Rosetta Stone: PowerPac

We all learn our childhood language by associating new words and phrases with the world around us. The Rosetta Stone method replicates this process by presenting vivid, real-life images to convey the meaning of each new phrase. Instead of translating, memorizing, and studying rules of grammar, you actually learn to think in the new language. Vocabulary and grammar are integrated systematically, leading to everyday proficiency. It's the natural way to learn.

The Rosetta Stone PowerPac contains 22 lessons with nearly 900 real-life images and phrases spoken by native speakers for each language. The program develops all key language skills--listening comprehension, reading, speaking, and writing. Systematic structure teaches vocabulary and grammar naturally, without lists and drills. There are previews, exercises, and tests for every lesson, with automated tutorials throughout the program. Graphical speech recognition displays your voiceprint and compares it with the native speaker to help improve your pronunciation.

The "powerpac" is a good investment if at least two of the languages out of the seven on the disc are ones you want to learn. If not, you're better off choosing the specific explorer program for your selected language as single language explorer programs are half the price.

Again, this is great software but you won't acheive any level of fluency with the abbreviated programs. But since the larger programs are extremely expensive, it's a good way to see if you like the system before you take the big plunge and spend the bucks on the full courses.


NOT for serious language learning   January 16, 2003
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Excellent, easy-to-use interface creates a fun environment for an introduction to seven languages. But do not expect to reach any level of fluency because there just isn't enough material for any one language.

I would buy this package simply to see if Rosetta Stone style of learning (use of pictures while hearing the words for the object in the picture) would be appropriate for you. You can't go wrong if your expectations are low.


Say 'The boy is under the ball' in seven languages!   August 22, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

An earlier reviewer claimed that Japanese was not included, which is incorrect. There are in fact, three versions of Japanese available. While the Explorer series are essentially hooks to get you to buy into the far pricier full versions of the software, you still got a lot of language for your dollar. Don't expect to learn a whole language on this CD. Don't even expect to have any degree of fluency. However, as an intorduction to a language, PowerPac can't be beat. The interface is intuitive, engaging and frankly, a lot of fun. A variety of activities work your brain in different ways, helping retension. There is also a 'voice analyzer' feature that compares your voice to a native speakers, but it's far too frustrating to use effectively. Other than that blemish, you have a great facile language learning powerhouse.


Spectacular Value - Easy Language Learning   June 9, 2001
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

The Rosetta Stone, with Spanish, French, German, English, Dutch, Russian and Chinese basic language instruction, all on one CD, is a lot of learning in one small package. Putting all the languages together inspires a very intuitive interface. Learning, grouped by categories such as food, numbers, actions, etc., is at your own pace. You can practice to your heart's content. Besides a stand alone tool, it's a great supplement for regular language instruction. As you can tell, I find it quite helpful. But make sure you have your own dictionary for reference when using the program.