Best Dictionary for South American Spanish?
Anyone have recommendations for a good dictionary for South American Spanish (not Spain)?
Thanks,
Rachel
21 Answers
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Oh, sorry, Rachel! Will they take it back? That seems deceptive to me, especially when the guy told you it was a LaRousse. You could have gotten the M-W cheaper at Amazon.
He told me correctly, he wasn't sure but I went by the photo. Oh well, its not too bad for 35. if you consider the free shipping. i returned the 2nd one. Still looking for a good speaking one.
Rachel
Oh, sorry, Rachel! Will they take it back? That seems deceptive to me, especially when the guy told you it was a LaRousse. You could have gotten the M-W cheaper at Amazon. 
Ahh, too bad. Even tho their picture showed Franklin LARuse, it is a Franklin Merriam-Webster.
Hola:
The ISBN is the same: ISBN on the back: 1-56712-520-4.
I tried to e-mail/pm you but not sure if you got it.
They still had 3 left when I ordered mine. Let me know if interested.
Rachel
I don't know how it would have both. The description you posted says "LaRousse," so I would guess it would be the same as mine. Who knows, maybe "he" is just throwing all the descriptions/titles out there hoping to snag you with one of them. My 1440 has the LaRousse emblem on the front cover. The one I had bought and returned had "Merriam-Webster" on the cover.
Mine has an ISBN on the back: 1-56712-520-4. That might be the LaRousse dictionary ISBN, or it might be the Franklin DBE-1140 ISBN. I would say that if his has a different ISBN, that it is not the one you want. Mine was purchased in a clear plastic "bubble pack" so you could see the entire outside of the device without opening the package.
Inside my front cover, beside the model # (dbe-1440), appear these letters/numbers in small print: IPB-28301-00 P/N 7502621 A. Maybe his box has these codes on it. He should check all 5, because, as I said, the same model # comes with two different dictionaries.
It is a shame that they make the same model with totally different content. The one with a different dictionary could have at least been a DBE-1140A, or something like that.
Also, please understand that I am not saying that there is not a better electronic dictionary out there (like with Collins or Oxford content, for example, or even a newer Franklin model with LaRousse content). There well may be. I am just saying that if I had a choice between a Franklin model with LaRousse content, and one with Merriam-Webster content, I would pay whatever extra I had to to get the LaRousse one. These are the only ones I have significant experience with. And I would avoid the multiple-language versions (5 or 7 languages) unless you need the extra languages, like for a trip to Europe. They only have so much memory, and that makes all of the dictionaries smaller. The neat thing about the Franklin models is that they have a "Bookman Card" slot on the back into which you could insert different cartridges with various languages, games, the Bible, books, other reference material, etc. (I don't know if they still offer these cards for sale or not.)
One more thing, ... if you find that "he" has more than one with the LaRousse content, email me or PM me through this site and give me the info. I want to get them. (Please don't post it on the forum or they will be gone in a flash.)
Hi hhmdirocco -
I cancelled the 1490. I found the 1440 but I think it has some Merriam-Webster
this is the description. (they have 5)@ $45.00. He said the box mentions Merriam-Webster on it.
Product Description:
Students, travelers, and anyone who needs to use Spanish in ordinary circumstances will appreciate the Franklin DBE-1440 Pocket Spanish Master with a Larousse Dictionary for easy and instant word translations. As a dictionary, this exceedingly compact and extensive guide includes 2 million translations with advanced verb conjugation to help improve your Spanish vocabulary and spelling through Franklin's LEARNables. As a traveler's aide-de-camp, the grammar guide and foreign language phrases make the DBE-1440 an essential tool for nonfluent Spanish speakers.
Haven't mastered your language tapes yet? You may discover that the DBE-1440 is your newest travel necessity. With the grammar guide and
a variety of useful traveler's phrases and cultural notes, you can translate words instantly to negotiate menus, shopping, and navigation. Or you
can plan ahead and use the grammar guide to learn parts of speech and
verb tenses, conjugating verbs at the press of a button.
Whether Spanish is your first or second language, the DBE-1440 is
perfect for those who want to explore and immerse themselves in the lexicon. You can create your own list of words to study, or select a
word and instantaneously find its translation. The DBE-1440 also
contains Spanish culture notes for reference, and its five-line display improves readability.
As with all the Franklin handheld dictionaries, the DBE-1440 Pocket Spanish Master allows you to learn a new word in Spanish every time
you turn the device on, find a word you don't know how to spell, and
enjoy the process of learning Spanish through crossword puzzles or
seven other language games. Whether you're in school, a student of
foreign language, or traveling the world, this dictionary is the perfect companion.
Over 2,000,000 translations on a 5-line display with 100% more
viewable text; expandable BOOKMAN advanced verb conjugation, grammar guide, TOEFL, plus over 1,000 travelers' phrases.
'
Main features:
- Hand-held English/Spanish dictionary with a 5-line display.
- Features words and definitions from Larousseÿ®.
- Includes 2,000,000 total translations to and from English and Spanish.
- Advanced verb conjugation, Travelers' phrases, Cultural Notes.
- Grammar Guide, TOEFLÿ® Test word list, and much more.
- Translate words instantly. Conjugate words at the touch of a button.
- Use the Grammar Guide to learn parts of speech and verb tenses.
- Use the Culture notes to read about Spanish culture.
- Create your own study list of words.
- Highlight a word and instantly find its translation.
- Learn a new Spanish word each time you turn the unit on.
- Find a word even when you misspell it.
- Improve your Spanish vocabulary and spelling using Learning Exercises.
- Solve crossword puzzles. Play seven fun filled games.
'
Technical data :
- Language: Spanish
- Display: 5-line, 40 x 159 continuous pixel resolution
- Contrast: Adjustable
- Font size: Adjustable
- Automatic shutoff: Yes
- Quick reference instructions on lid: Yes
- Card slot: One Bookman 2 card slot
- Power source: 2 CR2032 lithium batteries (included)
- Dimensions: 3.5 by 0.625 by 5.375 inches
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Warranty: Limited, 1 year.
Should i get that one'
I'm not sure what content the 1490 has. I would check that, though, and if it is Merriam-Webster, and you have ability/aspirations beyond the beginner level, I would recommend looking for something else.
I still use my model with the LaRousse content, and I don't feel I have "outgrown" its content. (I am fluent/semi-fluent and a Certified Judicial (court) Interpreter.)
(However, it doesn't have a lot of technical content or slang, but what can you expect ... most regular, general dictionaries that are one volume don't have that either. You have to go to specialized dictionaries for extensive content of that type.)
So you're saying the #1490 is not as good as the #1440? Should I cancel that order? I might be able to find an old one. I saw where they had a refurbished one for $25.
Rachel, I've had good luck with my Franklin DBE-1490. I got it for $12.50 USD as a clearance item, but I think the regular price is about $50 USD. I've been studying Spanish for 3 years and I wish I had bought this from the start. I have learned SO much from using it.
A little more than 8 years ago, I bought a Franklin DBE-1440 for $50. The source of it's dictionary content is LaRousse. It was very useful, and helped me a lot. Unfortunately about a year later, I lost that dictionary, and went to buy another one. The same model (DBE-1440) was then featuring dictionary content published by Merriam-Webster. I bought it ($50), not thinking there would be much difference. Shortly thereafter, I took my first trip to Mexico after having learned Spanish in Peru (had taken a couple before, but before learning Spanish), anxious to see the differences between the Spanish spoken/used (for example, on road signs) in the two countries. And yes, there was much that I heard and saw that was new to me! So I was making frequent use of my electronic dictionary.
However, and to my dismay, the great majority of words I looked up were "not found" in the dictionary. I thought that was strange, since I had had access to a friend's model DBE-1440 while I was learning Spanish in Peru, and hardly ever received the response "not found." It seemed like everthing I didn't know, Merriam-Webster "didn't know" either. (And yes, I checked, the dictionary was functioning properly.)
When I returned from Mexico, I looked up some of the words/expressions I had written down in Mexico, that Merriam-Webster "didn't know," with my friend's same model Franklin DBE-1440 with the LaRousse content. Almost all of them were found and aptly defined. I promptly returned the dictionary to the store where I had purchased it and began looking for a LaRousse model. Franklin's Customer Service indicated that the LaRousse content editions had been discontinued and the same model number had continued with Merriam-Webster content. So I had to look for a LaRousse edition online, and I was happy to find one. I wish I had found/purchased a dozen, as the break easily if dropped (had this happen one other time), and many people have envied my electronic dictionary, but I have not had a comparable model to recommend them. It seems to have very similar content as SpanishDict's dictionary (minus the many errors, but in some cases not as extensive).
One of my students about 5 years ago purchased a Franklin Model BES-1840A that I was able to find on discontinuance/clearance. It was a "speaking" (audio pronunciations) model, but it had the Merriam-Webster content, as well. She said, however, that she found its content sufficient for her level of Spanish, a beginner. (Interesting side note: we found the "speaking" function of that dictionary so amusing that we spent many hours after class "playing" with it, and we eventually ended up MARRIED! So, I am kind of partial to Franklin, and very forgiving of Merriam-Webster! 
We still have that dictionary, and no, we will not sell it to you at any price--many have asked!)
I came to the conclusion, after comparing the Merriam-Webster content models with the LaRousse, that Merriam-Webster seems to have more entries and expression sub-entries for English, whereas LaRousse has much more ample Spanish content.
Since that time I have not looked into electronic dictionaries, so I cannot give you a specific recommendation of what to buy now. (It has been a blessing that my current DBE-1440, beaten and battered, has survived until now. I don't know what I will do when it finally sees its last day.) It seems like Collins and Oxford have the best/most broad/most extensive content in their printed/online dictionaries, but I don't know if any electronic models are offered that feature their content.
Hope this helps.
Rachel, I've had good luck with my Franklin DBE-1490. I got it for $12.50 USD as a clearance item, but I think the regular price is about $50 USD. I've been studying Spanish for 3 years and I wish I had bought this from the start. I have learned SO much from using it.
I just got one @ Amazon for $29. Also got: Breaking out of Beginner's Spanish .
RachelOops, it appears I was too slow.
Also Rachel, my school has a Spanish-English dicitionary called "Websters Spanish-English Dicitionary" and I am sure you can purchase it online or at a Walmart, I thought that may interest you...
Thanks. Will look at it!
Rachel
Rachel, I've had good luck with my Franklin DBE-1490. I got it for $12.50 USD as a clearance item, but I think the regular price is about $50 USD. I've been studying Spanish for 3 years and I wish I had bought this from the start. I have learned SO much from using it.
I just got one @ Amazon for $29. Also got: Breaking out of Beginner's Spanish .
Rachel
Also Rachel, my school has a Spanish-English dicitionary called "Websters Spanish-English Dicitionary" and I am sure you can purchase it online or at a Walmart, I thought that may interest you...
Rachel, I've had good luck with my Franklin DBE-1490. I got it for $12.50 USD as a clearance item, but I think the regular price is about $50 USD. I've been studying Spanish for 3 years and I wish I had bought this from the start. I have learned SO much from using it.
Thanks - I'll look for that. Boy, what a good deal you got!
Rachel
