Learning Italian using Rosetta Stone

I tried the demo, looked good but it is pricey. Take a look at learnitialianpod.com This helped me immensely. Levels 1 and 2 bring you into some very competent Italian. To get the written transcripts in addition to the audio, it costs about $15.00 a month. It deals with real life situations and words so you can order at a ristorante or get directions.

Also Pimsleur has a course on CD's which you can use in your car, or as I did rip to the Ipod. This is excellent. Three levels. It moves slower than the learnitailianpod.com

This is best thing you can do for a trip to italy.

This has been discussed quite a bit and the consensus is that Rosetta Stone is not the best way to learn conversational/tourist Italian.

I used to be a big fan of Pimsleur but recently found the Michel Thomas method. I like to see as well as hear and Michel Thomas includes a transcript, Pimsleur doesn't.

You might want to check your local library. Many carry these and other Italian language programs. You can try before you buy.

I'm using RS right now to learn (kids also) but we're learning for a long stay.For a short trip something cheaper would probably be better. We have also Italian for Dummies 3cd set ($15 at Borders) that has been a big help and an online site has been useful
zapitalian.com

Ron

Many thanks to all for your advise.

Hi Mukesh!
It is so worthwhile learning some of the language. I am taking Italian classes at a community college: Inexpensive (you can take 3 quarters for the cost of Rosetta Stone Level I, and you can delve into culture a bit, ask questions, clarify, etc. I supplement with podcasts, but also check out BBC Steps at http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/italian/. Very nice interactive and practical material. Buona fortuna!

this comes up periodically; use the search function at the top right of the screen to find earlier discussions.

I have been very pleased with the Instant Immersion CD-Roms...the set costs roughly $50 and is a fun way to learn the basics.

Another vote for Michel Thomas (I just check out the 8 cd set at the library) I have used it before both my trips, and it was very helpful. I used it everyday for 8 weeks. Supplement with some "tourist Italian" cd's in the car. Michel Thomas will teach you an amazing amount of words and how to put sentences together. However, you will not learn things like days of the week, food names, etc. By supplementing with a few cd's that teach those types of words, I have found I can travel and converse quite well in Italy. My biggest problem is that people tend to think I speak it "fluently" and respond that way. (In other words, I usually have to ask them to repeat slowly please..because their words just flew right by me)