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| Software Review | 
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| Title: | Berlitz Passport to 31 Languages |
| Version: | Windows 3.x |
| Manufacturer: | The Learning Company |
| Computer Tested On: | Generic 586-100 |
| Operating System: | Windows 98 |
| Reviewed By: | Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: | August, 2000 |
| Rating: | 
1/2 |
OVERVIEW
Berlitz Passport To 31 Languages is a three CD set program for Windows platforms. The course is based on the older Vocabulary Builder series and is designed to give the user an extensive vocabulary in the target language of the student's choice.
Installation of the software is straight-forward. Once the program starts,
the user creates one or more new users. This can be members of the family, or as I used
it, a user for each target language. Then it's on to the learning!
This course teaches by associating vocabulary with pictures. Each word can be read in either the user's native language, the target learning language, or both. The text can also be displayed for each language based on the student's preferences. The pictures are grouped by subject with between two and ten pictures per screen. These pictures can be displayed in order or used randomly as flashcards for review.
The program also contains common phrases and some simple games. There is a searchable talking dictionary containing all of the words from the flashcards. A short description of the grammar rules for the target language is available. Finally, the student can set options such as the level of speech recognition difficulty, volume, flashcard order, and translation options.
This program is wonderful within it's context. Operation is smooth and fast, reliable, and there is such a variety of vocabulary that the student will not become quickly bored with it. The course is designed to teach the student individual words, with only very limited coverage of grammar and phrases. Verbs are typically covered only in their infinitive forms and there is no opportunity for interactive dialog using the program's speech recognition capabilities.
STRONG POINTS
One size fits all - This course can be used to learn any of the languages listed, a great feature for families with children in school.
Quick and reliable operation - The program runs much faster and reliably than other competing vocabulary building products.
Large vocabulary - The user gets exposure to a wide variety of words and topics with this course.
WEAK POINTS
Narrow scope - The student does not get extensive exposure to using the acquired vocabulary in situational dialogs or exercises, and the course is primarily focused on learning nouns and adjectives.
COMMENTS
This program is wonderful for any beginning language student to build a vocabulary of words in the target language. The student can use this program for both short and long periods and still get some benefit from it. The program works well and it provides extra value for those desiring to learn multiple languages by presenting most of the commonly used languages throughout the world in one convenient package.
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