spanish learning software?

Question

can anyone share your feedback if you have used rosetta stone or fluenz or any spanish learning software for that matter? thanks.

Answer 1

Hola:

Hola! I have the perfect dictionary, which I use EVERYDAY as I am learning Spanish.

It is the computer CD version of the GIGANTIC Oxford Spanish Dictionary.

The book probably weighs 10 pounds! The CD has everything the book has and more.

You install the program and you instantly have a great reference. It translates both ways, English to Spanish, Spanish to English.

You can easily get the pronunciation of a word by simply right-clicking on it.

It gives definitions and example sentences. It has part of the program called "Real Speak" where you can type in a sentence or paragraph, and a very pleasing female voice recites your words so that you can hear the proper pronunciation.

I could not learn this language without it!!!!! It is the Oxford Spanish Dictionary on CD-ROM. ISBN: 978-0-19-860683-3.

And best of all, the book version is about $55.00; the CD version is $31.17 at Bn.com if you are a member, or $34.64 if you are not a member. Buy this one. You will be very pleased.

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Also, I recently purchased "Word Magic". It works great! A lot of features, including macros for Word and Excel. Here is what it says on its site:

A Mega Dictionary with translations, idioms, synonyms, antonyms colloquial and regional tags, etc. The program also includes a Double Thesaurus, which mirrors all words related to your search word in both languages, a Double Conjugator, which likewise mirrors all conjugations of your search verb in both languages simultaneously, a Reverse Conjugator, which provides you with the root of your conjugated search word (verbs, plurals, augmentatives and diminutives), and a Phrase Scanner, which looks up all phrases that have your search word included. These are just a few of the staggering features in this state-of-the-art dictionary…Four unparalleled programs in one.

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One caveat: They start at $75.00, but if you want everything, we are talking about $200.00. However, in my opinion it is worth it. It really has everything. For every word you are looking for, they have listed copious idioms, antonyms, synonyms, etc. If you have a conjugated verb, just type it in and it gives you the complete conjugation of the verb. It is really useful.

They have a couple of versions. What you want is "Dictionary & Tools Professional."

They also have a trail version for free to try it out.

Here is a link:

Word Magic Dictionary & Tools Professional

Answer 2

Yes, I purchased levels 1 through 3 of Rosetta Stone and I really like it. I was very motivated to learn so it was pretty easy for me. But honestly, I like this website better and have learned alot more here in a shorter amount of time. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I bought RS for my kids for school and for them it is OK. But I found it to be a bit slow. For instance, I made it through 3 of the first 4 core lessons in the first level and realized that by the end of it I was not going to have a lot of conversation. This was after three - four solid months of 1-2 hours per day.

I do think that their method works, however associating words and phrases with pictures. You will learn but I believe it will take about 1000 to get you to a level of fluency. Just my humble opinion. Others may disagree.

I switched to Learn Spanish Like Crazy because it included the FSI Spanish course level 1. On top of the LSLC cds you get the whole level 1 FSI Course. This is the course the govt used to train diplomats. It is very old in feel (like 1960's old), but for 99.00 for the whole thing, it is tough to beat.

So, again, IMHO, I would try that for 99.00, do the FSI Course. You will be taking the same course as those who were trained diplomats. The course is offered elsewhere for more money. (BTW I am just a customer. I don't work for or am associated with LSLC in any way.)

Best wishes to you!

CactusAl

Answer 4

Hi como estas??? The only Rosetta Stone programme I have used is "Sharedtalk by Rosetta Stone. This is good for typing and talking. The website is http://www.sharedtalk.com/