Educational Media Reviews Online

Transparent Language's Learn Latin Now! CD is a fun, easy to use language learning method which combines text, graphics and sound to encourage interactive learning. The method is for use on either a standalone PC or Mac and is designed to be used either in conjunction with classroom instruction or by an independent-learner.

For the independent-learner, the Transparent Language design offers what they call a "successful immersion" approach to language acquisition: users jump directly into reading, hearing, and using the language and progress at their own pace. Reading passages are gradated and the user can click on any word or phrase to hear a recording of the correct pronunciation. Or the user can choose to listen to the entire recording of the passage and follow along in reading the text. (Note: since Latin is not a spoken language, the "conversation practice" feature, available for other Transparent Language packages, is not available for the Latin method.)

In addition to pronunciation help, on screen the user finds such other useful information as: word meaning (i.e. translation into English), root word, phrase meaning, and a grammar information box. The user simply highlights a word in the text and translation, root word, and grammatical identification are immediately supplied on the same screen. For more in depth information on parts of speech or grammatical points the user can open the "grammar basics" help screen or jump directly to an explanation of the part of speech in question. One problem is that the grammatical explanations are inadequate for a beginner as they assume a relatively sophisticated understanding of the rules of English grammar -- an understanding that few native speakers possess.

The master Learn Latin Now! program contains gradated material to move the learner toward a good understanding of basic latin. The basic material includes: Cambridge Latin Course, Unit 1; Latin for Beginners; Latin Phrases; Cicero's Dream of Scipio; plus a games component (to practice the language) and a testing book. In addition, the package offers numerous add-on titles for additional practice and exposure to authentic language material. The add-on titles include: Wheelock's 38 Latin Stories; Daedalus et Icarus and Deucalion et Pyrrha; Catullus Poems, 1-28; Catullus/Horace Selections; Narcissus; and the Aeneid, Book 1.

For educators there is also "Educator Tool Kit" software and guide book which allows the teacher to create notes and checkwords, control student access to the reference windows, and customize window display (e.g. disallow student access to translations, etc.). The Transparent Language software can be run on a network but requires a LabPak or multi-user licensing. The Educational Sales Department should be contacted for more information (1-800-752-8851).

This software gets high marks for easy installation, its abundance of gradated and authentic material, and its simple design which makes it very easy to use. Aside from improved grammatical support, this is a good way for motivated independent-learners to move at their own speed toward acquisition of a foreign language. Highly recommend.