Rocket Chinese VS Fluenz (Mandarin) Chinese

If you want to learn Chinese but have no idea where to begin or what program to take, here are two language learning programs that will both end up giving you the same desired result, which is to speak Chinese, but take very different roads to getting there- Rocket Chinese and Fluenz (Mandarin) Chinese.  Which one is for you?

The Approach:

Rocket Chinese uses what they like to call the natural approach, also referred to as the interactive conversational learning approach.  This method of learning is based on how we all started to learn our very first language, which is through just understanding through listening and speaking while not paying any attention at all to reading and writing until much later on.

However, since we are no longer adults, the people behind Rocket Chinese have taken this tried and tested approach and styled it in a way that is effective for adults.

Also, since Chinese characters are totally different from the English alphabet, a quick lesson on reading and writing is provided.  But do remember that the main focus of Rocket Chinese is still speaking and listening comprehension.  This is just to help you out a bit so that you won’t be completely lost when you see some written Chinese.

Fluenz (Mandarin) Chinese, however, takes an approach that is pretty much the opposite of Rocket’s.  “Great explanations make a big difference because we don’t learn like children anymore”.

Also, the creators and developers of this course believe that in order for you to truly learn the Chinese language, you must make use of all of your skills, reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking, and not just focus on one or two.

Learning Tools and Features:

So now that you’ve seen how different the approach it, check out the various tools and features that each one uses as well.

Some Similarities:

Rocket Chinese starts you off with 31 interactive audio lessons that last about 28 minutes each.  These short classes cover useful everyday Chinese conversations that you do not just merely listen to but you actually take part in- even at your very first lesson.  Aside from that, you will also be provided with the full transcripts of each- one in Pinyin, one written using Chinese characters, and of course, the English translation.

Fluenz (Mandarin) Chinese also offers conversations in Mandarin that are modern and casual with the 45 sessions that come with the package.  However, these lessons last up to two and a half minutes long- much longer than with Rocket.  The reason why this takes a lot of time is that following each conversation is a full explanation and tutorial on the vocabulary and grammar structures that were encountered in each.

Both language courses have the on the go feature so that you can take your learning anywhere.  Rocket Chinese lets you move your audio files to your iPod, MP3 player, or pocket PC while Fluenz comes in CDs and Podcasts.

Another features that both language learning programs have is the one for improving pronunciation.  Rocket Chinese has Rocket Record while Fluenz also has a similar feature that also allows you to record your own voice and then compare it that of a true blue Mandarin speaker.

Where Fluenz has tutors Sonia Gil and Yi Wei, Rocket Chinese has Lin Ping to guide you plus an online 24/7 Chinese tutor that you can contact regarding anything about learning Mandarin.

Other Features:

So, now that you have read about some of the learning tools that are rather similar, here are a couple more features that each program has that cannot really be compared side by side.

Rocket Chinese also comes with 31 language and culture lessons.  Here you will find over 300 embedded audio clips, writing videos, tests, quizzes and other activities that not only explain the language side further such as sentence structures and writing in Chinese, but also give you a deeper look into the lifestyle, traditions, and culture of the Chinese people.

Another feature of Rocket Chinese is MegaChinese.  These are educational games that are supposed to help you learn the language through fun.  MegaVocab is for building up you foundation of Chinese words and MegaAudio is more focused on improving your Chinese listening comprehension.

Fluenz Chinese has what they call the Fluenz Navigator.  Basically, this is a quick reference guide that you can also take with you wherever you go.  Here you will find lists of key words and phrases that may slip your mind but are very handy while speaking Chinese.

With Fluenz, you will also get various workouts.  This wide range of activities cover all the different skills- reading, writing, listening, as well as speaking.  You will even have some that focus on just the grammar side of learning the language.

Another workout…..

Total Differences:

One feature that is totally different between the two is that although both offer various tests and quizzes, Rocket keeps track of your progress so that you know which areas need improving and which ones don’t whereas Fluenz does not keep score at all.

Instead of keeping track of your mistakes, this program motivates you to keep on learning through positive reinforcement and encouragement.

The Verdict:

So basically, if you want to learn the more traditional way, you should opt for Fluenz (Mandarin) Chinese, but if the natural approach seems more appealing, then Rocket Chinese is perfect for you.

Rocket Chinese will take you to a basic conversational level – like asking questions. You could probably get around as a tourist in China asking questions, buying things in shops and markets, traveling round the country but I don’t think you could have in depth conversations about your inner most thoughts. Only practice and learning more vocabulary and turns of phrase will improve this to be fair.

Fluenz Mandarin Chinese has 3 levels and consequently covers more ground. You will still need to do a lot of practicing and learning before you will be fully fluent but it’s a good start on your Chinese language education.Going through the 3 levels will give you more confidence to take your learning to the streets and actually talk to people. This is a significant break through for anyone learning a new language because your knowledge of the language will increase rapidly and you will find learning more interesting and fun than learning from a course.

Rocket Chinese is cheaper than Fluenz when you get the 3 levels in one set. Even if you get the first 2 levels, you are paying considerably more than the Rocket alternative. And if you decide to go for Fluenz, it makes most sense getting all 3 levels for the difference in price.

>>> Get Rocket Chinese here <<<

>>> Get the 3 level set of Fluenz Chinese here <<<