I Want to Learn Tagalog!

The best way to learn Tagalog is with Rosetta Stone Filipino. It's the most comprehensive program for learning Tagalog. Inside the Rosetta Stone box is CD-ROM software (Windows / Mac), a user's guide and a free headset microphone!

Start with Level 1, which includes basic vocabulary and sentence structure. Topics include Tagalog words for saying your age, family terms, household items and times of day. You learn Tagalog phrases for buying and selling.

Once you've got your basic Tagalog words and sentence patterns down, Level 2 will help you learn intermediate conversation skills. You will learn how to ask Filipinos for directions and the time, and make polite requests. In terms of Tagalog grammar, you'll be dealing with past and future tenses. You'll also learn how to write letters in Tagalog!

Rosetta Stone's Tagalog course is a bit pricey, but if you're sure you're going go through both Levels 1 and Levels 2, buy the set that includes both levels ("Tagalog Level 1 & 2"). You can save up to a hundred dollars that way. Another thing that Rosetta Stone offers is an online subscription to their Tagalog-language program online.

If you find that Rosetta Stone Filipino is too big an investment, try Pimsleur Tagalog. It's an audio-only program that focuses on listening comprehension and speaking. No books, no drills.