Talk Now software helps teach basic Japanese words
Written: Apr 25 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A fun way to study basic Japanese words; easy to use and install.
Cons: Not enough phrases, and no grammar.
The Bottom Line: I recommend "Talk Now! Japanese" to anyone who is taking a Japanese class wants additional practice building basic vocabulary.
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| msmarques's Full Review: Eurotalk Talk Now! Learn Japanese Full Version for... |
Talk Now! Learn Japanese is one of the 4 CDs that is part of the Instant Immersion Japanese Deluxe Edition. This CD is useful to learn a few extra Japanese words while taking a beginner's course, but is not sufficient as a stand-alone course.
I'm currently taking my second session of beginning Japanese. When I saw the software on sale inexpensively at Costco, I decided to pick it up. Note that for the price estimate on this one CD, I divided the total price by 3.
Installation
I have a Windows 98 computer, but according to the box it can be installed on anything from Windows 95 through Windows XP. If the CD automatically runs when you put in the CD, the installation program will run, only prompting you where to install the program and where to place the Program menu shortcuts. If your CDs don't automatically run, you can run the installer off the CD. After the software is installed, you will still need to use the CD to run the program due to the multimedia files (mostly audio recordings).
Structure
At a first glance the program seems to be divided into two major areas: games and study topics. For the most part, however, the entire learning program is divided into a series of topics. Each topic covers a different category of words, such as numbers, body parts, simple phrases, food, and forms of transportation.
In the games section, there is an "easy" and "hard" game for each topic, as well as a wildcard pair of games (which include words from all topics).
Each study topic is divided into five parts: word practice, speaking, print a dictionary/study list, and two games (easy and hard... although different from the games in the games section).
Note that the box says that it teaches Japanese with "quizzes, games, and stories" ... but there are no stories.
The Games
These games are not that entertaining, but the format is more fun than flashcards or quizzes. Most of the games involve a character (either animated or human) saying a word (or phrase), and you have to click on the image that matches the word (or phrase). In the easy versions, a character will say each word as the corresponding picture is displayed, and then will say the test word for you to match.
You get points for each correct match and lose points for incorrect matches. The characters have different words they say as you get matches right or wrong, but the only phrase I picked up is "Atari!" which is one of phrases for a correct match. In addition, when the game is over, there is applause and as the total score is displayed, you hear the number.
In the games section, there are also some memory matching games, where you match words (spelled with roman letters) with the pictures.
Tracking your Progress
Multiple students can track their progress. When you start the game, you select your name (if you've already started) or type in your name (if you're just starting).
Throughout the lessons you accumulate points through the various games. Once you have enough points, you can print the bronze, silver, or gold certificate.
In addition, you can see quickly what you have already attempted. In the games section, there are boxes for each game, and the lights, as well as numeric scores tell you what you've tried.
At the top-level menu for the study units, different colored lights next to each unit indicate what you have tried. There are 5 lights for each of the 5 components (2 games, studying words, speaking practice, and printing dictionary). Once you select a study unit, you can see the scores you got on each of the two games.
Level of Difficulty
If you've already studies some Japanese, this CD will be too easy for you, except as a refresher. You don't have to know any Japanese to start using this program.
What's missing?
There are a few areas where this program could be improved.
* There are very few phrases, all in one small section.
* There is no explanation of grammar, so you might not be able to generalize those phrases (for example, changing "where's the suitcase?" to "where's the lady's washroom?" ... and yes, all of those words are in the program).
* There are a large number of Japanese words borrowed from English or other foreign languages. While it might be useful to include a few examples, there are way too many borrowed words in these lessons, especially in the food section. With a limited vocabulary, it might be better to learn egg (tomago) than cheese and hamburger (both of which sound like Japanese pronounciations of the English words).
* The countries section should probably have been replaced with another topic, such as household or office objects.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
msmarques
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Member: Michele Marques
Location: Toronto, Canada
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 10 members
About Me:
I love books, movies, and languages.
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