(Continued from Page One)

by Gérard Martin

Transparent Language promises "real-life" exposure to language in a way that is somehow supposed to be better than "being dropped in the center of Mexico City or Paris." Yet, immediate access is available to a program window that offers instantaneous word-for-word English translation with comments regarding grammar and syntax explained in English. In other words, unlike the proverbial waiter in Paris who might impatiently await a patron's order, Transparent Language is always ready and, of course, ever-willing to do the hard work of assisting in the understanding of a foreign tongue. Direct translation or traduction simultanée  is too much at the core of the French Now!  learning experience. What has happened to the promise of an instructional program that "immerses you in your chosen foreign language?" (author's note:  Admittedly, the bias of this reviewer is that he finally acquired his French en tête-à-tête  over café-au-lait  and croissant.)

In the interim, it would appear that knowledge of a first language is required in order to make use of French Now!. Far too much of the French Now!  language program is in English - sometimes Spanish - but never completely in French! Total immersion? The menu items are all in English, or Spanish - but never French. Where the option exists to switch instructional languages, the pull-down menu commands offer instructional delivery only in English and Spanish. There are no further options. The choice to enjoy complete French immersion should have been made available. Where "learn at your own level and pace" is the promise, the instructional methodology and philosophy does not completely match the effect. The escape from one's mother tongue is a near impossibility, and this is unfortunate.

To be fair, French Now!  is not without some appeal - albeit for an impact that is how long-lasting? True to program's description, one really does get grammar and vocabulary that is not "presented in contrived dialogue and lifeless rules." This aspect regarding content is exciting; though not exactly all that it could be. Start with dialogue, add some professional newscasting, and finish with some late evening story-telling. The mixture could even be entertaining. Unfortunately, Transparent Language does not fully deliver.

Though well-written with programming that is mechanically  proficient, French Now!  does not provide "real-life" exposure to the French language. While never boring or mundane, the language and culture does not really come alive. Yes, there are clever word games in French Now!  that rival any instructional workbook exercise; but this is not the same as the game of life -- with all the frustration and accomplishment that goes in with it.

Paradoxically, it is ironic to think that French Now!  probably represents the computer-assisted future of language-mediation and support -- and not just for second language students! Transparent Language succeeds in giving us a clear glimpse of the language-integrated promise of digital document delivery and presentation. Messieurs, mesdames, how will you take your HotJava? With or without sound ... one image or two? For those who like their café  rich, how about some interactive satellite television ... with text-audio translation?