You will benefit from a base in the language before starting the Rosetta Stone program. I have read reviews that aren't so good for Rosetta re: Arabic, while for other languages they get glowing reviews. I had the program, downloaded and attempted to start it but found it didn't work for me at all. Do try to get the alphabet and some simple (free) lessons before investing. Good luck!
Hahaha Cleopatra same here with the French- we sat with it for about 6 months before even trying it out - once we did we were hooked. The Arabic we got on their recent sale. Yomommabyrd, would offer to try it out for you but am no expert at dialects etc. And really curious to know how they are going to teach the writing without teaching the alphabet! We got levels 1-3 and it comes with an audio CD that you can keep in your car to listen to and reinforce your lessons. You set the level of difficulty in pronounciation and up to 5 people can use it on one computer. Comes with a headset and really good audio feedback to correct your speech. The French is is really repetitive, there's no way you forget most of what you have learned. And Cleopatra - you should start, it's almost like a game and such fun when you realise how easily the language starts to "stick" - I'm terrible at languages.
Thanks Di@DXB, I had never heard of BYKI but I have not downloaded it and hopefully it will allow me the opportunity to see if I can learn Arabic. Hate to invest lots of money and then realize that I cannot absorb the language. As to Aryanwynn, that is why I was considering Rosstta Stone, I have hear soo many great comments about their program.
I have the Rosetta Stone Arabic but have not yet downloaded it yet, so cannot answer as to dialect etc. Reason I bought it is that we have had fabulous fun and great results with the Rosetta Stone French. Worth every penny.
I have not tried Rosetta Stone. But if you want to see how you would get on with learning Arabic or any language before paying for anything, try BYKI, they offer a free d/l of many languages inc Arabic, and you get the first level free for as long as you need. I found it easy to follow and liked the test system which does not let you go to the next lesson before mastering the previous one.