30 Dec
As an educator I’ve had many students ask me why they needed to learn to speak Spanish. They really have a difficult time seeing past their friends, activities, problems, and fun. They tend to live in a very small world and learning to speak Spanish simply seems like it’s something that they will never need. They have a hard time seeing the big picture.
They don’t realize that many people all over the world speak more than one language and that knowing another language opens up another world to them. Think of the rich cultures in Europe where so many languages are spoken, and yet the people can travel among the various countries there very easily and are able to communicate with one another.
In the United States, we have always had one language that most of the people understood of course, so learning any others became more of an academic exercise, at least in the minds of the students. Most of them take foreign language courses because they have to. And few of them retain any ability to have conversations in that language several years after the courses are taken.
But our world is changing very fast. Each year the world get smaller due to our technologies that allow instant communication from almost anywhere to anywhere else. And one of the languages spoken by a large segment of the earth population is, of course, Spanish.
In North America, we have a very quickly growing segment of our population who speak Spanish, and these numbers are going to continue to grow in the coming years. It is becoming more and more vital that we can all communicate easily. Many people in businesses are finding a number of their customers only speak Spanish. And obviously they need to be able to talk with one another.
In our government offices with which the public continually interacts, again those who are in direct contact with the public need to learn to speak Spanish so that they will be able to communicate, especially on very important matters. And public servants like the police and fire departments and emergency personnel certainly need to be able to speak with the people they come across in their jobs. It’s often a matter of life and death!
And of course our teachers need this skill. We have more and more students in our classes who can only understand Spanish, and if the teacher has no ability to do so, then how much are these students going to actually learn. Of course it’s a two way street. These students must be learning English as we are learning Spanish. Young people will pick up the English very quickly because they will be immersed in it, but the rest of us need a little more help in learning to speak Spanish very well.
Fortunately there are a number of ways in which we can do this. There are formal classes, books, online lessons, and programs one can use at home to help learn the language. If you are in the position of needing to learn Spanish, take some time to check out the various sources and find the one that you think is easiest for you in your situation. There are several multimedia programs that allow you to learn at home or online and some include games and can help anyone at any age or on any level. Just find what works for you!
Alan Thomas
29 Dec
Don’t know about you, but I hate wasting loads of time and hundreds of dollars just to learn the basics of a foreign language.
I mean, look at the price of university classes. Just to take a BEGINNERS’, Level 1 Spanish class, I have to spend at LEAST $300 just on the course, then another $100+ on the software! And that’s at a public university…forget Rosetta Stone: Spanish or similar software!
Clearly, there has to be a better way. A way that will teach you Spanish quicker…and for less.
The solution I’ve found is called Rocket Spanish.
Why do I like it? I’ll give you three good reasons. It allows you to:
1) learn Spanish thoroughly and in less than 8 weeks with full money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied for any reason (no joke–you’ll get every penny back). So there’s really no risk.
2) have fun doing it
3) spend less than $100 to learn beginners’-advanced levels all in one. As it’s online, you can learn anywhere, and save yourself time going to classes, tutoring sessions, etc.
THE GOOD
Rocket Spanish gets my high marks for author, Mauricio Evarlampieff’s comprehensive coverage of everything from grammmar and writing skills, to spelling, vocabulary, and natural Spanish speaking.
Some people learn languages better through reading. Others, through listening to audio. And then there are those who need both, but in an interactive format.
Luckily, Rocket Spanish offers all three: it gives you detailed, colorful learning manuals; powerful audio lessons where you can hear a native Chilean speak proper Spanish; and through interactive games, such as flash cards, so that you can test and improve your overall command of the language.
I particularly enjoy the PERSONALITY behind the audio lessons. Mauricio has a very warm, charming personality, and a unique talent for teaching Spanish in a direct, friendly way. He interacts with his American co-narrator, Amy Waterman, to give you a fun, sometimes humorous journey through the wonder of the Spanish language. You even learn about the many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Additionally, Rocket Spanish shrewdly divides its audio, written, and interactive lessons into Beginner and Advanced segments, so that you can go at your own pace and learn what you need before jumping into advanced areas.
Overall, it’s a wonderful system for learning a fun, romantic language. And it covers all levels of learning.
THE BAD
Not many bad parts, but perhaps the Members Area could be more organized. Not a big deal because all the information is all there and accessible, but not always so obvious. A minor outcome, and still more clear than many other courses I’ve tried.
TRY IT..OR BUY IT?
Very highly recommended Buy. This is one of those rare products that eager Spnaish learners can’t afford to miss. If you’re serious about learning Spanish–while saving money–then Rocket Spanish is the right course to buy. The free course is ok to try, but it certainly won’t give you all the tools you need.
And hey, if you don’t like it before 56 days are up, you’re entitled to a full refund, for any reason at all.
What have you got to lose?
28 Dec
Back when I was in school, like most students, I took several years of a foreign language. Three years of Spanish to be exact. But also like most people, after getting out of school, I could no longer speak in an actual conversation, and as the years passed by, I pretty much had forgotten everthing I ever learned.
You know, the way we were taught Spanish in school is not the best way to learn. Modern developments in teaching language have come up with much easier ways to learn foreign languages, and learning Spanish is now much more fun and easy. And it’s based on actual conversations rather than on boring grammar lessons.
Learning Spanish now involves using modern technology that makes it fast and easy for our brains to pick up on the new language in a very natural way, by seeing, hearing, and speaking in normal conversations and by playing games in Spanish. It’s fun and effective!
I just wish it had been like this back in school!
Alan Thomas
13 Mar
12 Mar
Over the years, people have attempted to learn Spanish and other languages through a number of different means. Typically in the schools, Spanish was taught with a book of grammar, and various lessons were given that involved learning vocabulary, sentence structure, conjugation, etc. These are certainly important things to know when learning a language, but it tends to be very dry for the average young student
We know that when the main method of learning is watching and reading, only a tiny percentage of what is taught is actually retained. Think of how many people in the US have had Spanish as a foreign language in school and as an adult can speak it fluently! Certainly a very small number.
To learn Spanish or any other foreign language well, we must have more of our senses and our awareness involved. When we here the language being spoken while we read it, much more of our brain is involved and learning becomes easier, and we have a higher degree of retention.
When we read a passage out loud, now we are reading, hearing, and saying it. A far higher number of brain processes are involved and this is what we need in order to really learn the language well. And of course, repetition is important. The more we do it, the easier it becomes to do! “Practice makes perfect” certainly applies here!
The goal of any good language learning system should be to engage the learner through sight, sound, and speaking. The learner should be able to hear the language being used and should immediately be given the opportunity to say out loud what they have just heard, and should be able to do this over and over in an way that is easy to do.
Combining written words, pictures, sound, and opportunity to speak are all essential for a learner to pick up the new language as easily as possible. Fortunately for us today, there are several products which can be found online that use these methods. Some emphasize slightly different methods than others, and with a little research, those who want to learn, can find a program that will work the best for them.
We have a blog at World Conversations in which anyone may comment about their experiences with language programs they have used. We would love to receive opinions of various programs and we also evaluate and make suggestions, based on the needs of any particular person wanting to learn.
The important thing is to find a good course and jump in and start learning. We feel that being able to speak other languages can open up new worlds to people, can foster better communications with those around us, and can put people in stronger positions in terms of employment as well. And obviously, if one plans a trip to a non English speaking country, then the trip will be far more enjoyable if you can talk with the people there, and those people will appreciate you making the effort as well.
Good luck with you pursuit of a new language. With our modern tools available today, it’s easier than ever before!
Alan Thomas
16 Feb
If you want to…
⢠feel more comfortable and confident around Spanish speaking people,
⢠be able to read books, magazines and web sites written in Spanish,
⢠be able to watch and understand Spanish movies,
⢠be able to write to and email Spanish speaking people,
⢠or you simply want to become exceptional at Spanish for any other reason…
Discover how to Start Speaking Spanish Right Away… and Go From Absolute Beginner to Advanced in shortest imaginable time! Rocket Spanish is built on a 31 lesson Interactive Audio Course that guide you step by step from Beginner through to Advanced Spanish.
Learn Modern Spanish… Don’t waste your time learning traditional formal Spanish that no one uses any longer! Rocket Spanish is a modern & up-to-date package designed to be street-wise and yet give you the things that you should know.
Learn to listen to, speak properly & understand spoken Spanish. Our original and unique methods allow you to absorb Spanish as easily as children learn to speak their own inborn language! Unlike regular high school Spanish classes, our course has been scientifically designed to be brain-well-matched – maximise your Spanish learning time!
Paul Everton
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/learn-spanish-online-124306.html
16 Feb
Can You Really Learn to Speak Spanish Fluently in 3 Months?
There are many reasons why you may want to learn to speak Spanish. Here are a few:
What Is the Best Way to Learn Spanish?
It may seem that the best option is to use one of those “free Spanish learning program” websites. I felt the same way. But what I have found is that “free” does not always mean better. Free Spanish learning program websites can be boring and tedious. Also they may be lacking in other key areas like Spanish vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
There are better solutions to learn Spanish. The Spanish learning program I would like to recommend is the Rocket Spanish online course.
This program was created and is marketed by a passionate, native Spanish speaker named Mauricio Evlampieff. You get the benefit of learning Spanish from a true native Spanish speaker who can walk the walk and talk the talk.
He will reveal to inside scoop about learning to speak Spanish that only a native Spanisg speaker can give you. The Rocket Spanish Learn Spanish package is available online for instant download. Therefore, there are zero shipping and handling charges and hassles
Plus, the Rocket Spanish Learn Spanish package benefits you by giving you the ability to:
Plus much, much more
Lastly the Rocket Spanish Learn Spanish package has a 50 day 100% money back guarantee! So there is zero risk to you. If you buy then decide it is not right for you; then return it within 50 days and get all your money back!
losirusprim
http://www.articlesbase.com/literature–articles/review-rocket-spanish-is-learning-spanish-online-a-scam-674262.html
7 Feb
Ok, let’s face it I know three languages, English, German and bad! What’s more I admit, I’m better at bad language than any of the other 2. So, with the summer holidays to Espana bearing down on me I decided to up the ante and learn the local lingo – at least if the natives were slagging me off I was determined to know what they were saying. As I only had 3 weeks to learn the basics I had no time to enrol in night school or hire a tutor, so I was basically left with a book, or audio courses. My other criteria was that, being a cheap ass, I didn’t want to spend a fortune – hey I need some money for a Cervesa or five!
Anyway, after looking around it soon became clear that there were three main contenders, Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone and the new boy on the block – Rocket Spanish. My choice was quickly made for me when I read some reviews and saw the price – Rocket Spanish is almost a quarter of the other competitors price! At $99 it was a great bargain! It wasn’t purely price that drew me in though, I had heard of the other two courses, and in fact have used the German version of Pimsleur in the past to brush up on my skills. Their quality was never in question. No, the other thing that made Rocket Spanish stand out was that it is aimed at duffers like me who really need a quick grounding in the basics and, more importantly , offers a range of lessons that deals with real life situations (like how to order a beer!). The other two were definitely more industrial grade products that could probably have me ordering a beer while asking the way to the museum and having a casual conversation about the works of Dali with a native speaker in some obscure Catalonian dialect, but let’s face it – that would just be showing off.
As I said, I’m a bit of a cheap ass so it was an added bonus for me to find out that they good folks over at Rocket Spanish also like to give stuff away. I signed up for the free 6 day e-course on the website – this was better than some commercial packages I have tried in the past – and contains selected lessons from the full series to give you a flavour of what to expect. Well, I was sold.
When I signed up for the full package I had access to a wide range of material including a series of downloadable audio lessons, great for listening to on the bus, or in the car. (note to self – don’t repeat the phrases out loud on the bus). I got 31 audio lessons of about 20 minutes each, which amounts to 12 hours continuous listening. I also got a 210 page document on formal grammar (maybe I’ll read that on the plane), a word building game (the kids loved that one), and full e-mail backup and support from the courses creator, Mauricio Evlampieff. Mauricio also informs me that he consulted a university psychologist whose techniques are claimed to help people absorb this type of information faster. Using this expertise, the time required to learn a foreign language can be reduced by up to two thirds! The final clincher was the money back guarantee. Rocket Spanish offer a full 60 day money-back guarantee, which I’m happy to say I definitely didn’t need.
Anyway, as I write this, the cases are packed, and bits of flesh that haven’t seen sunlight in a very long time are getting ready for a roasting, and I’ve been using the course daily. I may not be as fluent as Ruben Dario (hes a poet apparently) but I certainly feel more confident speaking to the locals this year as we head off. Now, donde está la barra por favour – as they say in Spain!
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Dave Simpson
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/rocket-spanish-speaka-da-lingo-470983.html
4 Feb
17 Jan
http://www.RocketEspanol.com
If you seriously considered learning Spanish, definitely check out this course
Duration : 2 min