It’s time to have a look at the CD-Rom based learn French programs and it’s between Rosetta Stone and Fluenz, the new kid on the block. Seeing that Fluenz is outselling Rosetta Stone at the moment, has more favorable reviews and even costs less per unit i thought I’d check it out and let you know my findings.

So i got myself a copy of Fluenz French and here is what i found!

What is Fluenz French?

Fluenz French is a cd-rom based French learning video software program. You go through the lessons at your own pace while watching the tutor on your screen, this recreates a one-to-one learning experience.

Using Fluenz you get to learn through reading, writing, speaking and listening. This four way combination enables you to learn faster as the memory can learn easier when you utilize all four learning elements. This is done using video interaction as well as voice recording software.

Fluenz is targeted at adults and teenagers, not children as other programs are. For this reason, more emphasis is placed on all four learning elements.

Fluenz comes in 5 modules of progressing difficulty. There are many packages available and which package is best for you will depend on how far you want to take your learning. Completing module 1 will get you by in most everyday situations in France. Whereas completing all the way through to module 5, you will be fluent in French.

Each module consists of 30 sessions each lasting between 2 hours and 2.5 hours. For each session you will be watching and listening to an actual conversation between French locals. The pictures are compelling, making for easy watching. After the conversation ends, you are taken back and each part of the conversation is broken down bit by bit. This part is carried out by an actual American narrator Sonia Gil who will actually feel like a friend to you within minutes.

As well as the video, you also get cd’s so you can listen in your car or on your Ipod.

You also receive a phrasebook which you can carry around when in France.

Fluenz is actually on version 2 so is improved upon its earlier release. I found “Fluenz Version F2″ enjoyable and comprehensive!

What You Need From French Learning Software!

- The emphasis needs to be on learning useful phrases!

- You need to use all four learning elements; reading, writing, speaking and listening!

- It must be enjoyable!

- You must get to interact!

I shall now explain each of the above points in relation to Fluenz Version F2!

How Useful Is What You’re Learning?

One of the major drawbacks and criticisms of Rosetta Stone is that they teach you lots of useless words and phrases which you’ll never need or use such as “The Cat is faster than the Mouse”, “The boy is under the airplane” and “I cleaned my red car”.

Fluenz French gets right into the nitty gritty! You begin with introductions and follow on with ordering food in a restaurant. The emphasis in Fluenz really is on teaching you useful and meaningful French in a comprehensive way.

The Four Elements; Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening!

Adults learn languages different to children. Children can more easily use image to word association which is how they pick up languages so easily. We on the other hand need to use all four key educational elements as listed above and if they’re not used when learning a language then we will inevitably find it ten times more difficult. You need a program that forces you to use all four elements!

Reading - Fluenz has English and French subtitles on the screen (which you can turn off).

Writing - You’re encouraged to take part in the writing exercises.

Speaking - There are many French exercises where you speak into a microphone, comparing your accent to the locals.

Listening - Much of the course you’re listening to native and non native speakers.

Is It Enjoyable?

This is extremely important! You’re not after all going to stick with anything you don’t enjoy! The course modules are incredibly compelling, fun and interesting. You’re engaged with the lessons right from the start. If you don’t believe me then just take a look at some of the reviews on Amazon!

How Much Interaction Is There?

Everyone knows that you learn foreign languages best when you are actually interacting! This has always been my main criticism of the classroom setting when learning languages. In classes, you have a golden opportunity to learn French by speaking it to your classmates, going through conversations etc. Yet this approach is seldom taken. It’s only when you spend hundreds of dollars on hiring personal tutors that you get this level of interaction!

Thankfully Fluenz French is probably the most interactive French learning software available! How can it not be? You’re watching and engaging in conversations and exercises with your computer. You’re interacting the entire time! This is what makes Fluenz French so incredibly fast at teaching French.

How Much Should You Expect To Pay?

Well this depends on which modules you buy! And that will depend on how far you want to take your French!

There are 5 modules which will take you through from beginner to advanced. As always, the more modules you order the less you pay per module.

Here is Fluenz Version F2: French 1!
Here is Fluenz Version F2: French 1 + 2!
Here is Fluenz Version F2: French 1 – 3!
And finally Fluenz Version F2: French 1 – 5!

If you buy the earlier modules now and you find you want to take it further then of course you can order individual modules from the Fluenz official website.

What Others Are Saying About Fluenz Version F2?

This French learning software has received 4.5 stars on Amazon! Here are some of the comments to date:

- I have tried different products like the Rosetta Stone French, the online version of Tell Me More French as well as some paid podcasts before, because I really need to learn french. This is a far superior product if you want to really learn French and not just play with some fancy software.

- This is the best way to learn French. Easy and very methodological, have many techniques to help memorize the lesson, and above all very nice Tutor she is so very cute.

- I purchased, used and will return Rosetta Stone. And I’ve purchased, I’m using, and still haven’t returned Fluenz.

- I’ve always been afraid to learn a language, but with an impending trip to Paris, now is the time! I tried Rosetta Stone but it gave me a headache, and tried several other low-cost products but quickly became frustrated. Fluenz has me captivated!

- Of course, there is no replacement for complete immersion. But the Fluenz programs are pretty darn close.

- I’ve just been playing with the program for several hours, and it looks impressive. The video lessons are my favorite thing about it, since they explain French in a way I had never encountered.

- I finished Fluenz 1 and I’m already well into the Level 2. Great software. Sonia is a fantastic teacher of French. The program is well designed, detailed, and as elegant as you could ever want your French lessons to be. Génial!

Any Complaints?

A few people have mentioned you have to reinsert the CD after every few uses! This is due to widespread software pirating that goes on these days and has come an unfortunate necessity. Having said this, I’ll also note that you can in fact install the software on multiple computers.

One reviewer returned the software as he thought that the French speakers spoke too quickly.

A couple of reviewers have mentioned it’s a shame there is not more vocab included. However many other reviewers have found the vocab to be more than sufficient whilst also mentioning that you’ll pick up lots of new vocab while learning outside of the Fluenz French software program which is typical to learning any new language.

Where Can You Buy Fluenz French?

The best place to buy Fluenz French is on Amazon! You’ll find it considerably cheaper than when buying on the manufacturer website. This is especially true if you take advantage of the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon!