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Review of the Rocket Japanese Premium Language Learning Program

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

“Rocket Japanese Premium” learning program is a great resource of learning the Japanese language and it will prove useful whether you are going to visit Japan or interested in the Japanese language for other reasons. The program has been put together by Sayaka Matsuura. Here is a description of the program.

Component 1:

Learn to Speak Confidently, Naturally, and Fluently with your 31-lesson Interactive Audio Course

The Rocket Japanese Premium interactive audio course will help you become a more confident, natural speaker of the Japanese language. The 31 audio tracks average more than 20 minutes long so you will receive more than 12 hours of lessons that you can listen to whenever you like. The lessons address all the things you will need to know in order to be able to move about within Japanese communities. They cover things like introducing yourself and how to take public transportation, but there is much more.

Transcripts of the conversations in romaji, Japanese characters (Hiragana and Katakana) and English are included with the lessons in order to make your learning process much easier.

Component 2:

Rocket Japanese Premium Grammar and Culture Lessons

This component of the package consists of 31 illustrated Grammar and Culture Lessons. You will find this course material in the Rocket Japanese Learning Lounge. These lessons include tips and examples that teach you how to say the correct words at the proper time, along with lessons on how to learn written Japanese.

Component 3:

MegaVocab Software Learning Game

This software game helps you build your Japanese vocabulary using more than 1000 words. It includes 20 topics and a tool called the MegaVocab Creator, which allows you to add pictures and words.

Component 4:

MegaAudio Software Learning Game

Most people discover that understanding a spoken foreign language can be difficult. You can use the MegaAudio software learning game to quickly help you recognize more than 1000 spoken words.

Component 5:

MegaHiragana Software Learning Game

This useful module helps students gain a good understanding of the Japanese language in its written form. Hiragana characters are used to symbolize the various sounds in spoken Japanese, and are at the heart of written Japanese. MetaHiragana introduces students learning Japanese to the set of hiragana characters and makes it easy to recognize and memorize these characters.

Component 6:

Japanese Learner’s Forum and Rocket Languages Support

Rocket Japanese Premium gives students with questions the option to send emails or post messages on its “Members Only” Japanese Learner’s Forum. You will receive answers to your questions from Rocket’s team of Japanese teachers, native Japanese speakers and other Japanese language students.

You can learn how to speak and write Japanese confidently when you use the Rocket Japanese Premium audio course. Priced at $99.95 for an instant download or $49.95 for a set of 20 CDs, this Japanese learning package includes a 60-day money back guarantee.

Learn more about Rocket Japanese Premium. Stop by Ryse Edwards’s site where you can read our full Rocket Japanese Review and learn about what it can do for you.

Tags: second language, Language, rocket japanese, learn Japanese, education, speak japanese, languages

Spanish Learning Software Is No High School Class Waste Of Time

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

In high school I had no Spanish learning software. I had to rely on my Spanish teachers. I was a comedy. My first high school teacher was serious so I should not say anything against him. He always scolded us telling us we could not understand Spanish because we did not understand English. I think he was right in many ways. If I did not know in English what a present participle was how would I know it in Spanish?

But also remember my Spanish class in junior high school. What I remember the most was our Spanish teacher who had escaped from Cuba after the Castro revolution. He would tell us stories about the state police would come to his house and search because they considered him a subversive to the new dictator’s regime.

He was now a US naturalized citizen and told us he was grateful to this country for accepting him in his time of need. We mostly made fun of his white socks though.

He proudly wore his white socks with his blue suit. I suppose there was nothing terribly wrong with his fashion sense but we laughed anyway and if anyone appreciated the US more because of him at the time I would be surprised. But looking back I may not have learned any Spanish but I now can appreciate his plight. Now the real joke was my high school second year Spanish class.

She was so easily deceived that it was not even any fun fooling her. I think she was happy to get her paycheck and not let her class of English only speaking students finish the year speaking only English. What did she care. In essence I learned little about the Spanish language in my school years. Perhaps if I had applied myself it would have been different.

So I think she could have done a better job. But in the end I was the one who left not knowing any Spanish. But if you really want to study and master Spanish, there is available software which will help you a lot more than a high school class. In fact there is not comparison.

You have to want to learn of course because if you do not want to put forth the effort you will waste your time and money. There are many Spanish learning software on the market but you want to find the one that teaches the fundamentals. One of my managers with the company I used to work for said to learn vocabulary and then learn the grammar. Then put it together and you will be on your way to communicating is Spanish.

With many Spanish learning software on the market, choose an easy to use one. It is a challenge already learning a new language so you do not want to make it any more difficult. You want a software with audio so you can hear the proper way to say the words in Spanish. There are several Spanish learning software that will make up for any high school experience.

There is a lot you could do in your off days. If you think you want to study a different language, you may think you want to seek for Spanish Learning Software, so that you can find out how you can easy learn Spanish.

Tags: learn conversational Spanish, learn spanish quick, learning spanish cd, Language, Spanish learning software, learn spanish software, learn english spanish, learn spanish audio, learn spanish quickly

Japanese Phrases – The Tricky Topic of Love

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

There are many ways to tell someone you love them in every language. For the Japanese language, this is no exception. However, in Japanese there is not just one direct way to say I love you, but a number of ways to express feelings.

Often in Japanese, feelings are not expressed directly. ‘Suki’ means to like and there are a number of phrases using this word that are used to express love. Suki desu – This is the most common and preferred way to say ‘I love you’ in Japan. It literally means to like. Daisuki desu – It is slightly informal and used to mean that the person is very likable. Suki dayo – This is most often used by males saying that the person is essentially likable. Suki da – This is used by males meaning likeable. Suki yo – This is the feminine phrase meaning likeable. Suki yanen – This is a Kansai dialect version of ‘I love you’ literally meaning ‘I love it’.

‘Ai’ is the word for love in Japanese. To say ‘I love you’ directly is ‘Aishite Imasu’. As in other Japanese phrases, there are sometimes a version that is used by females. For ‘I Love You’, females would say ‘Ai shite iru wa’.

The Japanese also use the English loanword equivalent to love by pronouncing it as rabu. Here are a few examples: 1. Rabu retaa – Love letter 2. Rabu shiin – Love scene 3. Rabu Rabu – Used by young people when they are very much in love.

Japanese do not like to say directly how they feel towards another person unless they feel extremely close with them. This is hard for many Western non-Japanese to deal with because they are so used to expressing feelings and opinions directly. Yet, some Japanese hardly even say ‘I love you’ to each other as a couple or while married because it is inherently known and showing love instead of saying it is what is more important than anything else.

If using words to express feeling is difficult, there is another way. Instead of actually saying what they feel, often Japanese people will use actions not words. For example a simple gift or favor like cooking dinner would be much appreciated and will show love instead of having to say it directly.

Learn the correct pronunciation for these phrases. To hear native speaker pronunciation for these Japanese phrases visit http://www.learn-hiragana-katakana.com

Tags: languages, Japanese Language, learn Japanese, Japanese, Language

How To Speak Spanish Fluently

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Learning how to speak Spanish fluently involves much more than memorization. There is a process, a correct method, and a simple approach that will make your Spanish speaking skills take hold much faster.

Memorize the Spanish vocabulary in the beginning of the chapter. Look at the first word, then look at its English translation. Cover the English word, mentally state its Spanish word, then mentally state its English translation. Keep repeating this until you get the translation down before moving to the next Spanish word. Cover the first and second English words. State the first Spanish word, followed by its translation, then state the second Spanish word and its translation. Move to the third Spanish word and repeat this process.

Proceed to the chapter’s “fun” section; many text books have a crossword puzzle or other word game that requires using the vocabulary just learned. Complete those activities before proceeding to the chapter’s “lecture” portion. Review the lecture more than once to understand the Spanish language structure it’s trying to teach. Focus on the examples it gives, and study how it puts the words together.

Do the Spanish vocabulary and grammar structure exercises in the application section. Look at the example set for you; study how that example is put together into a complete sentence. Make sure that you give your answers in complete Spanish sentences. Do this step in three stages by mentally stating the solutions, by verbally stating the solutions and by writing them down.

Do the audio version of the exercises. Know that this is done three ways: by repeating after the teacher, by repeating after the audio and by student conversation exercises. Listen to how the teacher or audio pronounces the words. Use the same structure and pronunciation when it’s your turn to recite those statements. Speak in complete Spanish sentences when doing the “question and answer exchange” between students. For example, when your partner asks, “What’s your name?” in Spanish, say, “My name is ___” in Spanish. Resist the urge to give one-word answers to these exercises.

Use what you learned every chance you get. Practice with a classmate if you’re taking classes, or talk to the Spanish teacher. Know that your teacher will cater the discussion to what you’ve learned so far. Study and do the exercises to every chapter that you’re going to cover in the upcoming exam. Read basic Spanish-language comic books and watch childrens Spanish speaking cartoons.

Never before has Learn to speak Spanish fluently been this quick and easy! Grab all the inside information while there’s still time at Learn to speak Spanish fluently

Tags: internet, education, learn language, Language

Understanding the German Language with Ease

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

The Rosetta Stone German language software is developed by Fairfield Language Technologies and is designed in way that you can teach yourself to learn and to speak the German language whenever you have time. The program is developed so well, that any one can understand the format that is utilized and students can easily teach themselves with this German language learning software.

What to Expect

The Rosetta Stone German language learning program utilizes a rather unique concept to teach the German language to students. This program uses image association to teach students vocabulary and help the student in learning how to speak German. The program also allows you to preview you the goals for each lesson before you begin with them. Additionally, this program provides the student with several German lesson ans tutorial videos.

The Rosetta Stone German language learning program has an excellent price compared to other language learning programs. What sets this program apart from other language learning programs is the heavy use of the German videos which include so many tutorials as well as any other language tutorials. This is very helpful and extremely useful for students who want to learn German thoroughly.

Highly Recommended Due to its Benefits

Big thumbs up to this German language program overall. It has a speech recognition program included with the package which is also one of the great things about this German language software program. What makes this program a hit is the fact that it contains writing, grammar, audio and visual images. On your computer the program is fairly easy to install. In whatever way, the means of support for this software is excellent. This software program’s self-help menu covers its bases along with a limited paper manual. In this German learning language software program an easy-to-access help button is present on every screen and there is also a toll-free number and email address for live support.

Other Things to Note

The program has very few drawbacks. It comes with excellent speech recognition software, but lacks the headset required to make it more effective, which is quite a shame. The manual provided with the software is rather limited, but customer service is otherwise outstanding. You receive two discs with the Rosetta Stone German Language software, one of which installs the programs to your computer while the other is used to run the program. It would have been nice if the discs could have been combined, but this system does tend to work brilliantly.

Miriam Price has had a marked interest in various languages and language software programs for many years. For further information, particularly on the Rosetta Stone German Tutorial and other Learn to Speak German products, check her online resource site today.

Tags: education, reference, product reviews, learning, Homeschooling, Shopping and Product Reviews

Know Your Personality With Chinese Name Symbols

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Chinese symbols have come a long way to discover a new found glory in modern western civilization. Although the Chinese language has evolved into a far more formalized form of writing the ancient symbols that were initially used by the people continue to receive popularity.

The symbols which have been means of communication in China since ancient time will never lose its appeal because they are beautiful and artistic. They represent not only the Chinese ancient script but also a form of art.

Particularly gaining popularity in the west are Chinese name symbols. People fancy posters, pictures, tattoos and any other kind of fashion or decoration accessories with their names written in Chinese symbols upon them. This is considered to be the latest fashion and is looked at as a extremely revered and hip thing to do.

The inspiration of having your name written in Chinese symbol on yourself or on personal item has an objective. It actually describes the personality of the person. If the others do not know what it means you can always explain the meaning of your name.

What draws the people to translate their names to Chinese symbol is the physical beauty of these symbols. Once people get to understand them they like to use these symbols like a logo which can be used for various purposes describing their personality.

The physical beauty of these Chinese symbols are so remarkable that they are appreciated anywhere in the world by people who have no inkling to their meaning. Only when these symbols are being used to writing names of an individual that one is supposed to find out what they indicate.

One should take the initiative to find out what a symbol means before they get it written and not go for only the physical beauty of the symbol because later it can turn out to be something awkward for you.

In the present times getting your name translated to Chinese symbol is hardly complicated. The problem lies in the pronunciation however. Once the name is translated to Chinese symbol the phonetics will change and your name will sound quite different. If you insist on saying your name in your way it will become meaningless.

It is quite likely that people will expect their names to sound same when it is translated into Chinese symbol which is not at all possible and it sounds quite different. What we don’t understand is that it cannot be a straight conversion. Each of these symbols has different meaning and it will be these meanings that your name will depict after transformation.

Chinese name symbols have a special meaning and precise form. To read further on the history of Chinese kanji symbols click on the links. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Tags: society, writing, culture, people, education

Chinese New Year Symbolism Explained

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Symbolism is a significant phenomenon with very strong associations to the Chinese culture. Amongst the many aspects of the Chinese culture that revolves around the use of symbols is the event of the Chinese New Year.

The various unique symbols and rituals that are associated with the Chinese New Year have nothing to do with the solar calendar as the world follows. The event of Chinese New Year is not celebrated on the first of January, however, in the eyes of the Japanese people, these symbols have great cultural and historical value.

You will find the collection of Chinese new years symbols to be representing profound knowledge in an interesting and awe inspiring visual manner. The collection of New Year symbols is a fine example of balanced art between form and function.

The undeniable physical beauty of the Chinese New Year symbols is a testament to the region’s artistic talents. The meaning behind the symbols gives us the mystical insight into the beliefs and traditions of the people of China.

It’s the right time now to discuss how different Chinese New Year is in comparison with the Western New Year. The most vital difference is that the Western world follows the solar calendar where as the Chinese follow the lunar calendar traditionally.

As the name suggests, the lunar calendar is based on the revolutions of the moon. Most of the calendars hence printed in China have both the Gregorian as well as the Chinese lunar calendar dates. This makes it easier for the people to compare the dates and keep note of current trends.

The spirit is joyous and anticipation is for prosperity when the Chinese New Year arrives. This is why you will find the collection of Chinese New Year symbols to be very positive with regards to their meanings.

Flowers play a vital part in the symbols created for the Chinese New Year. Traditionally the Chinese had an affinity to utilize natural god-gifted products and so flowers were a perfect choice. The plum blossom and water narcissus are two of the most popular Chinese new year flower symbols.

One other important traditional symbol of the Chinese New Year is the hong-bao which is actually a lai-see envelope. This envelope carries money that children are given by the elders of a particular family on the eve of the New Year. This is accepted to be one of the Chinese New Year symbol.

New Year symbols from China are used to foster good luck for the forthcoming year. If you are interested in learning more about Chinese Alphabet Symbols follow the links.

Tags: Language, history, Religion, chinese, poeple, culture

Some Old Yiddish Words and Some New Ones

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

The Yiddish language is the language of the Ashkenazi Jews that developed from about the 10th century in the Rhineland and then spread to central and eastern Europe and eventually to other continents. Besides German, Yiddish also borrows words from Polish and Russian. In the late’60′s, there were apparently about 10 million speakers of Yiddish.

Today it’s called “Mame-loshen” which literally means “mother-tongue”, as opposed to “LASHON KODESH” (or LOSHEN KOYDESH) – the “Holy Tongue”. “LASHON” is the Hebrew word for “tongue” or “language“. “MAME” is obviously a cognate for “MAMA” or “Mother”. Yiddish is written in Hebrew letters.

The English language has absorbed dozens of Hebrew and Yiddish words into the English language. For example, shlep (carry something burdensome), shalom (peace/hello), and shnook (a dolt).

Now, let’s learn some of the more interesting Yiddish words and phrases. Es macht mir nit oys – It doesn’t matter to me. A foigel is a smart guy, but a foiler is a lazy man.

Other words are specific to the Jewish religion. For example, Bentshen Lecht” means to recite blessings over lit candles. “Milchiks” refers to dairy foods and cooking utensils (as observant Jews don’t meat from milk together). On the other hand, “flaishik” means “meet” foods. To remember these two words, think of the English words “milk” and “flesh”.

Some words are specific to Judaism, “Milchiks” (similar to our word “milk”) refers to dairy foods and cooking utensils (as Jews separate meat from milk). On the other hand, “flaishik” means “meet” foods (compare to the English word “flesh”). A “pushkeh” is a charity box used to collect money.

The word “NIT” is the equivalent of the English word “NOT”, and “NISHT” is also a negating word. “Nisht gut” simply is “Not Good!”. “Nishtgutnick” is a “no-good person”. A “nishtikiet” is a “nobody”. “Nit oif undz gedacht!” means “It shouldn’t happen to us”.

You might have heard of some of these “SH” words before. A “shvitz” is a steam bath, “shmaltz” is grease or fat, and thus figuratively can mean flattery or sweet talk. A “shmatteh” is a rag or worthless item, and like the German word “shmek” means smell. A “shmendrik” is a fool or dope, a “shnook” is a pasty or dolt, and a “shlump” is an untidy foolish, or dumb person.

“Yichus” means pedigree or ancestry. Yontiff is a Jewish holiday, from the Hebrew “Yom Tov” meaning “good day”. “Zitsen shiveh” means to “sit Shivah” (the seven day of mourning when a Jewish person dies). Zeit Gezunt means “be well” and is often used as a farewell.

Neal Walters creates Hebrew software and has a few Yiddish products at his Learn Hebrew website, http://HebrewResources.com. This and other unique content ‘Yiddish’ articles are available with free reprint rights.

Tags: Language, Self Improvement, foreign language, self help, Yiddish

Simple Folding Paper Lanterns

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

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