Answers
May 24, 2012 - 10:12 AM
Pimsleur is very overpriced. I always recommend the same thing on here.. Try some Podcasts like Notes in Spanish or Showtime Spanish.
NIS is simple Spanish conversations where the very likable hosts begin by introducing key concepts and phrases in english, then they have a regular conversation. They are all free and they exist for every level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The hosts are very likable and you also learn about a ton of culture. I listen to them repeatedly until I grasp every word. If you just HAVE to spend more money on something, you can buy worksheet packs from their website that have full transcripts and translations of the audio, with additional vocab and exercises.
Showtime Spanish follows a similar concept of a conversation with some explanation of key concepts and phrases. They are also free with the option to buy a worksheet pack that also includes bonus podcasts.
NIS is simple Spanish conversations where the very likable hosts begin by introducing key concepts and phrases in english, then they have a regular conversation. They are all free and they exist for every level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The hosts are very likable and you also learn about a ton of culture. I listen to them repeatedly until I grasp every word. If you just HAVE to spend more money on something, you can buy worksheet packs from their website that have full transcripts and translations of the audio, with additional vocab and exercises.
Showtime Spanish follows a similar concept of a conversation with some explanation of key concepts and phrases. They are also free with the option to buy a worksheet pack that also includes bonus podcasts.
May 24, 2012 - 12:41 PM
Have you tried free podcasts on iTunes? You can download podcasts on a great variety of themes there. I recommend you change the country when you want to look up for Spanish podcasts or French podcasts, and then look out for them according to the topics (e.g. Politics, Culture, Religion and Spirituality, etc.). Even though if you don't understand everything, if the topic interests you, you'll be bound to pay more attention to what they're saying and maybe spot and retain more of what you listen to. Hope this helps!
May 26, 2012 - 02:17 PM
Thanks to you both. I downloaded notes in spanish and like them so far, and I'll give the other podcasts a shot.
May 27, 2012 - 07:01 AM
I completely agree. It would be great if Fluenz would create a series of supplementary audio CDs (I would happily pay extra!) perhaps one per unit, as a complement and a review. 50 minutes of conversation at an appropriate speed and with appropriate vocabuarly would (I think) be a huge help. Especially for commuters, but also runners, walkers, gardeners etc.
Meanwhile thanks for the tip about podcasts.
Meanwhile thanks for the tip about podcasts.
May 29, 2012 - 03:35 PM
I use rocket spanish. I find it to be extremely helpful for developing my "ear"
May 29, 2012 - 09:28 PM
I completely agree. I have thought about buying Pimlseur to do after I finish French 5. I need more audio than what's given.
May 30, 2012 - 02:50 AM
I would recommend watching more videos and listening to music in French. I'm including a link for a great website with French music. It's all organized by levels, conjugations etc. and you have to pick out the words that you hear, so a great way to tune your ear. I'm also including a great French website with videos organized by your level of French. I hope these help.
http://platea.pntic.mec.es/cvera/hotp...
http://www.flevideo.com/fle_video_qui...
http://platea.pntic.mec.es/cvera/hotp...
http://www.flevideo.com/fle_video_qui...
May 30, 2012 - 10:17 AM
Pimsleur is expensive, but I've been able to get French 1 through 3 and the advanced set at my library. Like Cleefohd, I have a long commute to work but I find being in the car a great place to practice pronunciation, and Pimsleur is a compliment to Fluenz and doesn't replace the great job that Fluenz does.
May 30, 2012 - 11:44 AM
Another you could try for French is "Learn French by Podcast". The dialogue is more natural and more like what you would hear than in Pimsleur. http://www.learnfrenchbypodcast.com/