Bertliz’s Earworms Language Tool Works
by Rob on August 15th, 2008
Berlitz’s Earworms Musical Brain Trainer: A language tool that promises a “revolutionary new learning technique” that’s “effortless and enjoyable”? Sign me up.
You see, I’m not very good at learning languages. Despite living in places where English was secondary (Taiwan, China and Montreal) for a combined six years, I can only communicate in the world’s most popular language. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience.
Well forget all that, says Berlitz. Through the power of music, its Earworms language tool will teach you over 200 essential words and phrases in almost any language you choose, including French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. Each disc has a number of songs that are chock full of language building blocks. Because music is inherently catchy, these phrases will ‘worm’ your way into your brain without any effort. Instead of ‘Don’t Stop Believing‘ you’ll have Je voudrais stuck in your head.
I had the Italian vol 1. disc. Its ten songs have titles like ‘I Would Like’ and ‘Do You Speak English?’. The catchyness of them is debatable: they often seem like your standard audio language tutorial but with a lite musical accompaniment. Certainly they won’t be burning up the pop charts anytime soon.
But they’re incredibly effective. I found after listening to the CD several times, often just before bed or while at the gym, that I knew most of its language. It was especially effective if I combined it with the Earworms’ Memory Hooks, available on its website. For example, Mi chiamo Micky Armo. Now I can safely order un cappuccino per favore where ever I go.
See the Earworms website.
2 Responses to ' Bertliz’s Earworms Language Tool Works '
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on August 16th, 2008 at 1:35 am
I think it is a great concept, and from the demo could see how useful it is. The price is in English Pounds, and I am rusty with that, but it seems very affordable. I just wonder how much one could cover. I don’t think this would be the answer to becoming fluent in a language, but along with tutoring, and or other programs it may be very effective indeed.
I just wonder how it compares to a full program such as Rosetta Stone, or even online tutoring such as http://www.edufire.com offers. I just think this would have to remain a suppliment in language learning. I think this would be excellent for my kids too.
on August 19th, 2008 at 7:46 am
You’re right. I don’t think it’s meant to get a person up to total fluency levels. It’s best use would be to start listening to a CD a few weeks before a planned trip to a foreign country. Ie. A few weeks before I head to Italy, I’d listen to this CD a few times and acquaint myself with the essential travelling phrases.