learning Spanish
Wed Feb 28, 2007
So I just ordered the Rosetta Stone program to learn Spanish, because when we go to Puerto Vallarta this year I want to at least know a *tiny* bit. Elliott is way better than I am at it, but he was insisting to me that there was a software program every bit as good as Rosetta, but for about a tenth of the cost. Anyone have any suggestions? The thing with Rosetta is that you have to have the disk in to use the program, and I want to do it from here at the office – but my oldest daughter is taking Spanish in highschool and I thought I’d get her a program too. I just didn’t want to do one that expensive twice over. And if he’s right that there is one just as good for way less, that’d rock.
I’m on the path to work out as much as possible before we leave. I’ve let myself get lazy the past 3 years, put on 15 lbs I didn’t need, and so on. Now the idea of being in a bikini on the beach is hitting me. Yikes! I have to say, it feels like a million years ago that I actually had my own “amateur” site with pictures. Back then a bikini wouldn’t have been that big a deal. Ah well, I have a whole 4 weeks, right? It has to be via workout, ’cause I love good food way too much to try to do the diet thing. I mean I eat healthy and all, but it’s not enough all on it’s own.
Anyhow… if I’m successful I might even post a picture or two when we get home. :)
~Jane
March 1st, 2007 at 1:45 am
My most productive books for learning have been the “Teach Yourself Spanish” series published by McGraw-Hill. (Some versions come with CDs.) The vocabulary book will provide you with the basics in a lot of different areas of conversation. Then you can move onto the grammar, verb books, etc… The books are trade paperback-sized so you’ll be able to tuck them into your carry-on.
I also use Instant Immersion CDs which I’ve successfully imported into my computer and onto my iPod so I don’t have to lug around the 8 CDs (much cheaper than Rosetta).
I have several friends who have used “Rush Hour Spanish” – available on iTunes in the Audiobooks section – to learn the basics through song. They’re cheesy songs, but they work!
As for bikini bodies, we’re on opposite sides of the body-image scale… It took living in Mexico and daily trips to the beach for me to finally start strutting my stuff in a two piece and showing off my belly in all its scarred and non-taut glory. I finally had to give up my self-consciousness in exchange for an even tan. Now I find myself in my own work out frenzy as I prepare to go to the States where I need to be as sexy in a business suit as a bathing suit!
March 1st, 2007 at 10:29 am
Well, after years of reading you, maybe now I could be of any help. If you need to practice your Spanish, please tell me! Apart from being a translator, I taught Spanish to foreigners for half a year. Two tips I can give you:
1) Watch movies in Spanish, with English subtitles on. When you are starting, choose children’s movies.
2) Listen to Spanish music, and have the lyrics and Spanish translation handy.
If you tell me which sort of music and films you like, I could help you pick up some.
March 2nd, 2007 at 7:53 am
Rae, Lucille, thanks for the tips! My Rosetta Stone came yesterday, so I will start trying that. I didn’t even *think* about using my iPod for some of this, great idea.
Re: music, I love Lila Downs – I have her latest CD. I just need to listen to it when I’m not in the car so I’ll be able to read the lyrics while I listen. Would really like some suggestions on other singers I might enjoy. My daughter was making fun of me the other day because I was listening to Lila when I couldn’t understand the words, but hey I have French rap music too. :)
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:12 am
Yes you do have French rap music.. twilight zone around the office..!
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:45 am
yeah, Jack HATES the French rap CD. Poor thing.
April 13th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
In America, there is a great demand for spanish translation services. People with fluency in Spanish and English language can easily grab a job in different industries as a professional translator. Pay package is quite attractive with frequent perks and appraisal facility. Spanish is spoken by around 370 million people from all over the world. In most part of North America, Spanish is the native language of many.:
Newest brief article on our personal internet page
<="http://www.caramoan.ph/how-to-go-to-caramoan/