Technorati Tags: learn foreign languages, learn to speak french, learn to speak German, learn to speak Japanese, learn to speak spanish

Technorati Tags: learn foreign languages, learn to speak spanish, spanish learning systems, Why learn Spanish

There are many different tools and techniques offered today in language learning programs. Some are more visual, some are more about hearing and speaking the language, and some concentrate on formal grammar. In some of the better programs, videos, CD’s pr mp3’s. speech feedback, etc. are used. While in others you will see lists, flashcards with words or images. And games are popular as well.The very best programs incorporate a variety of these into their programs and some people simply use a number of different systems at the same time in order to immerse themselves in the language.

What kinds of activities would you most like to see in a program that helps you learn a foreign language?

Many Americans are learning Spanish to meet both business and personal goals. If you are one of the millions of visionary Americans taking on this challenge, bravo!

In business, speaking Spanish will help you attract loyal customers and a diverse employee base. By speaking Spanish in your personal life, you will meet fascinating people from around the world– and you’ll build valuable, long-lasting friendships.

For adults learning foreign languages can be challenging. You are never too old to acquire a second language! In fact, it’s good exercise for your brain.

Prepare to be dedicated in the pursuit of your linguistic goal. After all, you didn’t learn English over night. We learn our native language through years of trial and error. Nevertheless, you can achieve good results quickly by using these ten practical tips.

1. Use the words you know. Everyone who speaks English knows more Spanish than they realize. When you are beginning to speak Spanish, it could be difficult for you to compose and say an entire sentence. That doesn’t matter. Don’t wait until you have an entire “perfect” phrase. Say the words in Spanish that you know.

When you observe native speakers, you will hear them converse in English, Spanish and even Spanglish. With language it’s never all or nothing! Say what you know, even if it’s only one word.

2. Set yourself up for success. Start with simple greetings like “hola” or “buenas tardes.” If you say please or thank you to a Spanish-speaking customer or employee and you know the words “gracias” and “por favor,” use them after you say the words in English.

Setting a positive bilingual tone for communication is always a good idea. It lets the person you are speaking with know that it’s fine with you to use both English and Spanish.

3. Expect to make some mistakes. If you had a foreign language class in high school or college, perhaps you were corrected so many times that you feel defeated before you start. We all make mistakes when we speak English, so making mistakes in speaking Spanish is normal and natural. Everyone makes mistakes– even native speakers.

4. It’s OK to feel awkward. Speaking Spanish will feel physically different to you. You might even feel like a cartoon character has taken over your speech! Speaking Spanish requires more use of your facial muscles- and then there are those “trilled” r’s. Just do your best. Your accent will develop over time. Not having the best accent will only stand in the way of your ability to communicate if you let it.

5. Being shy is normal. It takes a strong, positive personality to take the risk of speaking another language. We are all inhibited to one degree or another. We’re terrified that people will laugh at us– or even yell at us out of impatience. Smile and dive in! It’s normal to feel inhibited when you begin to speak another language.

6. Ask “yes-no” questions. As you begin to increase your skills, when asking questions pose them so that the answer will be yes or no. This will give you a head-start on understanding the rest of the answer.

7. Practice each day. Practicing just five minutes each day will make a “grande” difference in your ability. A few minutes here and a few minutes there really add up over time. When you do practice, put yourself in situations where you can use the language. Attempts at memorization are usually very ineffective.

Write the days of the week on your calendar at the office and look at them each day.

Put a sticky note on your phone and write the numbers in Spanish from zero to ten on it. Each time you dial a number, say it in Spanish.

Make index cards of the Spanish words you want to learn first, and carry them in your purse or car. Exercises like these make your practice habits practical and help you build them into your normal routine.

8. Learn practical phrases.Think critically about what you do each day and what you need to learn to function more efficiently at your workplace. Learn those words and phrases first. By learning words that are practical, you will use them more often. The more you use the words, the faster you will remember them–and add to them.

9. Don’t worry about your grammar. Remember that no one speaks perfectly. Always remember that communication is always more important than conjugation! If the individual you are speaking with understands you, that’s all that really matters. It doesn’t have to be pretty and perfect to be effective.

10. Go slowly. Learning Spanish is like eating your favorite meal. Savor the experience. Learn Spanish one word or phrase at a time. Chew it completely before going on to more material. If you learn slowly, you will remember what you have learned longer. And, that’s the whole point!

Myelita Melton
http://www.articlesbase.com/communication-articles/ten-tips-for-learning-to-speak-spanish-135734.html

The perfect tool to help children learn those basic First Words! The unique three piece puzzle cards feature the English word, picture of the object, and the Spanish word. Simply match the words to the picture and complete the puzzle. A fun and easy way to develop beginning foreign language skills.

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General Foreign Language Study – Henry N. Raymond,Audiobook MP3 – Unabridged,Series: Learn in Your Car, English-language edition,Pub by Penton Overseas, Inc. – Learn in Your Car Italian Complete at Barnes and Noble

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In today’s global world market it is often beneficial to know at least one language other than your native language. In fact, it is a bonus that will assure your marketability. The more languages you speak fluently the more demand there will be for your particular talents. This can be easily attested by recent statistics that show that Japanese learning is at an all time high in the Western world, with Japanese being one of the main economical powers of today. Consequently, English learning is at an all time high in most parts of the World, due to a combination of economical need and English (read American) “media feeding”.

The good news is that today, unlike times in the past, learning a new language doesn’t have to be a tedious process. It can in fact, be a great deal of fun and entertainment. Fun and games are becoming part of the tools used not only to teach foreign languages but also to enforce those instructions. Rather than learning by rote memorization or copying words from the Merriam Webster Dictionary, today’s language students are playing with flash cards and amusing computer programs. Actually, it has been scientifically proven that learning a new language (actually learning anything whatsoever) through a fun process is a lot more effective and fast than if you were learning it “the hard way”.

Today’s classroom is virtual and will provide you with the necessary skills not only to achieve your business goals, but also the ability to speak new languages like a native with only half the work of times of old. For those learning languages for the course of their businesses, it is quite possible to find business vocabulary online in the language of choice. Can you imagine the ability to learn French from games then turn around and exchange that knowledge for an executive position or attractive promotion within your own company?

There are worlds of possibilities that open up with each new language you learn. The better you know the language the larger that world. The more languages you know, the more worlds are opened for you. In addition to helping you learn the vocabulary you will need for a business environment, these free online language-learning programs also offer a new slang glossary to help you learn some of the more colorful phrases that you may hear when putting your new skills to use.

We live in a world that is becoming smaller by the day. It only makes sense to develop the skills needed to keep up with the constantly shrinking manner of our existence. Learning new languages is one of many ways to accomplish that goal. Best of all, with one of the many free language learning programs, you will have free language lessons rather than paying for something you aren’t sure you will enjoy or find beneficial.

Michael Gabrikow
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/todays-global-economy-indicates-need-for-strong-language-skills-73439.html

Berlitz Italian Premier is a fast, easy and effective software that’s been helping people learn foreign languages for more than a decade. With this unique, time-proven learning system, weve provided three powerful ways for you to learn Italian….learn on your computer, in your car, or on the go. For more than 125 years the Berlitz brand has been synonymous with effective foreign language learning. With language centers spanning the globe, Berlitz has more satisfied students than any other program of its kind. And now Berlitz Italian Premier is guaranteed to make learning Italian easier and more fun than you ever imagined. Innovative games make learning fast and fun. Berlitz Italian Premier provides advanced speech analysis to help you speak like a native. Simply record, playback, and compare to perfect your accent and improve your pronunciation. Practice your vocabulary using your iPod or other MP3 player. Test your proficiency with word lists that match the software.Ideal for All Levels Beginner Get comfortable as a new learner by starting with the basics.Meeting and GreetingBasic Travel TermsNumbers and MoneyColorsSightseeing Intermediate Rapidly improve your pronunciation through conversation. Asking for DirectionsOrdering a MealShopping At the HotelEmergencies Advanced Learn words and phrases that will make you sound like a native speaker. Office ConversationSpeaking on the PhoneAn Evening with Friends Survival Phrases And Much More!

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General Foreign Language Study – Henry N. Raymond,Audiobook MP3 – Unabridged,Series: Learn in Your Car, English-language edition,Pub by Penton Overseas, Inc. – Learn in Your Car French Complete at Barnes and Noble

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Chinese Foreign Language Study – Classical Chinese Medical Texts: Learning to Read the Classics of Chinese Medicine is the first introduction to classical Chinese that focuses solely on medical texts. The … – Classical Chinese Medical Texts: Learning to Read the Classics of Chinese Medicine (Vol. I) at Barnes and Noble

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