[.ca] Instant Immersion Chinese (Jewel Case)

Amazon.ca Product Description:
Learn to speak Mandarin Chinese through complete immersion. The Euro Method is an easy and simple way to learn to speak a second language. Based on the same techniques that allow a 4-year-old child to speak a language long before that same child can read or write, the Instant Immersion Mandarin Chinese CDs teach users to speak Mandarin Chinese quickly. The software provides interactive lessons that truly immerse users in the language. The two CD-ROMs enclosed are from EuroTalk, a European publisher of language-learning software. Talk Now! and World Talk will take users from beginning to intermediate levels using fun and easy-to-follow methods. Talk Now! Mandarin Chinese is designed for beginners who want to start learning a new language as soon as possible. Whether on a business or vacation trip, or even when meeting a foreign visitor, Talk Now! is the CD to use. By hearing and practicing authentic everyday speech, the user's natural ability for language will develop. The EuroTalk CDs are designed to be fun. The program uses quizzes, games, and stories to help reinforce the lessons learned. The second CD-ROM, World Talk Mandarin Chinese, is the next level up from Talk Now!, and goes on to the next stage with new activities, added dictation, and a new recording section. Topics covered include the calendar, building sentences, asking directions, and using numbers. With the recording feature, users can hear and compare their voices with those of a variety of native speakers.

Okay for speech, but doesn't help with Chinese characters:
This software is okay for learning to say a few basic words and phrases. The variety of activities makes it more interesting than a phrasebook. But it won't help you if you want to learn Chinese characters, which are the more interesting and important part of the language. If you want to learn to read Chinese, you'll need a good textbook and maybe a Chinese reading & dictionary software product like Clavis Sinica.