I've always wanted to go to Paris and Italy. I learned French in school and still read magazines in the language and yet I always felt like I wanted to learn Italian but with what time? The idea of sitting in a class definitely didn't make me feel comfortable and then I began to think about Rosetta Stone. I had always heard that it was a software that was easy to learn, visual and it allowed you to interact with it. So the mobility and being able to learn at my own pace while doing it in a natural way was a huge bonus and I knew that if I were to pick it up, this would be the best way. Now, this is going to be an ongoing series of posts which will fall on every other Friday! This week is the only week that you will not see a video with me using and speaking it so you can definitely see my progression! But what I felt was an essential point to understand before seeing me work with the software was the screenshots and the common ways that you learn the language. First, I love that they break words down and after they introduce you to vocabulary they will have a series of pictures and the speaker will say "una bambina" which means a girl. But this means that you have to click on the image that makes sense with the words. If you're right you go to the next one and if you're not you continue to click to find the next one. Upon clicking the right image, the words are said again. I found myself while finding and hearing the answer - saying the words along. This leads me to my second screenshot - pronounciation. I don't have to worry if I'm pronouncing it right as there are screens that require you to take the word "bambina" for instance and to break it up into "bam" and "bina". Not only do you get to see the vocal patter of the speaker but you also get to see yours and when you're not saying it right you have a better indication of where your pattern is versus the instructor's. This is essential as you need to know the flow of how these portions of the word are said as you will use them within other words and this is where you become stronger as a speaker. Finally, my favorite part are the scenarios. In the last screen shot, a couple are saying hello and you are required to answer back to them! Once again if you're right you move on and if you're not, you continue to say the right phrase until you move on. I have moved slowly through learning the language and I enjoy going to the manscreen to see what my lessons within a certain section will entail. I love typing out certain words when required and you really feel that you have a grasp of it and that you're retaining it. Click on the link within the spread to learn more about Rosetta Stone! In addition, every other Friday you'll see me use this at home, out and about and finally while I'm in Italy which will be later on this fall! I have enjoyed the experience so much that other languages that I want to pick up will also be learned in this manner as I feel it's not only effective but a lot of fun. Who doesn't have around 45 minutes to learn something and whether you're going to Italy or want to say your favorite meal at an Italian restaurant, it definitely comes in handy!