Italian Before You Know It Review

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Purchase Byki Duluxe for $69.95
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Features:

Simple yet effective language learning method based on proven scientific theory
Although perfect for beginners, Byki Deluxe will also be useful for advanced learners
Construct the foundations of your Italian; build up a solid base of grammar and vocab which you can start using immediately
Perfect your pronunciation with native speaker audio recordings of each word
Listen more carefully by slow down playback in order to pick out each different tone and stress
Research based three step process to memorizing your vocab lists
- Preview it: a series of animated flash cards with translations
- Recognize it: pick the correct meaning of Italian words
- Produce it: type in the correct spelling for Italian words
Byki remembers the words that you struggle with and tests you on them more often
Advanced algorithm technology optimizes the memorization process
Several types of activity including; multiple choice, dictation, listening, comprehension, and card games, to keep the memorization process fresh
Although Byki Express is a complete software package available for instant download to anyone, an upgrade to Byki Deluxe will get you the following features:
- 75+ more lists
- Create your own vocab lists
- Printable flashcards to keep learning 'on the go'
- Advanced speech recognition technology to record your voice and compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker
- Mp3 compatible audio software
- Additional learning activities, games and tests
- Tracking and review tools to visualize your progress
- Byki.com List Central Online Community: share personal lists with other users and access additional online learning resources such as word of the day

Editor's Verdict:

Byki, or Italian Before You Know It, takes a bold and distinctly different approach to language learning. Most teach yourself Italian programs take you from A to B via vocab lists and grammatical explanations; basically, a tried and tested linear approach to learning. Byki, on the other hand, focuses solely on equipping users with a huge bank of words and phrases in their declarative memory. This information is memorized in a such a way that recalling complete units of information is far easier than with traditional approaches. According to the researchers who developed Byki, this is the most effective way for adult learners to teach themselves Italian.

This can be explained by a distinction that neurologists make between our declarative and procedural memories; the principal foreign language acquisition and processing systems of the human brain. Procedural memory can be understood as a process in which sentences are constructed according to language rules that we have learned and vocabulary is recited from memory in phrases; in this way we understand the logic of a language. Declarative memory, on the other hand, stores facts, events, set phrases and vocabulary as complete units (just as a phone number is memorized). This is where Byki focus their efforts. As opposed to other programs, Byki does away with attempts to teach you grammar from the beginning, allowing users to focus on the foundations of Italian; words! Clearly, grammar is vital to language learning, but not, as Byki believe, without a strong foundation in vocab and key phrases. Although at a basic level, users will be able to use the words they have learned straight away, enabling them to interact in real life situations, further optimizing the language acquisition process and allowing them to naturally develop an understanding of the grammar.

With Byki, users commit to long term memory the most commonly used words and phrases that form the building blocks of Italian. This involves a 3 step process; preview, recognize and produce. We found this method really sticks words in your head. In fact, we found the speed of the process actually made Byki quite addictive, whilst additional online materials, activities and games prevented us from getting bored with potentially dull vocabulary. After just one session we could recall an impressive amount of newly learned Italian vocabulary both easily and naturally.

The personal progress tracking software is a real bonus that helps Byki earn its top 10 spot. Words you have trouble with are remembered and you are tested on these more often. This maximizes your learning time by ensuring that you only practice what you need to, along with keeping you constantly challenged. Also, the advanced speech recognition technology that comes with Byki allows you to record yourself, create a neat audio graphic and then compare both this and the playback to that of a native speaker. This is the cherry on the cake for Byki as it ensures that you know exactly how to pronounce all the vocab you have worked so hard to learn.

Although Byki Express is fantastic for beginners, intermediate and advanced users may need to upgrade to Byki Deluxe. Along with the key words and phrases that will prove excellent for gaining a grounding in Italian or preparing for a trip, Byki Deluxe allows users to create their own vocabulary lists. You can gather words from all the sources at your disposal - magazines, films, the workplace, spanish speaking friends etc - and add them to specific word lists; personalizing Byki to your individual needs. Users can then share their lists on the excellent Byki.com List Central Online Community as well access language games and the additional online learning materials. Although neither Byki Express nor Byki Deluxe represent a complete Italian course, they make excellent additional resources to other programs that include grammar exercises. Byki Deluxe is actually included in Transparent Languages Complete Edition (Italian)which you may want to consider as a more comprehensive approach to teaching yourself Italian.

Overall, Byki Express is one of the best free teach yourself Italian resources on the market and an upgrade to Byki Deluxe will get you quality technology based on a proven learning method for a reasonable price; overall, excellent value for money. Byki is used by individuals, companies and institutions in 74 different languages worldwide. Its popularity stands testament to its quality and if you are still unsure, Byki express will not only give you great taster of their teaching methods, you will learn a lot as well!

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Italian Before You Know It Reviews

Italian Before You Know It Review