Answer Question
Proouncian of phrases by Spanish speakers
Since I will offer a critique below of something, I need to say first that I am a fan of Fluenz. I am half way through the second module and I intend on continuing my studies using this program all the way through module 5. I especially like the blend of explicit grammar alongside of the immersion-elements (pictures, etc.). Actually, I could withstand more grammar, but that's just me. But since we humans are prone to criticize what is already good, I have one of those gems to offer. The designers of Fluenz have made a decision that I would not have made. Specifically, when Spanish speakers are used to read a sentence that the student is supposed to write down, the native speaker frequently blends or slurs words and sounds together that, in my opinion, should be more clearly articulated. I know that you are trying to attune my ear to the way real Spanish speakers articulate their words and phrases. But you are introducing me to new sounds each session. I need to hear the new structures clearly articulated the first time I am asked to write them down. Once I have encountered them over and over again I can adjust to the normal speed, slurs and elisions of a native speaker and infer the correct grammar. This is a minor point, but now it is off my chest and I feel like I am in the community now ;-).