Forums > Specific Focus > Learning Spanish

grahams

Apr 7, 2007, 8:23 AM

Post #1 of 11 (6487 views)

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spanish language software programs

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Does anyone have any experience with Spanish software programs, specifically ROSETTA STONE and
TELL ME MORE ....

We're considering trying one of these as our schedule is not particularly conducive to formal classroom situations.

We're both beginners.

Also, would a 2-week homestay course in Spanish in Mexico be sufficient to at least get your feet wet (so to speak). We both still work full time and don't have oodles of time yet. That's several years down the road. My worry is that the longer we leave this the more limited the brain capacity (specifically memory functions).

Thanks for any info you can throw our way.

Janis

judithnpups

Apr 7, 2007, 8:38 AM

Post #2 of 11 (6480 views)

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Re: [grahams] spanish language software programs

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I'd recommend "Synergy Spanish" on-line. (http://www.synergyspanish.com/ ) The first four lessons are free and the remainder costs about $20. My partner has found this course to be very effective. She's on lesson 18 and doing great!

Rosetta Stone is quite impressive and quite expensive.

Buena suerte-
Judith in the DF (formerly in Morelia)

husker

Apr 7, 2007, 9:19 AM

Post #3 of 11 (6476 views)

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Re: [grahams] spanish language software programs

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Try Visuallinkspanish.com I have used both the beginning lessons and now have the verb module these will give you a base to communication
Spanish.about.cam also very useful
I also have listened to Pimsleurs I,II and III to get pronunciation and vocabulary
There are a lot of free vocab. and usage on the web

BBQ Jones

Apr 7, 2007, 10:26 PM

Post #4 of 11 (6458 views)

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Re: [judithnpups] spanish language software programs

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I second the recommendation of Synergy Spanish. It was a great launching pad for me. Mainly because very quickly you can communicate in a basic way. Maybe your grammar isn't perfect but people will understand what you are trying to say. But more importantly..to me anyway, is that even though you can't shake your Gringo accent, your pronunciation will be very good- about 10 times better than average. It helps to keep the snickers down.

Now I'm using Learning Spanish Like Crazy. It's along the same lines. When I finish this one it's back to my abandoned Rosetta Stone. Good luck and practice every day. And even though it's more than a little painful for them to listen to you, make them speak to you in Spanish. So far so good for me. Of course, your mileage may vary.

Charlie
www.CasasDelMarPV.com
cwood@CasasDelMarPV.com

frosti

Apr 18, 2007, 6:03 PM

Post #5 of 11 (6371 views)

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Re: [grahams] spanish language software programs

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The Rosetta Stone software is very good, easy to learn but it's really
for the beginner and just to get you started. I would not recommend it
for the serious student. The cheap $10.00 software at Staples is just
as good and a lot cheaper.

Bloviator

Apr 19, 2007, 5:20 AM

Post #6 of 11 (6357 views)

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Re: [grahams] spanish language software programs

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For practicing Spanish verbs, I have found this program very useful.

http://www.spaleon.com/index.php

judithnpups

Apr 19, 2007, 8:47 AM

Post #7 of 11 (6348 views)

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Re: [dlyman6500] spanish language software programs

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Thx for the link, dlyman. It's just what I needed. My verb endings have gotten pretty creative, but I've been too lazy to open a grammar book. This quickie practice is great for cleaning up my sloppy verbs. I'm going to plan to spend 5 or 10 minutes a day with it. Mil gracias.
Judith in the DF (formerly in Morelia)

sfmacaws

Apr 19, 2007, 12:22 PM

Post #8 of 11 (6336 views)

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Re: [dlyman6500] spanish language software programs

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I like that one too Dlyman, just what I need. My knowledge of many tenses, in irregular verbs especially, is passive, I understand them when I hear them but I don't use them. This is a great tool.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

robbers

May 10, 2007, 12:51 PM

Post #9 of 11 (6231 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] spanish language software programs

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I think style of learning is somewhat personal, but here is my (limited) experience:

Rosetta Stone: Interesting approach and fun, learned words but couldn't put them together.

Visual Link: Like it a lot, helped me start putting phrases together.

Rocket Spanish: The best of the three for me, but still a bit light on grammer, but what the heck, who needs stinking grammer anyway.

Best of luck. Make it seem fun and you'll learn faster. I mean, who can resist the fun of saying puedo ayurdarme over and over again?

P.S.: I find it helpful to have an online dictionary handy when studying with software: http://www.freedict.com/onldict/spa.html

jerezano

May 10, 2007, 8:03 PM

Post #10 of 11 (6211 views)

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Re: [grahams] spanish language software programs

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Hello grahams,

Nobody has responded to your second question about home stay.

>>>>Also, would a 2-week homestay course in Spanish in Mexico be sufficient to at least get your feet wet (so to speak). We both still work full time and don't have oodles of time yet. That's several years down the road. My worry is that the longer we leave this the more limited the brain capacity (specifically memory functions).<<<

Yes, yes, yes! A home stay at a language school is well worth while. And it doesn't need to be two whole weeks. One week is fine. And many schools do offer that one week option. One on one instruction is absolutely the best method, but a class for beginners is cheaper. And that home stay part can be the most enlightening part of the experience. And the most fun. And the most productive. It is also a whale a lot cheaper than a stay at a hotel with restaurant meals, no matter how cheap the hotel or the restaurant.

Yes.

Adiós. jerezano

Bloviator

May 11, 2007, 4:57 AM

Post #11 of 11 (6197 views)

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Re: [robbers] spanish language software programs

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Check back in the forum. We have had extensive discussion of places offering good intensive study programs. Places such as Cuernavaca, Guad, and Antigua, Guatemala have been discussed. I believe I started one by requesting suggestions, just as you are doing now.

If you don't find it by searching back one year and trying a few appropriate word groups, PM me and I will locate the topic for you.