Learnng a foreign langauge

[notorious]

I am seeking input on what would be the best way to learn a foreign language, in my case Spanish.

I listen to the radio all day while working, and I figure I might as well make that time productive in another way.

I would also love an interactive app or entire program that will work over an Ipad, computer, etc.

In addition, I plan to attend local classes for direct interaction.


Any input is welcome. Gracias.

[Clyde Frog]

Originally Posted by Red Beans

Get an eight ball of meth and two Hispanic hookers. 72 hours later, you'll be fluent.

Fluent in AIDS

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by eDave

Date a Latina. You'll know all the cuss words real quick.

eDave es Saca Punta!!!!!!!!

[Sannyasi]

Duolingo is a good app. You should think about what you want to do with the language and practice that. If you want to have conversations, practice conversation. If you want to read, practice reading. Expose yourself to as much of the language as you can, and be sure to attend class. If you want something to listen to in your car you could try the Pimsleur Spanish audio course, its not perfect by any means but provided you are supplementing it with other materials or interaction then it can be a good resource.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by Cornstock

A combination of Rosetta Stone and intensive classroom work got me pretty proficient. Never tried the tapes.

Rosetta Stone is expensive. I got it for my daughter one Christmas 'cuz she wanted to learn Japanese. She thought it started out at too difficult a level. She finally learned it in college and how to write it too.

I would think Spanish would be easier—much easier.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by notorious

A hot one would be best.

Getting that past the Mrs isn't easy.

[Ecto-I]

Originally Posted by notorious

I am seeking input on what would be the best way to learn a foreign language, in my case Spanish.

I listen to the radio all day while working, and I figure I might as well make that time productive in another way.

I would also love an interactive app or entire program that will work over an Ipad, computer, etc.

In addition, I plan to attend local classes for direct interaction.


Any input is welcome. Gracias.

Ok I think I'm a pretty good case study for this. About two years ago, I decided I wanted to learn Spanish. I went with Duolingo. Now at first, I would do lessons as often as I could remember to pull out my phone and do them. But then I decided consistency is KING. So for about the last year and a half, I do at least 2 lessons per day (roughly 5-7mins) on duolingo. If I have free time, I'll do a little more.

But I'm literally at day 550 now without missing a single day. I do it every morning before getting out of bed.

The results? Well I've been to Mexico about 4 times this year and my Spanish is NIGHT AND DAY better than it was. I'm pretty functional and many of my native Spanish speaking friends are shocked that this is the result of an iPhone app.

But consistency is the key. Even just 5-7 mins a day will make a huge difference if you do it every day.

[notorious]

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Getting that past the Mrs isn't easy.

Maybe she will like it, too.

[notorious]

Originally Posted by Ecto-I

Ok I think I'm a pretty good case study for this. About two years ago, I decided I wanted to learn Spanish. I went with Duolingo. Now at first, I would do lessons as often as I could remember to pull out my phone and do them. But then I decided consistency is KING. So for about the last year and a half, I do at least 2 lessons per day (roughly 5-7mins) on duolingo. If I have free time, I'll do a little more.

But I'm literally at day 550 now without missing a single day. I do it every morning before getting out of bed.

The results? Well I've been to Mexico about 4 times this year and my Spanish is NIGHT AND DAY better than it was. I'm pretty functional and many of my native Spanish speaking friends are shocked that this is the result of an iPhone app.

But consistency is the key. Even just 5-7 mins a day will make a huge difference if you do it every day.

Thanks!

I have tried Rosetta and Duolingo, and from my very limited experience Rosetta appears to be Understanding-level based while Dulingo is rote memory/knowledge level based.

I will use both. Rosetta to help me think in Spanish, and Duolingo to check anything I miss and clean up the rough edges.

[Simply Red]

gracias

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by notorious

Maybe she will like it, too.

Maybe she will get more than her floors cleaned

[notorious]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

gracias

estaremos bien

[BlackHelicopters]

Nosotos creemos?

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by theelusiveeightrop

Nosotos creemos?

OHH SOUNDS FUN!!!

[gblowfish]

Originally Posted by theelusiveeightrop

Nosotos creemos?

In Spanish does that mean "Shower in your Uniform?"

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I've heard good things about Duolingo, but I can't speak to it myself.

I just recently started using it to start learning French. I'd say it's pretty decent. It pushes you into some shit right away and it can remind you to stay on top of it (which I sometimes don't). I think if I were a lot more dedicated, it'd be pretty damn good. I just run in spurts with it, unfortunately.