Fluenz Language Courses
Effective Where Others Aren't
By now, if you have been reading, you will know I rarely actively
promote a specific product. That's because it's rare that
I find one that meets my tough criteria for what I consider a 'well-rounded'
language product. In order to master a language,
one must employ a combination of audio, written, immersion, and
classroom style training. Such products had yet to be
seen in the industry until now.
Who is Fluenz?
Never heard of Fluenz? Not surprised. It was quite
by chance that I stumbled upon them looking for an effective Mandarin
course, and coming up empty. Of course, the best stuff isn't
always heavily advertised. No celebrity endorsements here.
No flashy billboards, or expensive commercials. Fluenz is
a small company that had a really big idea, and developed an even
bigger product.
Furthermore, Fluenz recognizes a fact that I have harped on for
a long time - immersion without the assistance of native language
cues does not always work for adults. This is where
one takes a big risk investing in total immersion systems without
test driving the system first. Adults will have no such problem
with these courses - it's the closest to a classroom presentation
that I have ever found.
Even better, if you've never had any experience with tonal based
languages, you're in for a treat. It can be extremely difficult
for the western linguist to grasp the concept of tonal speech.
Immersion systems simply don't get it done with Mandarin, nor do
any of the other 'hybrid' programs I have looked at (with the exception
of expensive live coaching programs or classroom training).
Welcome to the other exception.
How Does it Work?
Fluenz is an excellent "classroom" style program
that incorporates visual and audio elements flawlessly, immediately
engaging and holding your interest. Combined with relevent,
useful content (No "See Jane Run" here....), learning is a breeze
- and you will find yourself looking forward to each lesson.
My descriptions don't do the product justice, so I encourage you
to check out the video below:
So, what do you get?
Convinced yet? There is simply nothing like
it anywhere else. Fluenz combines the best of immersion, audio,
classroom, and visual assistance into a single package. When
you have completed the program, you will come away with a better
understanding of the language in a shorter period of time than if
you did a recommended mix of different methods. Check out
the bill of materials:
A DVD-ROM with the Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 software.
This DVD-ROM runs on either G4 / Intel Macs or Windows XP / Vista
depending on the version you purchase.
A CD-ROM with audio exercises that can be played
on a stereo, in your car, or copied to an iPod or other MP3 player.
These audio exercises supplement the DVD-ROM sessions.
15 podcasts that can be downloaded and copied
onto an iPod or onto a CD.
A Fluenz Navigator booklet that contains key survival
words and phrases from Fluenz Mandarin 1+2.
A Fluenz brochure.
An instruction and trouble-shooting User's Guide
for the Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 application.
While I specifically recommend the Mandarin program,
three other languages (Italian, Spanish, and French) are offered
with the same incomparable quality. But, don't take my word
for it, click on the banner below and test drive one of the best,
and most unique language products on the market today!
Click the banner below to take a test
drive and get full details!
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