While there are a number of products available for learning French, we have chosen to compare ourselves with Rosetta Stone® because it is the best-known program with the widest distribution.
The Fluenz tutors clearly explain how the language works, offering strategies and tips specifically designed to get English speakers to achieve fluency.
Learning by reading and hearing the language without any explanations of any kind. The language is supposed to come naturally as learners deduce its meaning after exposure to it.
Specifically designed for teens and adults.
Recommended for ages 6 and above.
The Fluenz tutors guide learners step-by-step through the language, explaining how every new piece of grammar, vocabulary, and structure works.
Learners will figure out the meaning, grammar, and workings of the language on their own, simply through exposure to it. Explanations in English are not available in any facet of the program.
The Fluenz tutors connect the language to the culture, adding an important layer of depth to the learning process and offering further detail on how the language is used in different parts of the French-speaking world.
By avoiding English explanations of any kind, important cultural issues and subtleties can not be addressed.
The emphasis changes with each language. For example, French pronunciation is much more difficult than that of Spanish, so more time is spent on pronunciation in Fluenz French than in Fluenz Spanish.
Immersion programs tend to offer the same sequence of words thought to induce natural learning regardless of the language.
Because the tutor can speak English, Fluenz starts with useful phrases, such as questions ("Can I have the check?"), commands ("Make a right please"), and statements ("I need a cell phone"). The structures behind these phrases can be easily understood through explanations, but not by matching pictures and words.
Because there are no explanations, immersion methods must begin with simple descriptions of simple objects and situations ("The man is running", "The pen is on the table") that can be easily illustrated through images. More sophisticated formulations can only come after learners have deduced the grammar by themselves.
All trademarks, trade names, or logos mentioned or used are the property of their respective owners. Every effort has been made to properly capitalize, punctuate, identify and attribute trademarks and tradenames to their respective owners, including the use of ® and ™ (TM) wherever possible and practical.
Rosetta Stone® and RosettaStone.com™ are registered marks of Rosetta Stone Ltd.
