Rosetta Stone has been a front runner in the language-learning landscape for years. The platform has focused on simplicity and effectiveness and helped countless learners reach their language-learning goals.
In this Rosetta Stone review, we've explored its features, offered languages, learning experience, daily goals, available courses, pros and cons, and more to understand what this platform offers comprehensively.
Now, let's find out if Rosetta Stone is right for you.
The Rosetta Stone Language Learning App is a powerful tool for those looking to master a new language. It utilizes the Dynamic Immersion® method, immersing users in their chosen language for a more effective learning experience.
The app offers a range of speaking-focused lessons and practical features, including TruAccent for immediate pronunciation feedback, interactive contextual lessons, and the flexibility to learn on any device, online or offline, at your convenience.
Rosetta Stone has a distinct method that aims to immerse you in your chosen language, providing an experience that feels more like living the language than studying it. This approach could be refreshing for those tired of traditional language learning methods.
You're not just learning words; you're experiencing the language. Rosetta has designed their lessons to replicate how we learn our native language as children. You learn by:
This means you grasp the language's structure and nuances intuitively.
Rosetta Stone's approach is considered immersive due to its focus on teaching languages in a manner that replicates how we naturally learn our native tongue. The platform strives to create an environment where learners are surrounded by the language they aim to acquire, which is what sets it apart from non-immersive methods.
Spanish, French, German, Italian, English, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English (American), Filipino, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Korean, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese.
Rosetta Stone doesn't rely on you translating from your native to the target language. Instead, you learn by connecting words and phrases to images and context. It's a method that directly links what you see and hear and what you understand.
This approach mimics how people learn their first language by immersing them in the language and encouraging them to learn through context and visual cues. The absence of translations is intentional, as it forces learners to think in the language they are learning rather than translate between their native language and the language they are learning.
This approach is intended to help learners develop fluency and confidence in speaking the language they are learning.
However, translations are available for some languages in the Foundations course, which is the beginner level course, for Units 1-4 for the following learning languages: English (American), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Turkish.
What differentiates Rosetta Stone is its knack for making language learning interactive and immersive. The lessons are far from monotonous. They come to life with engaging exercises, real-life scenarios, and interactive elements.
This immersion in real-life scenarios prepares you to handle practical situations when you're in a foreign country.
The learning experience with Rosetta Stone is dynamic and engaging. It's not just about understanding a language but about experiencing it. With its interactive and immersive approach, it's like having a language coach at your side, guiding you through becoming proficient in a new language.
Rosetta Stone offers daily goals and streaks to help learners stay motivated and track their progress. The daily goals feature allows learners to set a daily goal for the number of lessons they want to complete each day.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Rosetta Stone.
PROS | CONS |
Offers a lot of content and lessons for learners to practice | It can be repetitive, outdated, and boring |
Uses a unique approach called Dynamic Immersion® that helps learners associate words with sounds and images directly | Lacks explanations and never advances beyond the beginner level |
Provides instantaneous pronunciation feedback with TruAccent | Uses a one-size-fits-all approach to very different languages |
Offers interactive and contextual lessons | Does not provide enough immersion |
Provides extended learning features that are available anytime, anywhere, and on any device, online or offline | Does not offer enough grammar explanations |
Allows users to practice most conveniently | It can be tedious to follow |
Offers courses in 24 languages | Does not provide enough cultural context |
Has a high cost | |
Does not allow learners to ask questions to clarify |
Rosetta Stone offers a variety of features and subscription options. Here are some of the paid features of Rosetta Stone:
Rosetta Stone pricing:
Rosetta Stone also offers discounts for military and veteran members and has previously provided discounts for nurses and other healthcare workers.
Rosetta Stone and Babbel are two prominent names in the learning languages field, each offering its own approach to helping learners achieve fluency. Let's see the differences:
ROSETTA STONE | BABBEL |
Rosetta Stone is best for immersive learning. | Babbel is best for structured courses. |
Rosetta Stone uses the Dynamic Immersion® method. | Babbel uses a more traditional approach. |
Rosetta Stone offers courses in 25 languages. | Babbel offers courses in 14 languages. |
Each language learning app has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best app for each individual depends on their learning style and goals. Let's see Monday’s focus:
ROSETTA STONE | MONDLY |
Rosetta Stone is best for immersive learning. | Mondly is best for gamified language learning. |
Rosetta Stone uses the Dynamic Immersion® method. | Mondly combines gamification and conversation simulations. |
Rosetta Stone offers courses in 25 languages. | Mondly offers courses in 41 languages. |
The choice between Rosetta Stone and Rocket Languages ultimately depends on your language learning goals, preferred learning style, and the specific features that matter most to you.
ROSETTA STONE | ROCKET LANGUAGES |
Rosetta Stone is best for immersive learning. | Rocket Languages is best for audio-based learning. |
Rosetta Stone uses the Dynamic Immersion® method. | Rocket Languages combines audio lessons and interactive exercises. |
Rosetta Stone offers courses in 25 languages. | Rocket Languages offers courses in 13 languages. |
This choice depends on your language learning goals, preferred learning style, and whether you're looking for a more structured and immersive experience (Rosetta Stone) or a gamified and casual approach (Duolingo).
ROSETTA STONE | DUOLINGO |
Rosetta Stone is best for immersive learning | Duolingo is best for gamified language learning. |
Rosetta Stone uses the Dynamic Immersion® method. | Duolingo uses a thematic and grammar-intensive learning path. |
Rosetta Stone offers courses in 25 languages. | Duolingo offers courses in 40 languages. |
For structured and immersive learning with a focus on pronunciation, choose Rosetta Stone. If you prefer vocabulary expansion and user-generated content, opt for Memrise.
ROSETTA STONE | MEMRISE |
Rosetta Stone is best for immersive learning | Memrise is best for vocabulary. |
Rosetta Stone uses the Dynamic Immersion® method | Memrise combines gamification and spaced repetition. |
Rosetta Stone offers courses in 25 languages. | Memrise offers courses in 22 languages. |
Rosetta Stone is a reliable companion whether you're a beginner or someone looking to refine your language skills. Its focus on simplicity and effectiveness, combined with engaging daily goals and streaks, makes language learning a manageable and enjoyable endeavor.
The software provides access to a wide range of languages, giving you the opportunity to explore the world from the comfort of your home. It's flexible, allowing you to learn anytime, anywhere, on any device. So, whether you're a traveler, a professional, or simply someone passionate about language, Rosetta Stone offers a practical and efficient way to unlock new horizons.
Is Rosetta Stone suitable for beginners?
Yes, Rosetta Stone is an excellent choice for beginners. Its immersive approach and absence of translations make it an excellent platform to start learning a new language from scratch. The interactive lessons and real-life context help beginners build a strong foundation quickly.
Can I use Rosetta Stone to learn less commonly taught languages?
Absolutely! Rosetta Stone offers diverse languages, including less commonly taught ones. So, whether you're interested in mastering a widely spoken language like Spanish or delving into a less common one like Swahili, Rosetta Stone has you covered.
Is Rosetta Stone suitable for children or young learners?
Yes, Rosetta Stone offers language courses designed specifically for young learners. The platform's interactive and visual approach can be engaging for children, making it an excellent choice for families looking to introduce their kids to a new language in a fun and interactive way.
Can I use Rosetta Stone without an internet connection?
Yes, you can use Rosetta Stone both online and offline. The platform provides downloadable lessons, allowing you to continue learning even when you don't have an internet connection. This flexibility is particularly useful for travelers and those with limited connectivity.
How does Rosetta Stone compare to other language-learning apps?
Rosetta Stone's approach is unique, emphasizing immersion and interactive learning. It's a more comprehensive and immersive experience compared to many other language-learning apps. The effectiveness of Rosetta Stone may vary depending on individual preferences and goals, so it's a good idea to explore and compare different platforms to find the one that best suits your needs.