Rosetta Stone Language Courses: Learn 1 of 30 languages for free

When learning Russian in 2004 I researched language learning and I used Pimsleur method and Rosetta Stone. I now know better! My tips based on current research and research that has been known for ages is comprehensible input. It's virtually impossible for Rosetta Stone to make you fluent* in any language, it is reasonably good for learning vocabulary and Pimsleur is better for conversational language learning.

* Fluent is a bit of a dirty word as it's not well defined I would define it as being B1/B2 see this for a description of the individual levels en.wikipedia.org/wik…ges

Not many people are actually B2+ fluent in multiple languages because it takes time to learn each language to that level and also to maintain fluency at that level.

What I would do now is this and you don't need to do anymore than this. Stop vocabulary learning and stop grammar learning, if you're doing this then you're doing it very inefficiently.

1. Use comprehensible input, here's a great teacher using this method (see video below). I choose Russian because it is easier to show you in something I have experience of. I could find similar in Norwegian or other languages for example. You'll notice that he is using proper grammatical sentences and you'll notice the variations of the word Love based on Gender, you and people together. Immediately you are learning grammar in context, so he is using the present tense forms of love for

I > lyublyu
You > lyuubish
He, she, it > lyubit
We > lubim

He doesn't use You (plural) or they but that doesn't matter at a basic level for now. What you you rather do? Sit and learn a grammar table Present tense Verb conjugation or repeatedly here the correct grammar in context and your brain learns the grammar automatically?


2. You may think I am joking here, but no I'm absolutely serious, get a book in the language you want to learn, lets say it is Spanish. Take the book and start reading it and translating it. I use Linux and a book reading app called Foliate > johnfactotum.github.io/fol…te/ this allows direct Google translation of the book. I'm sure there will be similar ways in Windows. Some people call it the Swiss method here is a guide. His method of reading then typing does work but my way is quicker because I can get direct translations far quicker and anything that makes the process more efficient is a must!

People think hold on a minute here you're joking I don't know the language how can I read it! Remember when you didn't know your native language either! You read from books in the only language you were learning! Remember how you sat with your parents or teachers and read from books? Forget you know your native language, this is exactly the same >



3. Setup a separate Google account. Then install another browser such as Firefox. Change the language in YouTube to Russian. Many YouTubers now such as MrBeast have their videos translated in Russian audio. This is critical watch the video in English first then swap to Russian and do NOT use subtitles.

You can use Rosetta Stone as well, but I wouldn't be spending hours a day on it. I would be using the methods I describe above. ANYONE and I mean anyone can learn another language. The way we're taught in schools and colleges is absurd. Learn in a more efficient and natural way as described above and yes it takes time. Russian takes longer to learn for an English speaker than Spanish. Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic far longer again. (edited)

Works using the App method just one instruction I would add to make it bit simpler to follow
Instructions on app

1. Install app

• Google Play
• iOS

2. Click Get Started and select language
3. Create account and log out
4. Visit promotion page secure.rosettastone.com/lp/…287
5. Login and select language
6. Log out from promotion page
7. Logout from app
8. Login to app with work and school account (use your own personal email and login details)
9. Enter code "s8926287" in the work area
10. You should now have access to the full language course

Works using the App method just one instruction I would add to make it bit simpler to follow (edited)

Is Rosetta Stone still good? They were pioneers in this area.

Mucho gracias (it's working already!!) (edited)

So we have access to ALL 30 languages, all for free that usually costs £11.99 a month? Surely there is a catch, or rather this is lite version of each course?

I've successfully signed up and gained access, however, I was curious to see if I could login via the main Rosetta website, but no can do... "Authentication failed. Please re-enter your sign-in information."

So it appears you have to login via the op's link each time, which appears that you 'sign up' each time, so wondering if it will even register and save progress? Also you can login using the same email address/password and select a different language... again, seems too good to be true, where's the catch? (edited)

It looks like that leaked from some kind of corporation, so most likely will lose access at some point

Used this in 2015, then 2018.

I noticed it wasn't so direct. Often there are a few phrases that everyone does, and it doesn't do them.
E.g. hi, hi, how are you, how are the kids, where's the shopping mall.
I'm lost, where can I eat some food, I'm starving.

You learn the fundamentals then learn to speak like a pro without realising, takes time

I’m also having trouble accessing the site….

I had the app installed and was testing it before purchasing. I signed up, as instructed, and clicked launch rosetta foundations and it took my to my app but it didn't have other languages, ui elements were limited too, to just my assigned language I chose for the promo sign up. Signed out and in, and Spanish was locked, but that was because I clicked private. Tried again with the workplace login, and it worked just fine, back to the limited ui, but with Spanish completely unlocked. Thankyou ever so much, saved me potentially £184.

Where did the offer originate out of interest? I.e. is it likely this was a private promo and once they realise they will revoke access for us? Thanks.

Seems like EBSCO sponsored benefit for employees so may get pulled. This is why on apps, you have to use the work /school option. Use it as long as it lets you. Hot indeed.

can pick any of the 30 languages once signed in I signed up with Japanese and just switched it to Chinese so I guess we don't need to keep signing up to a new course each time

Seems to be an issue with the website. Tried on my phone and laptop. (edited)

I have got in and it worked. But then next time it says not authenticated, and can't resign in. Tried to reset password but no email coming through!

Do you have to sign in on that same page every time you visit? I setup the account via desktop and an tried logging into the app using the same account I created on the desktop and it said authentication failed.

Tried logging in via the main Rosetta Stone site and it says the same thing, authentication failed. It seems to be a partnership with Ebsco and RS and not available via the main RS app or website.

Has anyone managed to login back in to their account without having to use the link on this deal to access the material and their progress? It seems as though you must use that same link every time and 'create' an account each time, meaning that it doesn't save your progress, is this correct?

I suppose it's free so can't really complain, just wanted to make sure I'm not missing something or can't see a page where I can simply login to my account that I've created.

Tried via desktop and Android phone.

Update: OK, managed to get it working on app. (edited)

Anyone else unable to login again after a while?

Must be a scam!

It's not perfect. Japanese language, second lesson, should be a picture of men (karera), and it's showing a picture of women. I guess it's 2023, but we're trying to learn a language here..

I'm going to learn French and Japanese I think.

Ari Gateaux (edited)

How do you log back in? Do you have to use the same registering link every time? If I login from the main website it says "Authentication failed. Please re-enter your sign-in information." (edited)

Sign up on my pc, but can't log in on an app as it says wrong login or password  
 

It works everyone!

It works everyone! (edited)

I can never find Portuguese that isn't Brazil... disappointing

Saying authentication failed. Contact customer services.

Not,working, same error as other people:

An error was encountered during registration. Please try again or view your support options.

Any workaround?