Launched in 1992, Rosetta Stone has over 20 years of experience in helping students learn new languages. This app stands out as one of the most thorough and effective language learning tools available. With courses covering over 20 languages, it employs an immersive approach to teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Its intuitive design makes learning new vocabulary feel effortless.
While the courses are available on-demand, Rosetta Stone also offers personalized 6-week study plans tailored to individual goals. Beyond standard lessons, the platform features live sessions with native speakers, interactive stories, an audio companion, and much more. Prices start at $13.99 per month, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try Rosetta Stone risk-free.
Language Options
Rosetta Stone offers a diverse array of over 20 language courses, including popular languages like English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese. It also covers niche languages such as Farsi, Hebrew, and Tagalog, while addressing various dialects, including American and British English, as well as Latin American and European Spanish.
Total Immersion Approach
Through extensive research, Rosetta Stone developed a unique immersion method that helps students learn vocabulary effortlessly. Instead of explanations in your native language, the app immerses you fully in the language you’re studying. This method facilitates quicker memorization by encouraging vocabulary acquisition through association. The software encompasses pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises.
Repetition plays a key role in Rosetta Stone’s approach. While it can become somewhat tedious, this repetition is effective for reinforcing learning and building confidence, especially in courses like Japanese. However, the programs follow a similar routine, which can lack cultural context.
Extended Learning Tools
Rosetta Stone goes beyond traditional language courses by offering a variety of learning tools. The audio companion allows you to download exercises in MP3 format, making it convenient to practice while commuting, cleaning, or exercising. Additionally, the app features an alphabet pronunciation tool for further practice.
The ‘Stories’ section includes short texts read by native speakers, allowing you to connect written and spoken language. The ability to record your own readings is valuable for assessing your pronunciation and accent. While Rosetta Stone includes on-demand videos on cultural topics, the content is limited; for example, the Japanese course contains only four one-minute videos.
Live Classes
Sometimes, personalized instruction is essential. Rosetta Stone offers 25-minute tutoring sessions that align with your ongoing studies, ensuring that the lessons match your current level. All tutors are native speakers, maintaining the immersive experience. Classes can be conducted individually or in groups, and students are only required to share audio, not video.
Live tutoring incurs an additional cost, ranging from $14 to $19 per session, though the first class is complimentary. There are also live sessions, which serve as effective refreshers once you’ve covered the material. Keep in mind that availability varies by language, so it’s advisable to check if your desired language is included.
Course Structure
Rosetta Stone begins with a personalized 6-week learning plan, based on a brief questionnaire. This plan is designed according to your language goals and proficiency level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). While the plan provides a helpful roadmap, it’s optional; the app allows for on-demand learning across 12 themed units, each divided into four sections with lessons averaging 15 minutes.
The app employs a deduction-based method, repeatedly showing labeled images to help learners infer the meanings of words, gradually building sentences from these associations.
Pricing
In comparison to other language learning platforms, Rosetta Stone is on the pricier side. It offers three billing options: quarterly, annually, and a lifetime subscription. The flexibility of a shorter commitment may be appealing, but you might complete your learning goals before the subscription ends.
With our affiliate discount, annual pricing starts at $10.50 per month. The quarterly plan costs $15.99 per month ($47.97 total), and a lifetime subscription, regularly priced at $399, is available for $199 with the discount.
Conclusion
Rosetta Stone offers a well-rounded and immersive approach to language learning, making it an excellent option for serious learners. While its price point is higher than some competitors, the depth of content and variety of learning tools can justify the investment, especially for those dedicated to mastering a new language.