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Spend $30 to learn 51 languages at home 

Nivedita Mookerji  
Forget about getting up early in the morning to attend a language class before your office. Or rushing to a class after a hectic day at work. Just relax and head for 51 Languages of the World instead. Made in America and targeted at the entire world, this language software could be an asset for somebody wanting to get a hang of several languages in a short period.

So here it is for you. Put together by Xoom Inc, basically, the software incorporates three steps to learning a new language--listen, learn and speak.

First of all, you have to be a good listener. Listen to the every-day conversations provided in the software package. Says the Xoom spokesperson, ``When you hear a word or sentence you don't understand, simply glance at the help window to get the meaning, then continue without losing your train of thought.''

Then comes learning through interactive games and comprehension activities. ``This step helps you build vocabulary, as you develop your ear for native speech.'' And for any help onpronunciation, click help.

The next stage is when you begin to speak. 51 Languages of the World lets you have actual foreign-language conversations with your computer. Says the spokesperson, ``Gain real-world experience by putting yourself into situations you're likely to run into--meeting new people, shopping, asking for directions, and more. In no time, you'll find yourself responding correctly without even thinking about it--just like you do in English.''

The software is ideal for developing language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. And whether it's for travel, business, education or pleasure, the software could come in handy for many. The languages listed are Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Albanian, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bengali, Bulgarian, Brazilian, Canadian, French, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Esperanto, Estonian, Farsi, Finnish, Greek, Haitian, Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Irish, Korean, Latin, Latvian, Lithuanian,Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, Yiddish and Zulu.

What's more, 51 Languages of the World tells you how to communicate. Says the spokesperson for Xoom, which has put together this software, other language programmes make you memorise vocabulary with boring drills: ``You could spend hours studying word lists, and still not be able to speak or even understand a new language. But 51 Languages of the World gives you all the tools you need to experience real language, the way it is used by native speakers--in a fun, interesting environment. Before you know it, you'll be talking like a native.''

Although originally priced at $69.95, you can slash the price by $40. It's simple, just log on to xoom.com and become a member as soon as possible. If you do, you can get this language software for just $29.95. The last date for availing this special offer is October 11. So hurry.

You can either order thesoftware online at xoom.com or by phone. The international buyer must call up (415) 288-2600 for placing the order. For those ordering from India, you can only use an international credit card. If you don't have one, contact that American uncle or cousin or friend to help you become a language expert.

But before ordering, just take a look at the system requirements for using the software: For Windows--Windows 95/98 or NT 4.0, 486 (or better), 16 MB RAM, 35 MB disk space, sound card, speakers, VGA 256 color monitor, 2x CD-ROM drive. For Macintosh--System 7.1 (or better), 68020 processor minimum, 68040 or Power Mac for video, 4 MB free RAM, 35 MB disk space, 256 colour monitor with at least 640 x 480 resolution, 2x CD-ROM drive.

If the configuration is fine with you, what are you waiting for?

Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.

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