Rosetta Stone

Several months back I downloaded the Rosetta Stone software for learning Korean (don't worry, I didn't pay $219). Since then I finally started using it, trying to get through a lesson every day or two.

It seems pretty good for understanding Korean in an intuitive sort of way. There's lots of listening and clicking pictures. It doesn't seem like it would be good for learning to read Korean, but I already knew how to do that. There's also a speaking feature you can use with a microphone. I don't have a microphone.

I really want to keep using it because my lack of fluency is my biggest gripe about being here. Plus I think of the time I spend watching TV that I should spend studying.

Just being in Korea has improved my reading ability tremendously. I'm constantly reading signs and shit in Korean. But my comprehension has plateaued, and my speaking is virtually non-existent.

I'll give a more thorough assessment of Rosetta Stone in a few months. But it generally seems like a good way to start learning a language. Or as a supplement for a classroom. I can't say if it's worth $219. But it's worth free.