Maybe you’ve heard great things about our language-learning method from friends, or perhaps you’ve seen our TV commercials or stopped at one of our kiosks. No matter how you learnt about Rosetta Stone® and our language-learning solutions, if you still have questions about why we’re the best way to learn a language, you may find the answers here in our Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Rosetta Stone solution?
Rosetta Stone produces effective and engaging software that teaches new languages by complete immersion in the language, without translation or explicit grammar explanations. With our solution, you learn your new language using interactive software on your computer, then you practise what you learnt in online sessions tutored by native speakers or in our online language-learning community. When you’re away from the computer, you can reinforce what you’ve learnt with Mobile Companion™ or Audio Companion™, which are included in your purchase.
How does the Rosetta Stone solution teach you a new language?
The Rosetta Stone method for learning new languages is called Dynamic Immersion®. By eliminating translation and grammar explanations from language learning, Dynamic Immersion activates your natural language-learning ability. You begin to think in your new language from the very beginning, the same way you learnt your first language as a child. A carefully designed sequence of words and images conveys the meaning and structure of the new language.
You will interact constantly with the program, connecting words with images to help you understand their meaning, and build grammatically accurate language structure step by step.
Throughout your study, innovative speech-recognition technologies prepare you for real-life conversations. Each lesson advances your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and each unit concludes with an opportunity for you to simulate a real-life conversation with Rosetta Stone Milestones.
What makes the Rosetta Stone solution more effective than traditional learning methods or language tapes?
More traditional learning methods tend to explain the meaning and structure of a new language through translation and grammar rules in your native language. As a result, it is more difficult to understand or use your new language without first thinking in your native language. This extra step can slow learning and make speaking a new language time-consuming and labourious. Rosetta Stone software is more effective because it eliminates native-language translation and explanations from the language-learning process, allowing you to think exclusively in the new language.
Unlike tapes, videos, or books, our solution is highly interactive. At every step, you have to actively demonstrate your understanding before moving on to the next activity. Rosetta Stone software also develops all your language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing from the beginning, using your innate language-learning ability. Doing what comes naturally makes it effective…and fun!
I’ve heard that "you learn the same way you learnt your first language" with Rosetta Stone software. What does that mean?
When you learnt to speak your first language, you learnt to speak fluently without grammar explanations, and you discovered the meaning of new words entirely through context, without relying on another language. Rosetta Stone software uses the Dynamic Immersion method and advanced technologies to recreate the immersive environment in which you learnt your first language. From beginning to end, you will learn exclusively in the new language without relying on word-for-word translations or explicit grammar instruction.
In this way, Rosetta Stone software unlocks the natural language-learning skills you already have.
What does the "Adaptive Recall" feature do?
Adaptive Recall™ brings back a review activity for each lesson at intervals that are determined by your performance in that review. Exceed the program’s expectations for you and the review gets pushed out further. Fall short and you’ll see it sooner. The program gives you a likely date and automatically notifies you when it’s time to take the review again. These Adaptive Recall sessions help you transfer what you have learnt in previous lessons to your long-term memory.
I understand that the Rosetta Stone solution is software. Are there books or tapes?
In addition to the award-winning Rosetta Stone software, all our solutions include Audio Companion so you can reinforce your learning on the go. Keep reading to find out what’s new with Version 4 TOTALe™.
What’s new with Rosetta Stone Version 4 TOTALe?
Version 4 TOTALe includes exciting new features to take your language-learning journey to the next level. All Version 4 customers will have access to online sessions that include interaction and guidance from native tutors and up to 3 other learners.
Our exclusive language-learning community will allow you to play games on your own or with others, motivating you each step of the way. The new Mobile Companion allows you to practise on the go, so you can continue your language learning when you are not near the computer. And with dedicated Success agents to guide and encourage you, you will keep sight of your language-learning goals.
How much time will it take me to learn a new language with Rosetta Stone’s solution?
It will take approximately 40 - 50 hours to complete the content in each level of the Rosetta Stone software. You will most likely spend additional time in our online language-learning community to practise and refine your skills. Remember, every learner is different. Some will use the program on a daily basis, while others will log in less frequently. It’s up to you how much time you can set aside to learn with Rosetta Stone.
Will I become fluent with Rosetta Stone’s solution?
You’ll be on the road to fluency faster than you ever thought possible. The Rosetta Stone® solution will provide you with the necessary tools to allow communication and connection with the world around you. You’ll learn quickly and effectively as you begin with basic vocabulary and language structure. Then you’ll gain conversational confidence and be able to communicate clearly when travelling, dining out, or shopping. Soon, you’ll be sharing opinions and ideas on art, politics and culture, talking about current events, describing what you do for work and play, and much more.
What languages do you offer with Rosetta Stone TOTALe?
We are currently offering over 20 languages including French, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and English (American). We will continue to add new languages over time. See full list.
What equipment do you need for Rosetta Stone TOTALe Version 4?
All you need is a PC or Mac with broadband internet access and the included headset. The minimum system requirements are:
Operating System (one of the following):
- Windows XP SP3 or higher
- Windows Vista SP2 or higher
- Windows 7 or higher
- Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.11 or higher
- Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8 or higher
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.2 or higher
Computer Hardware (all of the following):
- 1 GHz processor or faster
- 1 GB of RAM or higher
- 600 MB free hard-drive space (per level)
- CD or DVD drive for installation
- 1024 x 768 display resolution
- 1 available USB port (for included headset with microphone)
What if I want to return my product?
We offer a 6-month, no-risk money back guarantee on all Rosetta Stone CD-Rom products when purchased directly from Rosetta Stone. Learn more.
What if I want to renew my subscription to the online features of TOTALe Version 4?
Once you have purchased Rosetta Stone Version 4 TOTALe you can renew your subscription to the online features through the “My Account” feature within the product.
How do I order a new headset?
You can purchase one online at RosettaStone.co.uk/personal/headset. Alternatively, call 0800 005 1220 to place an order.