What is the best way of learning Spanish at home?

Is there a good set of CD's or books or something that anyone could recommend for those of us who have very very little Spanish language, we know Hola and the numbers from 1-5 (have to say that is thanks to Dora the Explorer!!! )

And also what is the best way to learn how to read/write in Spanish? I have seen a set of books in W H Smiths that is aimed at pre-schoolers in Spanish, would this be a good way to start learning?

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NatalieJane

I new very little Spanish so signed up with a local college who offered a ten week crash course which I found very useful when on holiday this year. I have now booked a 30 week beginers course at the same college to enhance what I learnt in the 10 course. We were advised to buy a book called Hoilday Spanish which I found very useful and helpful and gave me a good base to start from. There is also a very good language section on the BBC site which I think is www.bbc.co.uk/languages. This site also mentions this book. Overall I found the course and book a very good starting point to begin to learn the language. It migth be worth you contacting your local college wherever you live to see what they have to offer. Hope this helps, please feel free to PM me if you want any more details.

Phil

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We bought some of the pigeon Spanish cards on the flight home !!! They are quite good for getting the basics and being able to ask for things when out and about. They have the benefit of breaking the Spanish words down and spell them as you would say them, for example:

I don't speak Spanish          No ablo Espanyol

As you can see, it is not like a dictionary, there is no correct spelling of the word, so you are stuck if you can't get your point across by showing the card to a Spaniard.

Mark

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Hi,

Thanks for that.

We had already thought of doing a college course, but TBH my husband is working 12-14 hours a day, plus Saturday mornings plus every third weekend on call (you see why we are wanting to move to Spain!!!) so we really don't have the time to do a course, I was hoping someone could recommend a CD or something that hubby could listen to whilst driving and I could listen to whilst doing the housework. We realise that a CD probably isn't the best way to learn a new language, but we are really only looking for the basics with the hope of improving greatly once we are actually in Spain.

Thanks again though

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The best course we have used so far is by Michel Thomas - an 8 part course in Spanish of CD's. The R.R.P.£70 is well worth it.

This message was last edited by lifeline on 9/16/2007.

This message was last edited by lifeline on 9/16/2007.

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Hi,

If you haven't got time for the course, look on the WH Smith web site and type in a search for Talk Spanish. You should fing a book with that name. The book is split into about 10 sections and covers the majority of situations from meeting people to ordering drinks, food, directions, etc, etc.

The book also comes with two or three CD's which gives you a audi version of the book. It costs about £15 which I think is good value.

Phil

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Thanks guys, I'll check the W H Smith website later today  

Is there a better way of learning the written language than looking at pre-schooler books? I think I am going to have problems getting DH to carry a big book with a picture of a fluffy kitten on the front!! But, needs must and all that, I'll cover it for him if he is that bothered!! LOL

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I bought Michael Thomas cd's but couldn't get on with them, I found they sent me to sleep.  Not recommended for a driver!

Newspapers have been giving away various teach your self Spanish cd's, if you have charity shops in your area they usually sell them for 25p or you could always get them on Ebay.

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There is an absolutely brilliant  beginners course made by the BBC called "Viva Espana" The package comes with a DVD that you play whilst reading the manual. Try borrowing it from your local library before buying it.

Its the best I've come across to date and having just moved over to the CDS have found it invaluable for every day situations! 

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The Open University do a course Ref L194 Portales beginners Spanish

cost £410 but top course starts this year 01/11/2007 and you have to register very soon to get on it

You can register on the internet

I know because I am on it this year!!!  

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If anyone is interested in just slowly learning every day Spanish, CoffeeBreak Spanish is a fantastic way!  The website is www.Coffeebreakspanish.com, where you can dowload the podcasts from there, but you can also subscribe to them on iTunes and download from there.  I put them on my iPod and listen to them in the car when driving and they are great!  Really clear and very easy to follow.

Each lesson is about 20-25 minutes and, to date, there are about forty!  And added to all the time!

Edited to say: Forgot to mention they are free of charge!

This message was last edited by Pitby on 10/5/2007.

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Thanks for that Jan, excellent site! In fact worth my first ever post after weeks of lurking!! Have been learning Spanish for 3 years but need all the help I can get!! Any more ideas very welcome.

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Hi Cafe con Leche!

I hardly actually visit the site (I must do that!) as I get the lessons automatically downloaded in iTunes.  But fantastic aren't they?

Hope they help!  They have for me!

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Yes I'm sure it will help!! I also like to listen to Spanish radio when I'm on the computer, can't say I understand much but it's fun and helps to just keep hearing the language when I'm in England.

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Anyone living over in Spain or having an extended stay can register for a Spanish language course at most local town halls. I've recently moved over to the CDS and our local Town Hall in Elviria runs a course from September to June twice a week for an hour and half. It costs just 95 euros for the whole year!! Its amazing value and our teacher trys her best to engage with all levels of learners to keep everyone interested!

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I don't live in Spain (yet) but have been learning Spanish for the last three years driving to the office and using the Michel Thomas courses. I have all 4 sets, Spanish, Advanced Spanish, Spanish Language Builder and the new Vocabulary course although this latter isn't by Michel at all as he died a couple of years ago. I think the courses are superb but I have sought additional help via the Polyglot website
www.polyglot-learn-language.com/
This is a website for finding a pen friend.  You can help someone with their English and they can help you with your Spanish. I has helped me enormously. A one on one correspondence course for free! It has also improved my knowledge and understanding of English.

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Hi Pitby

Thanks for the info on coffee break spanish, we are going to Spanish Lessons on Wednesday evenings but they move pretty quickly and the old brain just doesn't take it in like it used to! so I downloaded these podcasts and they're great!!!!!!

I put them on my MP3 player and even though I'm not very computer savvy, it was easy.

I've been listening to them travelling on the metro to and from work for the last week and I think they're just fab so muchas gracias!!

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Great, aren't they? 

They are so clear and easy to follow - just what you need as you can listen at leisure.  At home, in the car, on the train/plane, etc.

Glad you find them helpful!  Or should I say "de nada"!!




This message was last edited by Pitby on 10/13/2007.

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Try these sites

www.byki.com

www.dailyspanishphrases.com

bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/spanish

hope these help

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Hi

 

I rarely post, but read EOS avidly.  As well as using Michael Thomas, I also found Linkwords CD ROM really useful.  They are based in Wales and cover many languages.  It has an odd structure, and there is no graphics etc, but the method really works!  I have been using to improve my Spanish, and recommended to my daughter who is learning Italian.  They are only available to purchase on line.  I think it's www.linkwords.co.uk  (or similar).  We would love to enrol at college, but work committments mean we can't always attend.

 

Tracey

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