A-Language-Guide
Articles and Resources for Anyone Trying to Learn a Foreign Language

Articles | German Resources | German Short Stories | Language Resources Directory




Main Site search powered by Freefind.com. Get your own free search engine!


options Viewing Want to Speak Spanish? Use Learn-to-Speak-Spanish Software

 

 Want to Speak Spanish? Use Learn-to-Speak-Spanish Software  
Not everyone learns to speak a foreign language the same way, and different software programs have different features. In this article, we will cover four areas of learn-to-speak-Spanish software that are important to know about before you buy.

By D Fraser

Learning to speak a second language using software is a hot trend right now. It's the perfect way to pick up conversational skills quickly - and for not a ton of money. Whether you want to learn to speak Spanish for a vacation destination, business, or maybe as a hobby, learn-to-speak-Spanish software is probably the simplest way to do it.

Before you rush out to purchase just any Spanish lesson software, you should know a few important things. Not everyone learns to speak a foreign language the same way, and different programs have different features. In this article, we will cover four areas of learn-to-speak-Spanish software that are important to know about before you buy.

Video Lessons or Audio Lessons?

The first thing to consider with any Spanish software is the teaching method used. Most programs are either video- or audio-based. I like using videos to learn; however, you might prefer listening to audio lessons while you are on the go.

A good audio Spanish learning program will supplement the audio lessons with computer-based games, quizzes, and exercises to help with vocabulary, grammar, and writing.

If you think you would prefer video Spanish lessons, it is going to cost a few more dollars, but it's similar to having a personal tutor right in the room with you. The videos teach more in a shorter period, and it's not just conversational Spanish but also writing, pronunciation, and more.

Important Phrases or Vocabulary Memorization

If you took Spanish in grade school, you're familiar with the memorization concept. As far as I am concerned, it doesn't work very well. Sure it teaches you lots if words, but that doesn't mean you can form meaningful sentences.

If you want to be a good conversational Spanish speaker in native countries, knowing 1000 different words isn't going to help. Knowing how to ask everyday questions, and converse with everyday phrases is better. I'd opt for a piece of Spanish learning software that emphasizes learning phrases rather than just building a huge vocabulary via memorization.

Pronunciation through Speech Recognition

This feature isn't offered in all programs, but it really is the cat's meow if you want to speak authentic Spanish. High end learn-to-speak-Spanish software like Tell Me More Spanish will record you speaking Spanish via a microphone and then critique your quality of pronunciation.

This is the equivalent of having a native Spanish speaker evaluating your progress along the way.

Lesson Plan and Feedback

Something that potential Spanish learners often don't think about is the structure that learn-to-speak-Spanish software uses when you learn. A good program will provide an easy-to-follow lesson guide that itemizes what you are to do. This way, you're sure to learn things in the proper order.

If you decide to go for a program that has lots of great content, but doesn't do a great job at ordering it, then you might spend a lot of time playing games, learning vocabulary, etc., yet feel like you're really not learning to speak the language.

About the Author:

If you're ready to start learning Spanish today, then take a moment to read our reviews of the top Spanish learning programs available. Or check out our detailed 'Tell Me More Spanish Review' of the top-rated software program to learn Spanish online. Article Source: A Language Guide - http://www.a-language-guide.com

More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com


  Article added 10/20/08.

All content copyright A-Language-Guide.com and K. Steinemann. All rights reserved. Site Map

From the Webmaster   Contact Me

Royalty-Free Articles for Website or Newsletter Reprint | More Free Content

. . . . . . . .