Comments | montreal: French language software with voice recognition

eletyl in montreal

French language software with voice recognition

Dec 27, 2010 15:26

hi! does anyone here have recommendations for French language software with voice recognition (i.e. I can practice speaking, and it will correct my pronunciation)? I am tempted by Rosetta Stone, but I can't help but wonder if it's a ripoff, or too basic/geared for beginners ( Read more... )

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Comments 8

kaylla_334 December 27 2010, 20:59:48 UTC

Rosetta STone is the very definition of a rip-off. The advanced programs barely start exploring verb tenses other than present tense lol

eletyl December 27 2010, 21:03:06 UTC

ok, fair enough.. happen to know of anything more advanced?

kaylla_334 December 27 2010, 21:16:59 UTC

Well IDK, speech recognition is majorly flawed in that it is designed on fancy pants paris french, so if you've got a swiss/belgian/caribeen/frenchie canadian accent and vocabulary, it can only go so far before becoming pointless. If it's the grammar/vocabulary you want, then there are quite a good selection of frenchie canadian books at the librarie michel fortin on St-Denis (?) right outside of Sherbooke Metro.

The only way to improve speech is to talk a lot. If you don't have any fluent friends willing to practice with you, I'd suggest calling your cell/TV/internet provider and pick a fight with a CSR about some ''problem'' you've been having and wanting a refund or something. That usually lasts a while lol

kaylla_334 December 27 2010, 21:29:30 UTC

Or the french side of Air canada reservation center is in Montreal so you can call them and ask them to build you the whackiest itinerary and then they'll give you a price of 15k and you say no thanks and hang up lol

Thread 6

xsourkittenx December 28 2010, 02:15:09 UTC

Were the McGill classes helpful? I need to learn French but the classes at the CSDM aren't really good for someone working full time (I cant see myself working 9-5 then going to class 6-9 four nights a week). I was looking at their schedule and it seems more reasonable for people with jobs.

eletyl December 28 2010, 03:48:51 UTC

I really liked the McGill classes! I had 2 professors that were both super good (and engaging/funny!), Jean Dumont and Alexania Ripoll. however I heard through the grapevine that some other professor (I didn't get her name) wasn't so great, so I would certainly take note of who is teaching.

the classes are usually Tues/Thurs 6-8pmish.

the other caveat is that they are pretty expensive, I think about 450$ per class.