ellenater
Member Profile
Hi all.
I am looking for a Spanish language group for beginners. I'm hoping to find one that follows a program or workbook or something similar just so there is some structure. Is anyone else interested in something like this? Or have you heard of something like this? The only ones I've seen advertised are for intermediate speakers. I am happy to organize a group is others are interested...
Thanks!
A great idea! I would be interested in the winter months but during the nicer weather months I'm afraid I would be over-extended...
Did you try Meetup.com? There are several Spanish languange meetups - the one in Bellevue meets weekly as does the one on Seattle. The languange meet up that I go to meets periodically and there are people of varying levels; we pair people up if the group is large enough.
A web site that I use for a different languange, but which also has spanish, is http://www.busuu.com - It is a type of Rosetta Stone and is a good way to hear and visually see the language. THere is a free part that is pretty good and if you like it you can add modules for a fee.
There are also tons of free podcasts and application in Itunes. You dont need an Ipad or Ipod, as the podcasts run on our computer in the free software Itunes.
ellenater
Member Profile
jamjets, I will check in again in winter.
Mary,
Thanks so much! That is great info. I do have a bunch of podcasts but am looking for something more comprehensive. Just out of curiosity, did you try Rosetta Stone? I have not because it is probably cost prohibitive, but have heard all the rave reviews. I will check those links out for sure.
Thanks again...
E - Glad those were helpful, as I was worried that I was presumptious to post all that.... so here are some more
In the language that I am studying, I did buy Rosetta Stone -- but did not find it very helpful(I wish I had saved my $400). Rather the podcasts and Busuu are much more helpful - and are free. I also have an Ipad which I have acquired several free or very low cost applications (for example, 5000 verbs and their congugation, a dictionary that pronounces the words). In addition, the Wordreference site and Iphone applicaiton (you should try that web site also - its a place where you can finds words and you can seek guidance on how to use a word).
If you are intersted in an instructor -- the web site MyPrivateLanguageTutor will match you up with one that charges $20 per hour for a lesson. You work with a textbook that they recommend. Lessons are on Skype and the instructor is native in the language you are seeking.
One of the biggest hurdles is getting you to speak in the language -- and having someone work with you on pronunciation is REALLY helpful. I have been seriously studying for 2 years, and spend at least 2 hrs a day studying on my own (I am a slow learner).... and can communicate, but struggle for the words.
When you get comfortable with the language you can also find newspaper in the language free on the web. There are also TV stations in spanish countries you can listen to (courtesey of the free web), Youtube has cartoons in many languages(ya have to find them) and then there are movies with english subtitles..... the web has tremendous resources, most of which are free.
DBurns
Member Profile
Ellenater,
The library has awesome conversation groups. The one I've been to is a combination of native speakers learning English along side English speakers learning Spanish. It's great because they help each other with the "real" language - using slang, cliches, etc. It's been a few years for me but I know they still have the groups. Try Southwest.
angelescrest
Member Profile
E--
If you want to learn from the ground up, I can do it. It's what I do every day (for the last few decades in an immersion-style class), and my kids are pretty fluent. I have materials, great films,...but it would definitely be advantageous to have a small group: more fun, more language.
angelescrest at gmail dot com
charlabob
Member Profile
Slight digression -- does anyone know if simplified chinese can be learned "by immersion" like this and/or if there's any local group working on it? I have a feeling learning a language with separate structure and alphabet is a little more tricky. (And much harder to fake by moving your lips in unison.)
I'd also be interested in brushing up with Spanish if AC or someone else does something locally.
Thanks for an interessting new topic. :-)
c
ellenater
Member Profile
WOW! Great tips...
Mary,
I LOVE Busuu. I got on there last night after reading your post and fell in love with it immediately. It just clicked. I am hoping to spend an at least 3 months in Spain next summer so I really do want a comprehensive understanding of the language. I have been meaning to learn Spanish for quite awhile. Those are all great suggestions. Thank you so much! I am going to Italy in October and am hoping to get an iPad to take with in lieu of my laptop. I have looked at some of the apps for my iPhone but was disappointed in many I found for Italian and just gave up...
angelscrest,
do you have contact info.? I am interested in what you do in general but your group may be cost prohibitive for me now. Would like to know more.
Dburns,
Thank you. That is a great resource. I was hoping for a cafe' or pub group but the library is a close second. :)
Charlabob,
I will post details on here in case you are interested in joining. :)
angelescrest
Member Profile
El-I ran backyard groups in my backyard studio for years in CA. I charged $10 a class per person, but taught ages 10-15. It was crazy busy, and I was on maternity leave. Now I just teach Spanish at school, but summer is coming--and you guys sound so inspired! There are great little ways to "own" this language in a nice, beginning way.
angelescrestk at gmail.com or 937.2327
charlabob
Member Profile
yup, keep me on the list for whatever you do :-)
thanks!
c
You must log in to post.
All contents copyright 2012, A Drink of Water and a Story Interactive. Here's how to contact us.
No photo reuse without permission.
Entries and comments feeds. ^Top^
westseattleblog
West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Blog