Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 Windows, Next-Generation Chinese Language Learning Software

List Price: $338.00 Discount Price: $298.00

Features:

• Multimedia application specifically designed to help English-speakers gain fluency in Chinese
• Language tutor Sonia Gil guides you on video every step of the way to create a live, classroom-style learning environment
• Leverages your knowledge of English to accelerate your learning of Mandarin, with an emphasis on words you are most likely to use
• Next-generation platform blends beautiful full motion video with engaging, interactive workouts, including voice recording so you can compare your accent to native speech
• Includes Mandarin 1+2 DVD-ROM, audio CD for additional training, and handy Fluenz Navigator for on-the-go referencing of important words and phrases

Customer Reviews:

Free Upgrade! [Posted on 2008-03-25]
At first I was going to agree with R. Staton's review that the software bugs were semi annoying although the learning methodology is super effective.

Well no need to agree anymore since Fluenz decided to ship an upgraded Mandarin 1+2 to my door without me even asking for it!

This includes:
-Improved video rendering
-Bug fixes
-USB microphone support
-Going back to previous workout from within a session
-A number of shortcuts
-And the ability of writing the tones with numbers i.e. a1 a2 a3 etc

I assume that all new purchasers will be getting this improved version. All in all I'm extremely pleased with Fluenz as a language learning tool and a business.

Fluenz Mandarin Podcasts are a Winner! [Posted on 2008-03-31]
The Fluenz Mandarin podcasts, a newly-released upgrade to the instructional DVD, are an excellent complement to an already superb piece of software. These are practical exercises that reinforce the materials on the interactive instructional DVD and audio CD workout disc that comprise the original package. The instructors, one an experienced native Mandarin speaker, and the other, a novice student, are enthusiastic, clear and effective in their instruction, and make the learning experience lots of fun. The purchaser of this entire package has an outstanding approach to learning a very difficult subject.

All about retention [Posted on 2008-04-28]
With the rise of China as an economic player, I wanted to learn Mandarin for business purposes. I thought of trying Rosetta Stone until I came across this product. What made me choose Fluenz over Rosetta Stone was the principle behind Fluenz: children and adults learn languages differently, and, therefore, need different techniques and tools for learning. This product was designed and developed by adults who actually had to learn Madarin experiencing the challenges that came with adult language learning. So, I think, this product gives you the necessary tools for adult language learning derived from personal experiences. I agree with the principle having learned English as a second language as a child and having picked up Japanese as my third language as an adult. As adults, we cannot simply learn by having pictures and vocabulary flashed across the screen. We need more explanations and repetitions in order to retain the material. This product does just that - explains and repeats through "workouts" and through the CDs. Also, the lessons are simple and short enough rooted in everyday situations for anyone to learn and remember without expending an exhorbitant amount of time. If you are busy but want to learn Madarin, I would definitely recommend that you give Fluenz a shot.

Keeping up with my cousin [Posted on 2008-05-02]
I will be visiting Beijing in a few weeks with my cousin who, like myself, is not a native speaker of mandarin -however she studied mandarin in college and has spent time in Beijing. I hope to be able to communicate somewhat on my own, without relying entirely on her or on the point and smile / pantomime method of communication.

So far, fluenz has worked better than I expected from a teach-yourself program. While my pronunciation is probably still really bad (I guess we'll find out), the approach taken in building phrases is fairly intuitive, and I feel like in the limited time I have to study I'm actually retaining something. I'd highly recommend fluenz if you want to gain some practical language skills in a limited time.

Fluenz Mandarin - Fresh approach, Innovative style, well organized [Posted on 2008-05-06]
I purchased this product based on the positive reviews by customers.

Having purchased many "learn a language" programs, I was really hoping this was different. Given the price relative to the competition, it had better be!!!

The package from Amazon arrived in this HUGE box. Inside this HUGE box, was a small red box. Inside the small red box was a small red envelope. Inside the small red envelope was two disks and a little cheat sheet. Rest assured, your disks are well protected during shipment!

It's been a month and I am very happy with my investment. I have listened to the CD over 20 times in my car and love it. The DVD is very interactive and I find myself learning faster than just reading a book or using other programs. Fluenz says you should review the interactive DVD before you listen to the CD as the CD supplements the DVD. I couldn't wait and listened to the CD for 3 or 4 times before finally using the DVD. No regrets...I found the CD was a great intro to the DVD.

My mother listened to the Fluenz CD in my car for the first time last week and thought very highly of it (prior to that, she heard the Michael Thomas "learn to speak Mandarin" CD in my car). Mom thought the Michael Thomas CD was useless and confusing. My mom speaks several chinese languages including Cantonese and Mandarin. She said the Fluenz CD helped her improve her pronounciation of Mandarin. I can't tell you how big a compliment that was.

It would have been nice to have a book to supplement the DVD and CD as I do not always have access to a computer which is ironic since I have 4 laptop and 2 desktop computers.

Another suggestion would be to give the user the ability to print review material from the DVD.

Fluenz Mandarin has room to improve, but it's way ahead of the competition. Good job!! I look forward to purchasing Fluenz Spanish as my clients speak Mandarin and Spanish.

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