Amazon.co.uk Review
Learning the language before you go travelling is a sensible option--even if you do find that many people at your destination speak impeccable English.
Studying Linguaphone Arabic in Action 2 CD-ROM is packed with enhanced video content. The first port of call for most students will probably be the basics of the language that are imparted through the grammar guides and example dialogues. This is not a package for advanced students--the vocabulary of 5000 words, while enough for most purposes, is not tailored to unusual situations and the best place to begin is with the basic phrases in Arabic which show the contexts of various words and parts of speech through sentence examples and then role-plays. The phrases are emphasised with colour-highlighting of key parts and boxes below explaining their meanings in English and to which part of grammar they belong. There is also a separate grammar section in the package which will break down the points arising from these set-piece dialogues.
As with every good language-learning software package, the Linguaphone Arabic in Action 2 comes with the facility to compare your pronunciation with that of a native speaker, and so will help with speaking and listening as well as with grammar and sentence-construction; on the downside, however, the test of pronunciation is inevitably somewhat standardised, and does not cater for the large variation of accents. That aside, this is a good package for anyone who wants to learn or improve upon their Arabic before embarking on their next trip abroad. --Toby Green
Manufacturer's Description
Developed for Linguaphone, the world's leading publisher of self-study language courses, In ActionV2 is the latest edition of this best-selling computer based language learning system. From the very start, you will discover a new and compelling way to learn a language in which learning authentic Arabic comes naturally. Thanks to enhanced video content, you can now travel to an Arabic speaking country and take part in conversations with native Arabic speakers, watch videos and read articles from genuine Arabic publications. In fact, using In ActionV2 is the nearest you can get to being in an Arabic speaking county.
Learn How To: Speak Arabic like a native, with confidence and ease. Speak effectively using the appropriate style of speech and the correct pronunciation. Build sentences from your large vocabulary using the correct grammar. Read letters, reports, magazines and general articles. Meet people, find out about them and tell them about yourself. Find your way around, ask for directions, shop and order food and drink. Plus much more! This is all made possible because In ActionV2 is a completely interactive learning system, with an improved navigation system to access a host of features that will help you perfect your language skills. Develop listening skills by slowing down the native speaker to hear the correct pronunciation. Record and playback facilities allow you to compare your voice to the native speakers. Interactive games build your vocabulary in a fun and challenging environment. Word and Root search allows you to target your learning. Interactive video conversations set in the country make you feel like you are having a conversation in the country itself.
In ActionV2 is the ideal system to ensure you'll be speaking your new language with confidence and ease.