Goodbye, small world. With the English language vulnerable to a long-term decline along with the U.S. dollar, the value of your home and your 401(k), there has never been a better time to think about learning a foreign language. And with broadband Internet, rich-media technology, and Web 2.0 design, the language-learning process itself has never been easier -- or more fun!

OK, I'll Do It. Where Do I Start?

If you were to join a gym for the first time in years after a long period of sedentary behavior, would you invent a random circuit from one machine to another, or would you hire a personal trainer? Unless you know what you're doing, get help.

The same holds true for learning a language. You can find all manner of free Web sites devoted to teaching you one aspect of language learning or another. But if you're new or just rusty, you'd be best-served with professional guidance to start you off with a solid routine, lest you end up with the linguistic equivalent of huge biceps and a flabby gut.

Auralog

Auralog also straddles the divide between CD-ROM software and the online experience with its Tell Me More software. The program (see demo) takes over your entire screen, helping you to avoid distractions and get into the flow of the program. Each spoken prompt is followed by three choices, and you answer using a microphone. That's when the voice recognition kicks in, and your virtual conversation partner comes back with an appropriate response. These "dialogues" are followed by various guided activities, including the ability to practice your pronunciation using visual representations of the sound waves. It's mildly addictive -- and beneficial for your accent -- to try to max out your score at imitating a spoken utterance. Prices for CD-ROMs start at $235; the online service costs $9.95/day, $24.95/week, $49.95/month, $175/six months, and $295/year. Requires a PC with Internet Explorer.