I will be in France for a month - I hope to learn some french before I come through Rosetta Stone - but I would also like to bring a portable talking language translator. Has any one purchased one - what would you recommend - want something easy to use but also something that I can type in my own question and have it translated.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Darlene,
I wouldn't bother with a portable Language Translator. While this might sound like a good idea in theory, I think you'll find that it doesn't work that well in practise and is somewhat cumbersome.
One of the problems with this approach is that while the Translator may be able to provide perfectly spoken phrases in a variety of languages, it will not be able to deal with the replies you get from locals. Passing a device like that back and forth to translate from one language to another is a bit of a goofy idea.
Your best bet is to continue with the Rosetta Stone (or other) learning aids, so that you'll be able to function at a basic level on your own, as the best Translator is the one on top of your shoulders. I think you'll find that many of the people you encounter will have some ability to function in English, so a marginally useful electronic Translator would be a waste of good travel funds (IMHO).
I've been using the Pimsleur courses to learn Italian, and find that I can get by quite nicely now (although some days, it's a struggle). It's important to keep at the lessons on a daily basis though, or you'll start to forget some of the material. The Pimsleur course seems to fit my learning style, and the lessons are on SD cards so I can take them with me and listen anywhere (using a Palm PDA - they may work on IPods also).
In addition to your language course, you might find it useful to take Rick's French book along, as it contains a lot of very practical information.
Good luck and happy travels!