The Rosetta Stone computer program is easy to sign up for and free to learn for students who want to study the 11 language courses available at the World Languages and Cultures Center.

Rosetta Stone has been used in the center since summer 2008, said Chiaki Troutman, WLCC coordinator.

Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish are offered through the interactive programs.

“English as a Second Language is the 11th language,” Troutman said. “It is used mainly by international students, especially freshmen, who are trying to improve their English skills.”

Troutman said international students use Rosetta Stone ESL to manage the difficulty with beginning English grammar concepts and pronunciation.

“In the same way, the program helps students to keep practicing conversational phrases without being pressured,” she said. “However, Rosetta Stone can’t replace a class or textbooks,”

There were 67 students registered to use Rosetta Stone this semester, Troutman said.

Spanish is the most frequently learned language with 28 students, and half of them want to enroll in a Spanish class after they finish Rosetta Stone.

Troutman said students who want to sign up for Rosetta Stone can visit the WLCC and show a valid student ID. The center is located on the second floor of the Main Building, overlooking the coffee shop.

“It takes only about 15 minutes for students to create their own account,” she said.

Students who want to have more time to practice on Rosetta Stone besides the limited hours the WLCC offers can go to the Communication Lab, located between the coffee shop and the student union.

There are two to three computers there providing the Rosetta Stone Program, Troutman said.

Student Chiemezie Ibekwe is using the language program to improve his French.

“I have spent six hours every week to study French in Rosetta Stone for three weeks,” he said. “I feel really content and efficient in improving my fluency in French after using Rosetta Stone.”

Ibekwe recommends students visit the World Languages and Cultures Center.

“The people working here are so helpful,” Ibekwe said.

“When I came here, Chiaki showed me the BBC website so that I can learn conversation. They also have many textbooks.

“I can also meet people every day, who come here like me to study language.”

Student Brandon Young also is using Rosetta Stone to study Spanish.

“That program is great,” he said.

Student Jennifer Bokolo said she also uses the language program.

“I’m studying English in Rosetta Stone to improve my pronunciation in communication,” she said.

“That is a very good program, but so basic. You also need an advanced class.”

For more information about Rosetta Stone, email Troutman at ctroutman@occc.edu or call 405-682-1611, ext. 7104.

To contact Hung Tran, email onlineeditor@occc.edu