Best way to learn Spanish

[AlanMexicali]

I learnt to speak Spanish from both my ex wife and current wife but did learn many thing on my own over the 32 years of dealing with non English speaking Mexicans.

The most noticable thing was when I only listened to Spanish radio in my car many years ago. Also I watched Spanish televsion a lot. It came one day I did not need to translate from English to Spanish anymore and the words in Spanish became clear and distinct, not run together and also the context became distinct then.

Another thing I did for about a decade was have a pen and paper and dictionary with me when in Mexico. I would write down words I saw on signs and words I didn´t know when talking to someone, also on the radio and TV. If I write it down and look it up I ususally will remember it more so if I just ask someone what it means, but do that also.

I first learnt the Spanish numbers and the Spanish alphabet from my ex wife who did not speak any English, which today makes me able to pronounce words in Spanish even if I don´t know their meaning. I can read the newspaper or other things and follow very well. I can follow conversations very well even if it is a motor mouth speaking. I contribute this to the years of listening to Spanish radio and TV first and foremost. My constant asking the meaning of nouns has me remembering most Spanish words for almost anything out there.

Verb conjugations are what I have been working on for the last few years and read books that concentrate on this. My latest is 501 Spanish Verbs, an excelent book.

[Kennia Burgueno]

Originally Posted by cowichangang

Can anyone tell me from their own experience, the best program for learning spanish. We want to be as fluent as possible before we move. I realize that nothing beats actually being there, but I am talking about courses like Rosseta Stone, Rocket Languages etc. I don't want to pay hundreds if I don't need to. I want one that I can download to my computer, not the paper book type. Is there a program I should avoid?. Is one better than another etc etc, Mucho Gracias

Dear Cowichangang, my name is Kennia and I work in a Spanish school in Mexico named Solexico. I have seen very good results with our immersion programs combines with lodging with our mexican families. There is nothing better then to learn the language in a Spanish speaking country. We have schools in Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen and Guanajuato.
It’s worth giving it a look: www . solexico . com

[DNP]

Originally Posted by cowichangang

Can anyone tell me from their own experience, the best program for learning spanish. We want to be as fluent as possible before we move. I realize that nothing beats actually being there, but I am talking about courses like Rosseta Stone, Rocket Languages etc. I don't want to pay hundreds if I don't need to. I want one that I can download to my computer, not the paper book type. Is there a program I should avoid?. Is one better than another etc etc, Mucho Gracias

There lots of programs you can find, and many sound quite good.

What's important to keep in mind is to find a program that's right for you. What's right for me may not be right for you, and vice versa.None of them is a perfect fit either.

[DNP]

Originally Posted by DNP

There lots of programs you can find, and many sound quite good.

What's important to keep in mind is to find a program that's right for you. What's right for me may not be right for you, and vice versa.None of them is a perfect fit either.

There are lots of programs you can find on the Internet....

(sorry about that)

[tepetapan]

Originally Posted by Kennia Burgueno

Dear Cowichangang, my name is Kennia and I work in a Spanish school in Mexico named Solexico. I have seen very good results with our immersion programs combines with lodging with our mexican families. There is nothing better then to learn the language in a Spanish speaking country. We have schools in Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen and Guanajuato.
It’s worth giving it a look: www . solexico . com

I agree, immersion is the best way to learn. I would do this as a 3 step program. 1st step is to play around on the internet programs to learn some basic words and structure. Moving to Mexico and living here for 3 months at least would be step 2. This will help you get your mind and ears tuned. Go out shopping, walks in the park and just in public. Spend time listening, trying to grasp words and thoughts being expressed. The 3rd step would be a 2 or 3 week immersion school. You know some words, you can buy mangos at the market and you can order a cheeseburger at a local restaurant. This is where you put things together to make yourself free and independent. Husband and wife should be separated, no cheating.
After a few weeks of school, get back on the street and USE what you have learned . hanging out with gringos will set you back to step 1, many have no desire to really learn Spanish except by default.

[jjroth2]

Rosetta Stone has significantly reduced its pricing. I paid $399 for all five levels that included participation in classrooms and with other students. You learn by interaction with your computer, supplemented by iPhone, iPad and CDs. I'm not sure how effective it will be because I've only reached the end part of Level 2, which, so far, concentrates on reading, writing and grammar. But the classroom activity with insurgents at every level is helpful.

It appears to be a good track to run on, until such time when you must interact with native speakers.

[jjroth2]

Originally Posted by jjroth2

Rosetta Stone has significantly reduced its pricing. I paid $399 for all five levels that included participation in classrooms and with other students. You learn by interaction with your computer, supplemented by iPhone, iPad and CDs. I'm not sure how effective it will be because I've only reached the end part of Level 2, which, so far, concentrates on reading, writing and grammar. But the classroom activity with insurgents at every level is helpful.

It appears to be a good track to run on, until such time when you must interact with native speakers.

Spellcheck slipped in "insurgents" for "instructors" when I turned my head.

[mickisue1]

Originally Posted by jjroth2

Spellcheck slipped in "insurgents" for "instructors" when I turned my head.

Well, if we learn faster under stress, that particular classroom activity may be a good idea!

[edgeee]

Originally Posted by jjroth2

Spellcheck slipped in "insurgents" for "instructors" when I turned my head.

First time in days this forum made me laugh.

[Isla Verde]

Originally Posted by jjroth2

Rosetta Stone has significantly reduced its pricing. I paid $399 for all five levels that included participation in classrooms and with other students. You learn by interaction with your computer, supplemented by iPhone, iPad and CDs. I'm not sure how effective it will be because I've only reached the end part of Level 2, which, so far, concentrates on reading, writing and grammar. But the classroom activity with insurgents at every level is helpful.

It appears to be a good track to run on, until such time when you must interact with native speakers.

Speaking as a current English teacher and former Spanish teacher, I find it odd that a language program would start with reading and writing and leave speaking and listening till later. It should be the other way around, in my professional opinion.

However, the classroom activity with "insurgents" sounds intriguing, if not downright revolutionary !