CNN.com - Technology - Review: E-mail service offers 'Vocabulary Vitamins'
Andrew Mckinney October 23, 2000
Web posted at: 22:27 HKT (2227 GMT)
October 23, 2000
Web posted at: 10:27 a.m. EDT (1427 GMT)
by James A. Martin
(IDG) -- Do you pronounce the word sangfroid literally--as "sang-froid?" Or do you not use the word in conversation because you're unsure how to pronounce it or don't know its meaning?
Whatever the reason, help with this and other English words is available from your computer. Vocabulary Vitamins, a new subscription service from Speechcom.com, sends you a new word by e-mail, so you can learn five days a week.
You can choose from intermediate or advanced level subscriptions. Each word message includes a definition, usage example, pronunciation and usage tips, and quotations from recent or historical articles containing the word.
The service costs $24.95 yearly for individuals and is designed for students learning English as a second language, as well as for native speakers who want to improve their vocabulary. But vocabulary-building programs are not new. With other e-mail vocabulary builders available free of charge from the likes of Merriam-Webster, why pay?
Judging from my experiences as a subscriber, Vocabulary Vitamins is worth its price and more. Each e-mail arrives with two sound file (.wav) attachments. In one, the word is simply pronounced; in the other, the word is used in a sentence. Hearing the correct pronunciation makes this service particularly worthwhile for ESL students.
Even better, you can record your own pronunciations (using Windows' Sound Recorder accessory) and e-mail the .wav file to the folks at Speechcom.com. Within one business day, you'll receive a critique via e-mail.
The suggestions I received regarding my pronunciation of sangfroid were polite and helpful. I was even encouraged to try again and send the results back to them. What's more, I got a little tech advice, too: Recording my sound files in mono, not stereo, makes for speedier transmission.
Another option is to call the company's toll-free number and leave your pronunciation in a voice mail. The message I left was promptly acknowledged with a return phone call. Who says you don't get personal service over the Internet?
If you're trying to improve your vocabulary, Speechcom.com's service is well worth the money. And for the record, sangfroid means self-possession and poise--common qualities among those with a fabulous vocabulary.
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