Description:
Whether your motives are practical, intellectual, or just plain curious, French for Dummies is an entertaining program that will most certainly teach you a little Français. French for Dummies is easy to install. While there are two CD-ROMs, only the first one is required for installation. The application also includes Adobe Acrobat Reader, Macromedia Shockwave, and AT&T WorldNet software. The user environment is colorful and fun, and navigation is simple. There is nothing too complicated in the way of menus, steps, and selections, and each time you visit a new section, a cartoon tutor pops up to explain what you should do next. The best feature of French for Dummies is that it starts with the basics. It recommends the first thing you do as a new student is familiarize yourself with the different sounds of French. You can listen to recordings of both male and female native speakers pronouncing single syllables, multiple words, and similar-sounding words. This feature is great for new students who cannot begin to form sentences unless they know what French sounds like. Other useful features include wide-ranging lessons, activities, and quizzes. The user goes at his or her own pace and can move forward or back, depending on learning speed. For those who believe practice makes perfect, French for Dummies incorporates speaking exercises into the learning plan. The downside is that these speaking exercises do require a microphone that does not come with the software. For users interested in using this option, many different microphones are available in a variety of price ranges. French for Dummies is ideal for anyone with a real interest in learning French. It does not promise magical learning abilities, but rather incorporates real language-learning practice within the technology of interactive media. The result is a tutorial program that will put you well on your way to finding that bathroom in Paris, getting a taxi in Lyons, and picking up a fresh baguette in Nice. --Kendra Hayden
| 
