Answers
Apr 21, 2014 - 12:19 AM
That hasn't been my view of Sonia, but if that is yours, perhaps you should consider another program -- though, in my experience, Rosetta Stone doesn't work, so good luck with that. You might notice - if you actually use the program - that all the dialogues are spoken by native speakers. That's what matters here. You need to be able to understand different accents. Also, levels 3, 4 and 5 do not feature Sonia, but have a native French speaker instructing them.
Apr 21, 2014 - 04:26 AM
Jon, frankly, that’s a terrible assessment. In no way does she have a condescending air, if anything she occasionally relates to the difficulties people have while learning a language and is full of encouragement. I’ve seen native French speakers on youtube compliment her on her accent and as a former Rosetta Stone user I can say unequivocally that the Rosetta Stone program is absolute rubbish as is their 'service'. In contrast the Fluenz staff are nothing but helpful to their customers and you definitely will learn a lot if you stick with it.
Apr 21, 2014 - 07:56 AM
Dear Jon, None of the teachers I ever had in school were "native speakers" until I reached college and even then they were American citizens that "lived abroad for some time", yet they were still able to teach well. Sonia's natural energy is motivating. In performance art (which teaching/public speaking is a performance) if the performer looks like they are having fun then the audience will have fun. As one goes further in the course and things begin to become tiring (as all work/study does) it is great to have Sonia there to keep your spirits up. I find her charismatic, engaging and a natural public speaker. Not to mention the way she can seamlessly flow with the graphics, which is something many performers have trouble doing in Hollywood blockbusters. In fact, moving on to Italian 3 now I miss Sonia's 15 minute tutorials. She was a delight to listen to, and I looked forward to learning with her everyday greatly due to her enthusiasm. I would like more of Sonia not less. In fact it was Sonia's sample tutorials online that persuaded me to buy Fluenz...all 5.
Actually, how did you not know about Sonia's role before hand? Do you often purchase items without researching them? Do you know that she is one of, if not the leading founding member of Fluenz? Therefore she has every right to be its spokes person and tutor. How do you have the gall to call Sonia names in the first place? Is your comment not condescending and unpleasant, or "off-putting" as you so eloquently put it. First you buy something without doing proper research, then complain that its not what you wanted. Then you have the nerve to insult Sonia who worked hard to bring us THE best language learning tool I've ever seen. I assume since you came from Rosetta stone, and apparently failed at that as well, that you are the problem, so stop blaming the teachers. I would bet that you find any authority figure that has something to teach you supercilious.
I find the timing of your comment ironic because I was just thinking how I wish Sonia was still in the tutorials for Italian 3-5. Not that I have anything against the wonderful native speaker that has taken the helm in her stead, but I do miss Sonia’s addictive enthusiasm. That's right, as Ayden stated, the advanced levels feature native speakers which you could enjoy if you studied rather than complained. Most likely the reason Sonia didn't continue on for the advanced sessions is because of judgmental people like you. From all of us that know better. Thank You Sonia you're the best!
P.S. Supercilious is a synonym for condescending, thus your first statement is redundant despite your best efforts to sound intelligent, how’s that for being condescending.
Actually, how did you not know about Sonia's role before hand? Do you often purchase items without researching them? Do you know that she is one of, if not the leading founding member of Fluenz? Therefore she has every right to be its spokes person and tutor. How do you have the gall to call Sonia names in the first place? Is your comment not condescending and unpleasant, or "off-putting" as you so eloquently put it. First you buy something without doing proper research, then complain that its not what you wanted. Then you have the nerve to insult Sonia who worked hard to bring us THE best language learning tool I've ever seen. I assume since you came from Rosetta stone, and apparently failed at that as well, that you are the problem, so stop blaming the teachers. I would bet that you find any authority figure that has something to teach you supercilious.
I find the timing of your comment ironic because I was just thinking how I wish Sonia was still in the tutorials for Italian 3-5. Not that I have anything against the wonderful native speaker that has taken the helm in her stead, but I do miss Sonia’s addictive enthusiasm. That's right, as Ayden stated, the advanced levels feature native speakers which you could enjoy if you studied rather than complained. Most likely the reason Sonia didn't continue on for the advanced sessions is because of judgmental people like you. From all of us that know better. Thank You Sonia you're the best!
P.S. Supercilious is a synonym for condescending, thus your first statement is redundant despite your best efforts to sound intelligent, how’s that for being condescending.
Apr 21, 2014 - 10:35 AM
Jon, my reaction was different from yours: I think Sonia's performance is professional. I direct educational videos myself; so far I've found all the Fluenz instructors' performances and accents are on a professional level.
Apr 21, 2014 - 05:33 PM
Ayden said everything I wanted to say very well. So, ditto.
Apr 24, 2014 - 08:32 PM
I am a French native and just listened to the video on Youtube. Her accent is really good, especially the "R" which is difficult for non natives. I can feel that she is not native when I listen to her, but the accent is very slight. I'm pretty sure that Fluenz will refund you if you're not satisfied, but I would give it a try if I were you, because frankly, most of the other alternatives i've seen are really not worth it.
Apr 27, 2014 - 05:52 PM
Personally, I do look forward to Sonias tutorials..motivating with clear explanations..the work outs have ample listening stuff with native speakers as well..
Apr 27, 2014 - 10:01 PM
Jon, I've taken instructor lead courses in French and other languages from other teachers, and Sonia's approach is on par or better than any of them. If there is any lacking in any of my studies, it has been in myself. Yes, you do have to listen to the instructor, they are working as well as they know how to bring the best of the subject to you. And in Sonia's case, it shows.
Apr 27, 2014 - 11:21 PM
I quite enjoy Sonia's approach and tutorials myself. To me she seems authentically interested in helping people learn a language. I'm not sure how old you are but from an educational perspective Rosetta Stone is better designed for those 12 and under I think. Perhaps it suits you better based on your comment. Good luck with it.
Apr 28, 2014 - 11:09 PM
i think that its a very good program and the fact that sonia's there make it even better its what makes fluenz fluenz and i think the opposite and i would only want to listen to sonia