Rocket Languages Review 2024: Does it Work to Become Fluent?
Who doesn’t want to learn new languages? Learning new languages can be advantageous for business, can make travel easier and more enjoyable, and makes you appear more worldly. Learning new languages, like other forms of learning, can also keep your mind sharp as you age. But with all the possible programs and methodologies out there, how do you choose what language learning app is right for you?
This article is a review of the Rocket Language program and method, so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right choice for you!
What Is Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages was created by Jason Oxenham to provide language instruction to those of us who didn’t have second language instruction available in school, or if we didn’t have the drive to learn a second language when we were young. Oxenham says he tried to use language programs on the market, and never found an effective program that kept him engaged. Out of his frustration, Jason created Rocket Languages. Rocket Languages offers comprehensive language instruction, in a variety of languages, for even the most basic beginners.
How To Use Rocket Languages
There are two main ways to use Rocket Languages. The first is through the IOS app. The second is through Rocket Languages’ website. Both the website and the app use a combination of flash cards and audio instructions to deliver content. To test your learning, there are quizzes, as well as a state of the art software system which listens to your pronunciation to tell you how close you are getting. Rocket Languages offers users a free trial, and 24/7 support, which sets them apart from a lot of other language services.
Relevant: How To Learn A New Language Fast To Become Fluent In 3 to 6 Months
What are the Rocket Language methods and how do they differ from other language apps?
Rocket Languages uses an educational principle known as ‘chunking’. This involves breaking down larger, more complex issues, into manageable ‘chunks’. This allows our brains more time to interpret and digest new information, and also makes the learning seem more manageable and less daunting. For example, if we were going to teach someone how to solve a complex algebra equation, involving adding, multiplying, dividing and subtracting, you could first teach how to add, then how to subtract, then how to multiply, then how to divide, and then how to do them all in the same problem.
By breaking down new languages into smaller, manageable chunks, we have a much better chance of learning and retaining them. This is different from other programs where all the information is laid out in front of you. Rocket Languages paces your learning to make it most effective.
Another distinguishing factor of the Rocket Languages program is that their language A.I. When you pronounce words, the program will correct you if you made any mistakes. This is different from other language programs where you might hear the words being spoken, and you can try to mimic them, but you don’t get any real-time feedback.
Unlike other language programs, Rocket Languages teaches you how to read, speak, AND write in new languages. Most other programs don’t teach all 3 dimensions. They also teach you the grammar you need to have conversations with fluent speakers.
Read relevant Do Language Learning Apps Truly work?
Rocket Language Courses
Rocket Languages teach 1000s of words in 14 different languages, including English, Spanish, French, Arabic, American Sign Language, and many others.
Rocket Languages has 2 levels for each of their languages, so once you’ve mastered the first level, you can continue developing your skills in level 2. You can purchase the levels separately or as a bundle.
There are also free resources to use for each language to get you started before you make any sort of financial commitment. Rocket Languages also offers a 60 day guarantee, because they’re confident you’ll be satisfied.
Recently, Rocket Languages has introduced a new benchmark feature. This allows your current language proficiency to be diagnosed, so that you can be placed in the appropriate program. That way, you don’t waste your money on level 1, if you’re already at a level 2 proficiency.
Can Rocket Language Be Used Offline?
Yes! The Rocket Languages app allows you to download lessons and take them anywhere. You could be learning new languages at the gym, in the park, even on your work break. This is a great function because many other language apps require the internet to work.
How much is Rocket Language and is it worth the cost?
Rocket Languages offers a free trial to start, and there’s a ton of free content on their website. The app is free to download, but to access the programs fully, you need to purchase them. You can get level 1 of any language for $100, or Level 1 and 2 bundled for $250. This gives you lifetime access, so you can return anytime you need a refresher.
Will Rocket Language make you fluent?
Rocket Languages gives you an excellent foundation for language instruction, but no program will be a magic pill to make you fluent. You need to take what you learn from Rocket Languages, and immerse yourself in that language to be fully fluent. This could involve moving to a new country, listening to radio programs from that country, or finding some friends who also want to learn that new language.
Rocket Languages is a fantastic program, but no program, no matter how amazing, is going to be a one-step solution. You need to be willing to do some hard work if you truly want to become fluent in a new language.
What are people saying about Rocket Languages?
Positives: Based on reviews from Google and Trustpilot, in general, people really love the method of language instruction that Rocket Languages offers. The activities and content delivery keep people motivated to continue learning. The pronunciation correction is also a commonly highlighted feature. People also comment on how confident the learning from Rocket Languages makes them in speaking the new language.
Negatives: Based on reviews from Google and Trustpilot, some people have had issues getting in contact with Rocket Languages’ customer service team, when they are having issues with the app. Others have also commented that on occasion, the audio will cut out short on phrases, so that you don’t get to hear the entire phrase pronunciation.
Rocket Language Pros and Cons
Pros
- Well-paced progressions: Rocket Languages uses benchmark testing to place you in the correct course. From there, the lessons are paced appropriately for your specific level. The pacing of the lessons is logical, and follows best pedagogical practices.
- Chunked lessons: the lessons in Rocket Languages are broken down into very manageable chunks. This allows anyone, no matter how basic (or non-existent) your knowledge of the language is to feel confident in your learning. Chunking gives your brain more time to digest the information being presented to you, which in turn, boosts retention of learning.
- Downloadable lessons: you can download any of the Rocket Languages lessons from the app, making the lessons 100% portable. You can be learning a new language on your commute, in the park, heck, even at the top of a mountain!
- Free trial: Rocket Languages are so confident that you’ll love their courses, they give you a free trial to test out the program first.
- Free content: Rocket Languages provides free content for all of their languages. This combined with the free trial means that you can really get a feel for both Rocket Languages and the language you want to learn before making a financial commitment.
- Packaged bundles: Rocket Languages offers packaged bundles for level 1 and 2, making the courses more economical. It makes sense, because once you’ve finished level 1, you’re likely going to want to move directly onto level 2.
- Real-time tech support: unlike some language apps, Rocket Languages offers 24/7 support, so no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to get in contact with a real person who can help you troubleshoot any issues you might be having.
- Reasonable price: at first glance the price tag might seem heavy, but if we compare Rocket Languages to years of frequent in-person language lessons, you’ll see it’s actually quite economical.
- Benchmark testing to diagnose your level: Rocket Languages uses benchmark testing to establish where you are today. This helps them recommend which level is most appropriate, and which lesson you should be starting with. This is very helpful, because if you already have a bit of a background in a language, you won’t need to waste your time on redundant basics.
Cons
- Programs are not free: this can be an obstacle to some people, because Rocket Languages are not free like some apps.
- Some people have complained about customer service response time. Others have commented that the customer service they received didn’t actually fix the problem.
- Some people using outdated versions of the app have had issues with the A.I. The company usually recommends updating the app to solve this.
Is Learning Languages Worth it?
Learning a new language can be extremely rewarding, and in today’s globalized world, can actually be necessary to success. There are a ton of different methods for learning a new language. You can find a plethora of free apps to give you a very basic understanding of a new language, but these apps are, well, basic. You can also hire a language teacher, who might charge $30-50/hour. Rocket Languages offers an amazing amalgam of these two options. Rocket Languages combines the ease of use and mobility of an app, with the intensive, chunked, instruction of a language teacher. The price tag is also WAY lower than the long term use of a language teacher.
As mentioned earlier, Rocket Languages is the beginning, not the one-stop magic pill. Rocket Languages gives you an effective starting point. You will learn the basics of a language, through sound pedagogical practices, A.I. pronunciation correction, benchmark analysis, and frequent quizzes and feedback. What you do with this base next is up to you. If you TRULY want to learn French, go to France, or join a local French club, or watch French film or French news. Fully immersing yourself in the language is the best way to become (and stay) fluent in a new language. Learning a new language keeps your mind sharp, keeps you interesting, and opens new worlds to you.
