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ABCs
Pronunciation -- ABC

Alphabet

To learn the alphabet:

1.	Click on the individual letter in the column to hear the speaker pronounce it or click on one of the column buttons to hear the speaker pronounce all of the letters in that column.

2.	Use the recorder to practice pronouncing the alphabet.


Action

The Action presents a video of characters engaged in a dialogue, similar to, but more challenging than the Story.  Cultural Notes, related to the story, have been provided to make learning about the target-language culture more informative and enjoyable.

To do the exercise:

1.	Watch the movie and listen to how the words are used in a real-life situation.

2.	Go back and listen to the situation line by line.

3.	After playing an individual sentence, repeat the sentence into your microphone.  Record it as many times as necessary until your pronunciation closely matches the native speaker’s.

4.	To enhance your listening skills, go through the Action with the target language text turned off.

Note:  The Story and Action dialogues also appear in the Dialogues section of your Learn To Speak Workbook.  You may want to refer to them as you practice the Simulated Conversations with onscreen characters.


Basic Introduction
Basics/Internet lesson -- Introduction

Each basic/i-lesson begins with a list of educational goals. The goals tell you what you can expect to learn in each lesson.

To see and listen to the short dialogue, click on the Play button.

Click on the Right Arrow to go to Vocabulary.


Basic Vocabulary
Basics/internet-lesson  -- Vocabulary

The Basics/internet-lesson Vocabulary screen introduces simple words and expressions, and offers an extended word list of related words.  After you feel comfortable with the words and expressions, you can take a drill to review the words and expressions and practice your pronunciation.

To practice the vocabulary:

1.	Click on an expression or vocabulary word to hear it.

2.	Repeat the expression or word into your microphone until your pronunciation closely matches the native speaker’s.

3.	Continue the lesson with the Expanded Vocabulary.

4.	Take the vocabulary drill to sharpen the skills you have just learned.

Note:  The Translation feature is not present in the English version.


Basic Words

Basic Words introduces words such as numbers, times, the yearly calendar, and colors.

To use Basic Words:

1.	Click on a tab to select a category of basic words.

2.	Click on a word to hear it.

3.	Look at the picture while listening to the native speaker to help emphasize the meaning of the word.  If you need to see the meaning of a word, click

on Translation.

4.	Click on Record and repeat the word into your microphone.  Try to match the native speaker’s pronunciation as closely as possible.

5.	Click on Drill to review all the words and practice your pronunciation.

Note:  The Translation feature is not present in the English version.


Basics Communication
Basics/Internet lesson -- Communication

In Communication, you practice using the expressions you have learned in short dialogues.  These are presented onscreen along with corresponding pictures to enhance your recognition and memorization skills.

To go through the Communication:

1.	Listen to an expression then choose one of the three possible responses.  You can click on  to the left of an expression or response to hear it.

2.	Click on Record and respond into your microphone.

3.	Click on Next to go on to the next expression, or you can repeat the exercise using the remaining possible responses.  As in actual conversation, there may be several possible responses to a given situation.

Note:  If you don’t remember the meaning of a sentence, place the cursor over the sentence to see its translation.


Basics Exercises
Basics/Internet -- Exercises

Basic/Internet Lesson ends with a set of exercises.  The exercises drill you on vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills that were introduced in the current lesson.

Vocabulary Skills

To do See It, Say It:

1.	Look at the picture and the three vocabulary items.

2.	Pronounce the item that best matches the picture into your microphone.  You can click on the speaker icon to hear a vocabulary item again.

Communication Skills

To do Multiple Choice:

1.	Read the phase or sentence.

2.	Click on the most appropriate response.

To do Drag and Match:

1.	Listen to clues and match words or phrases to the corresponding picture.

To do Storyline:

1.	Listen to the narration.

2.	Arrange the pictures in chronological order.

Grammar Skills

To do Multiple Choice:

1.	Read the sentence.

2.	Click on the drop-down arrow and pick the right answer..


Basics Grammar
Basics/Internet lesson -- Grammar

Basics Grammar Lesson

Basic grammar explanations are introduced in the Grammar.  Here, you can study grammar topics in either Video or Text mode.

To practice the grammar:

1.	Click on a tab to select a grammar topic.

2.	Listen to the video, then click on Text to go on to Text mode.

3.	Click on the grammar points one at a time to move through the grammar examples.

Internet Grammar Lesson

Grammar topics that are related to the content of the lesson are introduced.

To practice the grammar:

1.	Click on a tab to select a grammar topic.

2.	Click the Back and Next Arrows to move back and forth in the lesson.


Consonant Combos
Pronunciation -- Consonant Combos

Consonant Combos

To practice consonant combinations:

1.	Select a consonant combination on the left. Words that feature that combination are displayed on the right. You can click on the individual words to hear them pronounced.

2.	Use the recorder to practice pronouncing the words yourself.


Consonants
Pronunciation -- Consonants

Consonants

To practice consonant sounds:

1.	Select a consonant on the left. Words that feature that consonant are displayed on the right. You can click on the individual words to hear them pronounced.

2.	Use the recorder to practice pronouncing the words yourself.


Conversation

The Conversation section uses speech-recognition simulation and branching-conversation technologies to allow you to interact with an onscreen native speaker.  Your responses determine the direction and outcome of the dialogue with the onscreen character just like an actual conversation.  You can go through a Conversation several times and have several different outcomes.

The program offers Practice and Live mode:  In Practice mode, a hint system is available, where you see three hints per response by successive clicks of the Hint button.  In Live mode, no hints are available.  In both modes, speech recognition calculates the accuracy of each of your responses, and upon completion of the Conversation, a dialog box appears producing a rating based on your level of accuracy.

To use Practice mode:

1.	Click on Begin.  If you need help, click on Hint.

2.	After listening to the native speaker, click on Respond before speaking into your microphone.

To use Live mode:

1.	Click on Begin.

2.	After listening to the native speaker, simply respond into your microphone.

You can click on Pause to stop the conversation and Resume to continue it.

Scoring

In both modes, speech recognition measures the pronunciation accuracy of each of your responses and produces a final score based on the average percentage of correctness.


Conversation Menu
Simulated Conversation Menu

The Conversations section uses speech-recognition simulation and branching-conversation technologies to allow you to interact with an onscreen native speaker.  Your responses determine the direction and outcome of the dialogue with the onscreen character just like an actual conversation.  Thus, you can go through a Conversation several times and have several different outcomes.

To have a simulated conversation:

1.	Enter your sex and age in order to set up the conversation path that is most appropriate for you.

2.	Choose one of the onscreen characters.  You can later go back and change the character and personal information to vary the type of conversational

experience you will have.


Conversation Screen

1.	Click on Play and listen to the character.  (While the character speaks, Listen lights up.)

2.	When Speak lights up, respond to the character using your microphone.

If you want to hear the user repeat a line, click on the Left arrow twice and then click on Resume.  You can step backwards through the conversation by clicking on the Left Arrow many times.

If you need help, you can click on a Possible Response or Text.*  To hear a possible answer, click on the speaker icon in front of each response.

With your microphone turned off, you can click on a response rather than recording it.

* The Translation feature is not present in the English version.


Credits

Thanks to everyone whose effort and dedication helped to create this new version of Learn To Speak, the world's best-selling foreign language software.

To leave the Credits screen, click Home on the Menu Bar.


Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle is the most comprehensive vocabulary review in Learn To Speak.  It uses the vocabulary words from all of the lessons.

To start the game:

1.	Choose the puzzle size you want.  To make the puzzle larger and more challenging, click the size setting from 10 to 15 words (as shown).

2.	Click on Make Puzzle to create a crossword puzzle.  This button can be used at any time to create a new crossword puzzle.

3.	Click on a clue in the Across or Down boxes to highlight the answer position in the puzzle, or click on a number in the puzzle to highlight its associated clue.  If there are more than five clues, use the scroll bar to see the other clues.

4.	Type your answer in the highlighted squares in the puzzle.  Use lowercase letters unless a capital is required as in proper nouns.  Use your mouse or the arrow keys on your keyboard to move through the puzzle.  (Be sure that capitals are correct.)

5.	Click on the next clue.  You can also move through the clues using your keyboard.  Use the Enter key to move from the highlighted clue down to the next clue.  Press Shift + Enter to move from the highlighted clue up to the previous clue.

Help in solving the puzzle

•	You can click on Hint to see a letter for a currently selected square in the crossword puzzle.

•	You can click on Check to see any incorrect letters you have typed highlighted.  This will help you to find and correct your mistakes.

•	If you cannot solve the crossword puzzle, click on Solve to see all the answers.  Click on Unsolve to hide the answers.  (The answers you have already typed will not be hidden.)


Cultural Movie Menu

Lessons that are available are displayed on this screen.

The Cultural Movie depicts different aspects of the target-language culture, people, and countries.  The movie uses the vocabulary words and grammar you have studied in previous lessons.  You will hear the movie in the target language to enhance your listening skills.


Cultural Movies

Each Learn To Speak unit culminates in a Cultural Movie. Each movie highlights the culture of the foreign country visited in the program. You can choose to watch the movie accompanied by text in the foreign language or in a native-language translation.

To play a movie:

•	Click on Play to play the movie.

•	Click on Pause to pause the movie.

•	Click on Right Arrow to move forward to the next paragraph.

•	Click on Left Arrow to go back to the previous paragraph.

•	Click on Stop to stop the movie and reset it to the beginning.

Note -- translation feature is not present in the English version.


Dictionary

The Learn To Speak Dictionary is accessible from the menu bar.  It includes all of the vocabulary words and grammar from the Learn To Speak program.  You can search for target-language vocabulary words, see their meanings, and hear their pronunciations.

To search for a word:

•	Click the search button to Word, then type a word in the text box.  The Dictionary begins searching as soon as you begin typing.

To search for words by topic(s):

•	Click the search button to Topic, then choose a topic (i.e., numbers, food, transportation, etc.).

*  Sort feature is not present in the English version.

Note:  The vocabulary words for an Internet Lesson are added to your Learn To Speak Dictionary as part of the download process.  (See Dictionary in the Menu Bar section.)


Download Lessons

Lessons that are available are displayed on this screen.

To download an Internet lesson:

1.	Choose a category.

2.	Choose a lesson from the list displayed.

3.	Click on Install to download it to your computer.

Note -- the time it takes to download a lesson varies based on the speed of your modem.  It may take up to 30 minutes to download a lesson if you have a 14.4 k modem.  After the lesson has been downloaded to your hard drive, it will appear on the Internet Lesson screen.


Drill 1

Drill 1 consists of two types of exercises that build vocabulary skills.

•	Listen & Click -- listen to a word, then click on the corresponding picture.

•	See It, Say It -- see a picture, then say the vocabulary word that matches the picture.


Drill 2

Drill 2 consists of several exercise types that build listening, speaking, and reading skills.

•	Drag & Match -- listen to clues and match words or phrases to the corresponding picture.

•	How Do You Say? -- listen to a situation or question, then record or type the correct response.

•	Storyline -- listen to a brief narrative or dialogue, then place the pictures in the proper sequence.

•	Multiple Choice -- answer a set of multiple choice questions about the text.


Drill 3

Drill 3 consists of three exercise types that focus on elements of grammar.

•	Fill in the Blanks-complete the phrases by typing in the missing elements.

•	Multiple Choice-hear or read a phrase or question, then select the most appropriate response.

•	Drag & Match -- listen to clues and match words or phrases to the corresponding picture.


Exercises

The exercises let you practice the vocabulary and dialogues you have learned.

Vocabulary Practice

Listen and Click

To start Listen and Click, click Begin. Listen to the word and click on the picture that best represents the word or phrase. To hear the word again, click on Hear Again. A check mark will be displayed if you pick the correct picture. There are five words per set. You'll have the chance to correct any you may have missed after all five have been answered.  Click on Start New to begin a new set.

See and Say

Choose Speak or Type mode, then click Begin to start the exercise. Look at the picture and say or type the corresponding word. In Type mode, be sure to use all correct punctuation, and use the foreign character bar to insert accented characters. There are five pictures per set. You'll have the chance to correct any you may have missed after all five have been answered. Click on Start New to begin a new set.

Dialogue Practice

Fill in the Blank

Each Fill in the Blank exercise consists of five sentences. If there is a speaker icon at the beginning of the line, click it to play the sound on which you should base your answer. Type your response in the underlined spaces, using the foreign character bar to insert accented characters, and press Enter to move to the next question. If your answer is correct, it will turn green; if not, it will turn red.

Drag and Match

In Drag and Match, use your mouse to click and drag the text boxes to match a picture, sound, or text. If the match is correct, it will "stick"; if not, it will return to its position. Click on Start New to begin a new set

Multiple Choice

Each Multiple Choice exercise consists of five sentences. If there is a speaker icon at the beginning of the line, click it to play the sound you should base your answer on. Click on the Down Arrow and choose the correct answer from among the selections. If your answer is correct, it will turn green; if not, it will turn red.

Storyline

In Storyline, click Begin to play a dialogue. Listen to the dialogue and use your mouse to drag the pictures into the tray at the top of the workspace to match the sequence of events in the story. Click Check Answers at any time to see if the sequence is correct. Any pictures not in the proper order will return to their original position.

How Do You Say?

Select Speak or Type mode, then native or foreign language display for the question text. Then click Begin to start the exercise. You will be asked to express something in a sentence or phrase in the foreign language. In Speak Mode, click Record when you are ready to give your response; in Type mode, enter your response into the text box, being sure to use correct punctuation and accented characters. You will see a check mark if your response is correct.

Reading Practice

Reading practice consists of a reading passage and Multiple Choice questions. Hold your mouse over any word in the reading passage to get its translation. To answer the questions, click on the Down Arrow and choose the correct answer from among the selections.


Extended Courses Menu

The Extended Courses menu appears the first time you select Extended Courses from the Home screen.  You can choose one of the three courses.  The lessons that comprise each course appear on the screen.  Once you have selected an extended course, it will appear on the Home Screen.

If you want to change to another course later, go to Customization.


Games

Learn To Speak features two perennial favorites, Crossword Puzzle and Go Fish. Even though the games are fun and engaging, they also give you a chance for some serious practice.

Go Fish challenges your vocabulary skills, and depending on whether you choose to play in Speak or Type mode, additionally tests spelling or pronunciation. The game uses the vocabulary from the current chapter.

Crossword Puzzle is also excellent vocabulary practice, and can be made easier or harder by displaying the clues in the foreign language or in your native language. Vocabulary words for the puzzles are drawn at random from all chapters of the program.

To play Crossword Puzzle, click on the Crossword Puzzle picture. To play Go Fish, click on the Go Fish picture. If you need help in playing the game, click Help on the Menu Bar once you're inside the game. Extra help is available in Go Fish by clicking on "House Rules" behind the bar.


Go Fish

Go Fish is a fun way to practice using the vocabulary words you have learned.  The object of the game is to beat Clint Dogwood by answering his questions or clues with the correct vocabulary words.  Go Fish uses only the vocabulary words from the lesson you are currently studying.

To start the game:

1.	Click on the deck of cards that says Begin.

2.	When Clint Dogwood deals your cards, examine them.

When it’s your turn:

1.	Click on one of your cards.

2.	Record or type its translation in the target language.

•	Be sure to include definite articles where appropriate.

•	Be sure that capitals, punctuation, international characters, and spaces are correct.  Use the Foreign Character bar to place the correct foreign character(s) into the text box.

•	Use your Backspace and Del keys to erase typing mistakes.

3.	If your answer is incorrect, type or record your correction.

4.	If Clint Dogwood has the card you have selected, you win the match and it’s your turn again.

5.	If Clint Dogwood does not have the card you have selected, you “go fish” and it becomes Clint Dogwood’s turn.

When it is Clint’s turn:

1.	When Clint Dogwood asks you for a card, decide which one of your cards has the correct answer, based on his question or clue.  (To view your extra cards, see the instructions below.)

2.	Click on the card that you think is correct.

•	If you are correct, it’s still Clint’s turn.

•	If you are incorrect, the correct card flashes and you hear the correct answer.  It’s still Clint’s turn.

3.	If you don’t have the card, click on the stack of cards on the table to make Clint Dogwood “go fish” and it becomes your turn.

To view your extra cards:

If you have more than five cards, use the left/right arrows to see the extra cards.


Goals
Introduction

Each extended lesson begins with a list of educational goals. The goals tell you what you can expect to learn in each lesson.

Click on the Right Arrow to go to Vocabulary.


Grammar

The Grammar screen includes grammar explanations of the material covered in the current lesson.  Use this section to learn about specific grammar points, such as the Present Tense of Regular Verbs, or to review entire categories, such as Verbs or Nouns.


Grammar Guidebook
Grammar

The Grammar screen serves as a complete grammar reference tool to be used in conjunction with the self-paced instructional course or by itself.  In the Grammar, you can choose your topic of study by grammar category, topic, or by learning level.

To use the Grammar:

1.	Choose a level of complexity or click All to see all the grammar material.  Level 1 refers to basic grammar concepts, while the subsequent levels progress to more in-depth concepts and rules.

2.	Click on a line containing a grammar topic, then choose a subject.

3.	After you read the corresponding grammar material, you can apply what you’ve just learned by completing an exercise.  When you click on Exercise, you will return to the lesson where the selected grammar subject is explored.


Home

The Home screen is where you begin your studies.  The courses are organized in a progressive order:  In Pronunciation, you learn the target-language alphabet.  In Basics, you learn some basic communication.  The Extended Courses focus on key areas and provide much more depth of content, while the Internet Lessons give you additional content materials even more specific to your individual needs.  The Cultural Movies let you relax as you familiarize yourself with the culture of the target language you are studying.

To exit the program, click the Exit button.


Installation and Start

Run Setup as follows:

Insert the Learn To Speak disc 1 into your CD-ROM drive.  When the Learn To Speak title screen appears, click on Install and follow the onscreen instructions.

Setup searches your system for QuickTime version 3.0 (or greater) and Internet Explorer version 4.0 (or greater).  If these program files are not present, Setup will install them.  Follow the onscreen instructions.

To start the program after installation:

Insert disc 1 into your CD-ROM drive.  When the Learn To Speak title screen appears, click on Run.  If the disc is already in your CD-ROM drive, select Start/Programs/The Learning Company/Learn To Speak 8.0, then select the Learn To Speak icon.

Learn To Speak requires the use of a microphone.  During Setup, a microphone test routine is installed with the program.  The microphone test allows you to check your microphone at any time to determine whether it is working properly.


Internet Lessons

Internet lessons that have been downloaded are displayed on the Internet Lesson screen.  The lessons are organized into categories.

To start a Internet lesson:

1.	Click on the lesson from the Internet Lesson screen.

If you have not downloaded an Internet Lesson, the program will take you directly to the Download Lesson screen when you select Internet Lessons from the Home screen.

To download an Internet lesson:

1.	Click Get Downloadable Lesson from the Internet Lesson screen.


Introduction
Program Overview

Learn To Speak 8.0 delivers a program that personalizes your language-learning experience.  Learn To Speak’s Personalized Learning Technology (PLT) is a breakthrough learning approach that further enhances an already complete and comprehensive language-learning program.  PLT focuses on improving your ability to learn specific areas of interest at your own pace using skill assessment, monitoring, customizable content, and a personalized study plan.

Learn To Speak is a comprehensive computer program that builds all-around fluency in a foreign language, from speaking and understanding to reading and writing.  This version of Learn To Speak contains progressive courses that place a strong emphasis on building skills through practice and review utilizing extensive lessons, exercises, and drills.  Through visual, auditory, and interactive participation, this program provides educational content in an all-encompassing format combining video, audio, textbook, and online instruction.

•	The Home screen is where you begin your studies.  The Tour walks you through and shows you how to get the best use from your Learn To Speak program.  The program is designed to help you develop your conversational skills and improve your pronunciation skills.

•	In Pronunciation, you learn to pronounce vowels, consonants, and vowel and consonant combinations.

•	The Basics Course covers the basic words and expressions you need to start speaking immediately.  You can practice your pronunciation and speaking skills through simulated conversations with native speakers.

•	The Extended Courses contain your primary language instruction.  The in-depth courses are designed to help you develop your listening comprehension and conversation skills.

•	Internet Lessons allow you to extend your language learning beyond the scope of this program with additional downloadable lessons from our Learn To Speak World Wide Web site.

•	The Cultural Movies let you unwind, while you relax and become more familiar with the language and culture you are studying.  Learn To Speak also includes the following features to enhance your studies, which are readily accessible at any time throughout the program.

•	The Progress screen charts your progress and performance in the program and shows which lessons you have successfully completed.

•	The Customization screen allows you to customize the program to suit your needs.

•	The Dictionary incorporates all the vocabulary words from the program, including those from the Expanded Vocabulary and downloadable

lessons.

•	The Grammar screen includes the grammar from all the courses.

•	Online connects you to your personal Study Plan, the online Study Group, or the Learn To Speak web site.


Microphone Test

To test your microphone:

1.	Once you start the program, choose Customization on the menu bar.

2.	Click on Microphone Test and follow the onscreen instructions.

Tips for using the microphone:

•	Make sure your microphone is properly plugged in and turned on.

•	When recording your voice, you’ll get the best results in a quiet room.  Hold the microphone 2-4 inches from your mouth and speak in a normal voice, concentrating on your enunciation.


Navigation
Menu Navigation

Click on a menu item to choose it.

To return to the previous screen, you can click on the Back button from the menu bar.


Online

Online connects you to the Learn To Speak World Wide Web site.  Learn To Speak Online features a language tutor, a community page to connect learners, and links to other web sites related to language learning and travel.

To get the most from Learn To Speak Online:

•	Create a Study Plan based on your time availability to outline the best course of study and to help you better manage and achieve your

personal study goals.

•	Join a Study Group where you can connect with other Learn To Speak  language learners-to exchange ideas about your

language-learning experiences, practice your language skills, and motivate one another in your studies.

•	The Learn To Speak Web Page enhances your studies beyond the scope of this program by providing links to other web sites related

to language learning and travel.


Options
Customization

The Customization screen allows you to customize Learn To Speak.  The options described below let you adjust the program as you become more proficient with the target language, or add variety to the program.  The settings are saved under your sign-in name.

Extended Courses

Change which course you are taking from here.

New Audio Messages

New audio messages are heard the first time you enter each screen.

Test Microphone

Test your microphone and adjust the volume.

Speech Recognition

Adjust how strictly the speech recognition feature evaluates your  pronunciation by selecting one of the following options:

•	EASY allows less precision in your pronunciation.

•	MEDIUM allows your pronunciation to be within average limits.

•	HARD requires that your pronunciation closely match the native speaker’s.


Orientation

The Orientation gives you an overview of Basics and important information about learning a language.


Pretest

The Pretest lets you assess how much you already know about the target language so you can determine whether you should start your studies with the Basic Course or go on to the Extended Courses.


Progress

Upon completion of a lesson or course, you can click on Progress on the menu bar to check your progress.  Use this feature to monitor your progress and determine in which skills you may need more practice.


Record and Playback

Use the recording feature to practice making your pronunciation of the target-language resemble that of a native speaker.

To record and play back your voice:

1.	After listening to a word or sentence, click on Record.

2.	When the red bar appears in the recording status bar, begin recording the word or sentence.  Complete your recording before the recording status bar is completely red.

3.	If you finish with time left in your recording, click on Stop.  Playback of the speaker’s voice and your recording is automatic.

4.	To replay your recording, click on Play.  You may record and play back your voice as many times as you feel necessary.


Sign In

To begin Learn To Speak, you’ll need to sign in by entering your name.

New Users

When you enter your name as a new user, a file is created which stores all your scoring and usage information.

To sign in for the first time:

•	Click on New User and type your name next to the cursor, then click on Start (or press Enter) to begin the program.

Listed Users

If you’ve used Learn To Speak before, your name will already be on the sign-in list.  If you don’t see your name, click on the arrows to scroll through the list.

To enter the program when you have already signed in:

•	Click on your name in the list of users, then click on Start.  Or, you can double-click on your name.

To remove a user’s name:

•	Click on the name to highlight it.  Then press Remove.

After you sign in, you’ll arrive at the Home screen.  From here, you can access all the main areas of the Learn To Speak program.  You can also connect to Learn To Speak Online-where you can create your own study plan and more.  Start with the Learn To Speak Tour to familiarize yourself with the program.


Speech Recognition

Learn To Speak uses advanced speech-recognition technology to enhance your learning experience.  The technology evaluates your pronunciation and lets you know how well you’re speaking in the target language, and thus builds confidence in your ability to communicate.  The pronunciation gauge indicates your level of mastering the pronunciation!  You can even change how strictly your pronunciation is measured in the Customization screen.

The speech recognition technology offers a varying degree of recognition.  Thus, a question posed to you might be phrased in several different ways, and you can reply in several different ways.  Your reply determines the direction of the conversation.  In the Simulated Conversations, speech recognition allows you to interact with onscreen characters to create actual conversations.

Note:  To get the most out of the speech-recognition feature, refer to Speech Recognition Tips in the accompanying CD booklet.


Story

The Story uses many of the vocabulary words from the selected lesson, so that you can hear the words spoken in context.  These are presented onscreen along with corresponding pictures to enhance your recognition and  memorization skills.  The picture scenes change as the dialogue plays.  These visual clues help you to understand the story with just a basic knowledge of the target language.

To go through the Story:

1.	Click on Play to see and hear the native speakers.

2.	Click to the left of a sentence to have it repeated.

3.	If you don’t remember the meaning of a word used in a sentence, place the cursor over the individual word in the sentence to see its meaning.

4.	After playing an individual sentence,  repeat the sentence into your microphone.  Record it as many times as necessary until your pronunciation closely matches the native speaker’s.

5.	To enhance your listening skills, go through the Story with the text turned off.


Technical Support

The technology used to create Learn To Speak makes considerable demands on your hardware.  As a result, there may be times when things do not perform as well as they should.

Should you have problems with Learn To Speak, please consult the Troubleshooting information in the accompanying CD booklet.  If you are unable to solve the problem, contact Technical Support at 319-247-3333.

Before contacting Technical Support:

•	Write down any error messages as they appeared on the screen.

•	Be at your computer if at all possible.

•	Be running Program Manager and no other programs, including

Learn To Speak.

•	Have your Windows installation disks or CD available.

Be sure to register this program, so that we can provide you with technical support if needed, and notify you of our exciting new products as they become available.

A note about QuickTime®

QuickTime 3.0 is required to run Learn To Speak.  If you do not have Quicktime 3.0 on your system (or if you have a lower version), the Learn To Speak Setup program will prompt you to install it during the installation process.

If you see a solid purple box when a Quicktime movie is played, you need to disable the Direct Draw Acceleration setting.

To disable Direct Draw Acceleration:

1	Click the Start button, and then point to Settings

2	Click on Control Panel.

3	Click on Quicktime.

4	From the pull-down menu, select Video Settings.

5	Turn off Enable Direct Draw Acceleration

6	Click on the close


Vocabulary

The Vocabulary screen introduces all the vocabulary words for the selected lesson.  After you feel comfortable with the vocabulary words, you will learn to use them in short sentences, which are followed by conversations between native speakers.  The sentences and conversations build upon one another to create a story.

To practice the vocabulary words:

1.	Click on a vocabulary word to hear it.

2.	Say the word into your microphone until your pronunciation closely matches the native speaker’s.

3.	Repeat the lesson with the native-language text turned off to enhance your reading skills or turn the translations off to enhance your listening skills.

*  The Translation feature is not present in the English version.


Vowel Combos
Pronunciation -- Vowel Combos

Vowel Combos

To practice vowel combinations:

1.	Select a vowel combination on the left.  Words that feature that combination are displayed on the right. You can click on the individual words to hear them pronounced.

2.	Use the recorder to practice pronouncing the words yourself.


Vowels
Pronunciation -- Vowels

Vowel

To practice vowel sounds:

1.	Select a vowel on the left. Words that feature that vowel are displayed on the right. You can click on the individual words to hear them pronounced.

2.	Use the recorder to practice pronouncing the words yourself.