purchase it after seeing the new perks – online activities, supplementary classes – that come with verison 4! But I just received my Chinese language RS about a week ago, so I will limit my review to the parts of program I have used so far: the computer software.
From the Japanese version, I knew that the software would be 1) useful for learning and remembering vocabulary words, 2) useful memorizing sentence formation, and 3) entertaining. However, I am especially pleased with the pronunciation of the Chinese speakers, whereas I found the Japanese speakers' pronunciation a little lacking (albeit, this could be because I have been exposed to more Japanese than Chinese).
The only aspect of the software that I have not been completely satisfied with is its sensitivity to my spoken Chinese. Sometimes I know I have incorrectly spoken a tone and I am still given full marks. Actually, I just remembered that there is a sensitivity calibration in the software that should fix this problem! 5 stars for Chinese language RS!
November 10, 2010
Totally baffling
This program has not engendered any confidence in Mandarin. I am not sure the "total immersion" concept works for native English speakers learning Mandarin; the difference is sounds and, well, everything requires more guidance. The total immersion often leads to guessing. Quite discouraging
November 9, 2010
Great Learning Tool
My grandson is learning Chinese in school. I thought it would be great if I could surprise him with me learning Chinese also.....long story short, he was very surprised at how much I had learned in such a short time. A great learning tool. I love it
November 8, 2010
Great product
We've recently purchased our second foreign language(Chinese) from Rosetta Stone because our 3 homeschooled boys(4,6,11) find RS to be easy to learn from, easy to manipulate and helpful in understanding the pronunciation of the new language(which many other courses don't offer). Our 1st purchase (Spanish) helps us further their vocabulary, helps them maintain their accent(they are bilingual) and broadens their language skills. Love your product!
November 6, 2010
good option
the software is very simple, almost too simple that it looks like cheap soft ware, the pictures are all the same, there should be different pictures for the same objects and activities
April 15, 2010
Impressive Microphone Recognition
This is the first language I've tried to learn in earnest besides my native tongue, and so far I'm about half-way through level 1. While I find it impressive that the software can actually recognize what you are saying with some accuracy, there is one shortcoming that I haven't gotten past. I think most people set out to learn a new language so they can travel to a new place. It would seem to me that what you should learn first, then, are words and phrases like "how much", "where's the bathroom", "how do you say this?", etc. Once those essential words and phrases are known, completely filling out the vocabulary and language structure makes sense. After doing about half of the introductory course, I feel like I know a bit of Chinese, but not enough of the right Chinese to feel comfortable ordering some food, or bargaining in a shop.
April 14, 2010
mandarine chinese
It is most helpful. I am taking a course in school in mandrine chinese and your program has made all the difference in learning the basics of this challenging language.I am pleased to say I'm getting an "A". I would recommend your approach to learning for any student studying a language or anyone who wishes to learn a language. Job well done Rosetta Stone!
April 13, 2010
It Works
I have been using the program for a while. I was amazed how much I retain. My wife is Chinese and my 6 yr. old Daughter speakes Manderian. I bought this to try and learn Chinese for my own defense. I actually butted in to one of their conversations because I understood what they were talking about. That was cool. They both looked at me with a shocked look.
Give it a try!
April 12, 2010
Really helpful
The set was a terrific preparation for my china trip
April 11, 2010
Renewed Mandarin
Many years ago I took two semesters of Mandarin
Chinese and though I retained some vocabulary, I assumed that the skill would be a thing of the past. Much to my surprise, my husband, Tony gave me a Christmas gift of Chinese (Mandarin) Level I and the ease at recalling not only vocabulary but structure and conversational skills was instantaneous. I am delighted with the technical ease of the program and the challenge to keep progressing. I love RosettaStone and the re-awakening of communicating in Chinese.
April 10, 2010
Mandarin Level 1
This is a great product and it is so fun to use. I'm learning so much and the pictures make it more like something fun than studying.The integration of hearing the words and seeing the pictures is wonderful!
April 9, 2010
Excellent Primer
My son used this over the summer to become more acquainted with the language in preparation for taking Mandarin I in High School. The teacher praised his pronunciation and how fast he caught on to the language. His 97 final grade speaks for itself. Mandarin II next quarter. This was a great intro !
April 9, 2010
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