How can you pass up FREE?
Check out this offer before they pull it off the site.
Learn Spanish Today 
- Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
So, what's your excuse?
So, what's your excuse? Start learning Spanish TODAY.
How can you pass up FREE?
Check out this offer before they pull it off the site.
Learn Spanish Today - Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons.
How can you pass up FREE?
Check out this offer before they pull it off the site.
Learn Spanish Today - Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Buyer Beware! Please Read This!
As you know, we have been reviewing different Spanish programs to help you find the one that will work for you.
I feel that I need to make you aware of a disturbing sales tactic being used by one of these programs. The program is called the Pimsleur Approach. They offer you a CD for only $9.95 and promise you will learn Spanish in 10 days.
Come on. Learn a language in 10 days? I don’t think so.
I never did review their course or their teaching methods because it seems like a scam to me. Here is the “fine print” from their site;
† Pimsleur Rapid Fluency Purchase Program:
One month after you receive your Quick & Simple you'll begin receiving 30 day trial copies of advanced Pimsleur courses in the language you selected. Each course is yours to try for 30 days. You'll receive a new course once every 60 days. For each course you keep we'll bill you in four monthly payments of $64. Remember, there's never an immediate obligation to buy any course because of the 30-day trial period provided with each shipment. And you may cancel future shipments at any time by calling 1-877-802-5283.
One month after you receive your Quick & Simple you'll begin receiving 30 day trial copies of advanced Pimsleur courses in the language you selected. Each course is yours to try for 30 days. You'll receive a new course once every 60 days. For each course you keep we'll bill you in four monthly payments of $64. Remember, there's never an immediate obligation to buy any course because of the 30-day trial period provided with each shipment. And you may cancel future shipments at any time by calling 1-877-802-5283.
Come on. 4 monthly payments of $64. For EACH course!
Yeah, and if you don’t want the CDs they ship, you have to pay to send them back.
Just my opinion, but I’d avoid this course.
Here’s a link to what some others have had to say;
Until next week, hasta luego.
Adam Scott
Friday, April 1, 2011
Review of Synergy Spanish
Synergy Spanish is a course developed by Marcus Santamaria, one of the most respected and highest paid language instructors in Latin America.
The course is offered as a set of CDs or as downloadable Audio files with accompanying PDF transcripts. There are also PDF Flashcards to help you practice.Support is offered by email and many people have found it to be quick and concise.
He offers an impressive 60 day money back guarantee--No questions asked.
The foundation of this course is building a vocabulary that when combined multiplies your overall vocabulary.
In traditional courses, 10 words + 10 words + 10 words equals 30 new words you've learned.
Synergy Spanish teaches you words that you combine to make phrases.
10 words X 10 words X 10 words equals 1000 word combinations that make Spanish phrases.
Marcus teaches a basic 138 words that can be combined to make over 86,000 Spanish phrases.
Grammar and word conjugations are not taught as specific lessons.
You learn the correct word form as you learn complete phrases.
read more.....
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Why Learn Spanish?
Who's learning Spanish these days?
To begin with, many residents of the United States. A group not known for speaking more than one language are studying Spanish in record numbers. Spanish is also becoming more significant in Europe, where it is often the language of choice after English. It easy to appreciatewhy Spanish is a popular second or third language. With about 400 million speakers, it is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world (after English, Chinese and Hindustani). Some accounts say it has more native speakers than English. It is an official language on four continents and has historical importance elsewhere.
These numbers alone make Spanish a good pick for a second language. But there are plenty of other reasons to learn Spanish.
Here are just a few:
Better understanding of English:
A lot of English vocabulary has Latin origins. Much of which came to English by way of French. Since Spanish is also a Latin language, as you examine Spanish you will find that you have a better understanding of English vocabulary. Because Spanish and English share Indo-European roots, their grammars are alike. There is perhaps no more effective way to learn English grammar than by learning the grammar of another language.
As you study you are forced to think about how your own language is structured. Not surprisingly, you gain an understanding of English verbs' tenses and moods by learning how those verbs are used in Spanish.
Knowing your neighbors:
Not long ago the Spanish-speaking population of the United States lived mostly in the Mexican border states, Florida and New York City. But not now. Every state has a Spanish speaking population.Being able to communicate is key to developing trust and understanding.
Travel:
It is possible to go to Mexico, Spain, Central or South America without knowing a word of Spanish. But it isn't nearly half as much fun. Speaking the language creates more memorable travel experiences. Experiences nothing like what most tourists have the opportunity to enjoy. Time and again doors are opened because you can speak Spanish enabling you to see and do things that many other visitors do not.
Cultural understanding:
Most of us can't hope to learn the languages of more than one or two cultures other than our own. Those that we do learn help us to understand how other people feel and think. If you read Latin American or Spanish newspapers you often gain a sense of how other people think and feel. A way different than your own. Spanish also offers a wide range of literature, both modern and traditional.
Learning other languages:
If you are able to learn Spanish, you'll have a head start if you wish to learn the other Latin-based languages such as French and Italian. And it will even help you learn Russian and German, since they too have Indo-European roots and have some characteristics (such as gender and extensive conjugation) that are present in Spanish but not English. Learning the makeup of one language can provide you witha reference point for learning others.
It's easy:
Spanish is one of the simplest foreign languages to learn. Much of its vocabulary is similar to English and written Spanish is almost completely phonetic. Look at almost any Spanish word and you can tell how it is pronounced. The vowels in Spanish always have the same pronunciation. Very different from English. While mastering the grammar of Spanish can be a challenge, basic grammar is straightforward enough that you can have meaningful communication after only a few lessons.
Employment opportunities:
If you're in the United States you'll find your employment options expand by knowing Spanish. And wherever you live, if you're in any occupation that involves international trade, communications or tourism, you'll similarly find opportunities to use your new language skills.
It's fun:
Whether you enjoy talking, reading, or mastering challenges, you'll find all of them in learning Spanish. For many people, there's something inherently enjoyable about successfully speaking in another language. Perhaps that's one reason children sometimes speak in Pig Latin or device secret codes of their own. Although learning a language can be work, the efforts pay off quickly when you finally get to use your skills.
For many people, Spanish offers the most rewards with the least effort of any foreign language. It's never too late to start learning.
To begin with, many residents of the United States. A group not known for speaking more than one language are studying Spanish in record numbers. Spanish is also becoming more significant in Europe, where it is often the language of choice after English. It easy to appreciatewhy Spanish is a popular second or third language. With about 400 million speakers, it is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world (after English, Chinese and Hindustani). Some accounts say it has more native speakers than English. It is an official language on four continents and has historical importance elsewhere.
These numbers alone make Spanish a good pick for a second language. But there are plenty of other reasons to learn Spanish.
Here are just a few:
Better understanding of English:
A lot of English vocabulary has Latin origins. Much of which came to English by way of French. Since Spanish is also a Latin language, as you examine Spanish you will find that you have a better understanding of English vocabulary. Because Spanish and English share Indo-European roots, their grammars are alike. There is perhaps no more effective way to learn English grammar than by learning the grammar of another language.
As you study you are forced to think about how your own language is structured. Not surprisingly, you gain an understanding of English verbs' tenses and moods by learning how those verbs are used in Spanish.
Knowing your neighbors:
Not long ago the Spanish-speaking population of the United States lived mostly in the Mexican border states, Florida and New York City. But not now. Every state has a Spanish speaking population.Being able to communicate is key to developing trust and understanding.
Travel:
It is possible to go to Mexico, Spain, Central or South America without knowing a word of Spanish. But it isn't nearly half as much fun. Speaking the language creates more memorable travel experiences. Experiences nothing like what most tourists have the opportunity to enjoy. Time and again doors are opened because you can speak Spanish enabling you to see and do things that many other visitors do not.
Cultural understanding:
Most of us can't hope to learn the languages of more than one or two cultures other than our own. Those that we do learn help us to understand how other people feel and think. If you read Latin American or Spanish newspapers you often gain a sense of how other people think and feel. A way different than your own. Spanish also offers a wide range of literature, both modern and traditional.
Learning other languages:
If you are able to learn Spanish, you'll have a head start if you wish to learn the other Latin-based languages such as French and Italian. And it will even help you learn Russian and German, since they too have Indo-European roots and have some characteristics (such as gender and extensive conjugation) that are present in Spanish but not English. Learning the makeup of one language can provide you witha reference point for learning others.
It's easy:
Spanish is one of the simplest foreign languages to learn. Much of its vocabulary is similar to English and written Spanish is almost completely phonetic. Look at almost any Spanish word and you can tell how it is pronounced. The vowels in Spanish always have the same pronunciation. Very different from English. While mastering the grammar of Spanish can be a challenge, basic grammar is straightforward enough that you can have meaningful communication after only a few lessons.
Employment opportunities:
If you're in the United States you'll find your employment options expand by knowing Spanish. And wherever you live, if you're in any occupation that involves international trade, communications or tourism, you'll similarly find opportunities to use your new language skills.
It's fun:
Whether you enjoy talking, reading, or mastering challenges, you'll find all of them in learning Spanish. For many people, there's something inherently enjoyable about successfully speaking in another language. Perhaps that's one reason children sometimes speak in Pig Latin or device secret codes of their own. Although learning a language can be work, the efforts pay off quickly when you finally get to use your skills.
For many people, Spanish offers the most rewards with the least effort of any foreign language. It's never too late to start learning.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What makes this Course So Different?
Most courses teach you chunks of grammar. Today you learn adverbs and qualifiers, tomorrow the subjunctive and the progressive the next day.. Most of the time, you're just confused.
You're not able to make free-flowing sentences, and if you do manage to speak at all it's stilted and unnatural.
This is an antiquated method of teaching and is grueling for the students. It's also horrible for the teachers. You'd be surprised how many teachers actually dislike grammar-based methods but it is part of the curriculum so they have to teach it.
What’s worse? Grammar-based methods usually fail.
If it was successful millions more people would be speaking Spanish as a second language. In reality very few people are able to communicate using their classroom Spanish.
If you have tried to learn Spanish and failed, it's not your fault. The problem is with the ineffective methods that you have been exposed to.
Studies show that these grammar-based methods fail 95% of the time.
Notice, it didn't say, "95% of people fail to learn Spanish".
It's the method that's failing. Not you!
Fortunately, there is an easier way.
Spanish words are usually taught using lists that are based on a theme. This is an easy and fast way to build a Spanish course but it is no good for learning to communicate.
Forget about it!
Why doesn't it work? Here's what happens with word lists. First day you learn words related to a theme e.g. animals. So you learn the Spanish words for goat, pig, donkey, horse, saddle, bridle, tiger, lion, zoo, etc.
Next day's theme is furniture: bed, sofa, table, chair, armchair, cupboard, toy box etc. If you learn 10 words a day then after three days 10+10+10 = 30 words.
Now you know 30 words. That’s better than 3 days ago, but can you go out and communicate in the Spanish world?
Not really.
What would you say? Dog cat armchair or pig saddle sofa?
"On the other hand, when you multiply Spanish 10 x 10 x 10 = 1000 phrase combinations you can use at will to express yourself. The result is the difference between dog pig monkey vs. me gustaría verla esta noche (I would like to see her tonight.)"
By using combinations, you speak in real Spanish sentences in next to no time.
In fact, the example sentence is from lesson 3. You easily be making sentences like this and many more by lesson 3.
Best of all, you can finish lessons 1-3 in just a few hours.
This is the most powerful secret for your successful communication in Spanish.
Instead of learning thematic words-lists that make you sound like a cave man, you discover patterns that multiply Spanish. Then the words flow naturally into Spanish phrases you can use any time you want.
You Can't Possibly Fail, No Matter What Your Past Experience With Spanish.
You're not able to make free-flowing sentences, and if you do manage to speak at all it's stilted and unnatural.
This is an antiquated method of teaching and is grueling for the students. It's also horrible for the teachers. You'd be surprised how many teachers actually dislike grammar-based methods but it is part of the curriculum so they have to teach it.
What’s worse? Grammar-based methods usually fail.
If it was successful millions more people would be speaking Spanish as a second language. In reality very few people are able to communicate using their classroom Spanish.
If you have tried to learn Spanish and failed, it's not your fault. The problem is with the ineffective methods that you have been exposed to.
Studies show that these grammar-based methods fail 95% of the time.
Notice, it didn't say, "95% of people fail to learn Spanish".
It's the method that's failing. Not you!
Fortunately, there is an easier way.
Spanish words are usually taught using lists that are based on a theme. This is an easy and fast way to build a Spanish course but it is no good for learning to communicate.
Forget about it!
Why doesn't it work? Here's what happens with word lists. First day you learn words related to a theme e.g. animals. So you learn the Spanish words for goat, pig, donkey, horse, saddle, bridle, tiger, lion, zoo, etc.
Next day's theme is furniture: bed, sofa, table, chair, armchair, cupboard, toy box etc. If you learn 10 words a day then after three days 10+10+10 = 30 words.
Now you know 30 words. That’s better than 3 days ago, but can you go out and communicate in the Spanish world?
Not really.
What would you say? Dog cat armchair or pig saddle sofa?
"On the other hand, when you multiply Spanish 10 x 10 x 10 = 1000 phrase combinations you can use at will to express yourself. The result is the difference between dog pig monkey vs. me gustaría verla esta noche (I would like to see her tonight.)"
By using combinations, you speak in real Spanish sentences in next to no time.
In fact, the example sentence is from lesson 3. You easily be making sentences like this and many more by lesson 3.
Best of all, you can finish lessons 1-3 in just a few hours.
This is the most powerful secret for your successful communication in Spanish.
Instead of learning thematic words-lists that make you sound like a cave man, you discover patterns that multiply Spanish. Then the words flow naturally into Spanish phrases you can use any time you want.
You Can't Possibly Fail, No Matter What Your Past Experience With Spanish.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Why Spanish verb charts cause failure
Here’s the easy road to Spanish verb mastery.
It's called the Sideways Approach. It’s a tiny twist that takes difficult Spanish verbs and makes them simple...
In Spanish the verbs are not the same as in English. For most students this grinds their Spanish to a screeching halt...
Here’s how to shortcut all the intimidating grammar rules and slice through the conjugation charts...
With a simple sideways turn to the verbs anyone can dominate this language no matter their age or background...
Here is a typical verb chart:
Ar verbs Er Verbs IR verbs
Hablar comer vivir
Yo Hablo yo como yo vivo
Tu Hablas tu comes tu vives
Usted Habla usted come usted vive
El/ella habla el/ella come el/ella vive
Nosotros(as) Hablamos nosotros(as)comemos nosotros(as)vivimos
Ustedes Hablan ustedes comen ustedes viven
Ello(as) hablan ellos(as) comen ellos(as) viven
I guess it’s OK as a reference tool. Except for the overuse of pronouns, especially yo. I’ll tell you why yo is so bad en un momento...
However, that chart as a foundation to speaking Spanish in real situations, making friends, doing business or pursuing a romance…
Olvídalo! (Forget it!)
Here’s what’s wrong…
If you rely on the chart you’ll always be at the mercy of the chart before you can speak.
Imagine if you had to stop and think about theory before you spoke in English.
…………..…Imagine if……………………………………………………….. you had………………to stop and………………………………….think about a bunch of theory before……………………………………………you spoke in English
That’s how most teachers train you to speak Spanish.
It’s no wonder the majority of students struggle, month after month… and many give up before they reach anything close to fluency.
Fortunately there is an easier way.
All you do is turn the verbs sideways.
Let’s turn the chart sideways and take a look at the first person pattern. That’s the one you use to talk about what you do.
Yo hablo
Yo como
Yo vivo
Now lets get rid of the pronoun yo. Spanish speakers mostly use yo for emphasis. Do you really want to go around emphasizing yourself?
(Yo, yo, yo, I, I, I, me, me, me) It’s not a good look. (It’s all about me!)
So let’s ditch yo.
Hablo
Como
vivo
Notice anything?
Let’s make it a bit easier.
HablO
ComO
VivO
Look at that!
All the first person verbs end in then letter “O”
Hablo = I speak
Como = I eat
Vivo = I live
All of a sudden something big and intimidating becomes an easy and manageable pattern. Can you understand these phrases?
Hablo español con mi amigo Francisco.
No como chile.
Vivo en Argentina.
Hablo con muchas personas en Facebook.
Vivo en México pero no como chile.
It’s that easy to bring life to Spanish verbs.
The exciting thing is it doesn’t take many of these sideways patterns to start speaking great Spanish.
Get a handful of them under you belt and the language will suddenly open up for you. You’ll quickly speak Spanish that delights your amigos.
If you "Like This" you have access to a free audio lesson.
Start to learn Spanish verbs the easy way.
Thanks and I know you'll be speaking Spanish soon!
It's called the Sideways Approach. It’s a tiny twist that takes difficult Spanish verbs and makes them simple...
In Spanish the verbs are not the same as in English. For most students this grinds their Spanish to a screeching halt...
Here’s how to shortcut all the intimidating grammar rules and slice through the conjugation charts...
With a simple sideways turn to the verbs anyone can dominate this language no matter their age or background...
Here is a typical verb chart:
Ar verbs Er Verbs IR verbs
Hablar comer vivir
Yo Hablo yo como yo vivo
Tu Hablas tu comes tu vives
Usted Habla usted come usted vive
El/ella habla el/ella come el/ella vive
Nosotros(as) Hablamos nosotros(as)comemos nosotros(as)vivimos
Ustedes Hablan ustedes comen ustedes viven
Ello(as) hablan ellos(as) comen ellos(as) viven
I guess it’s OK as a reference tool. Except for the overuse of pronouns, especially yo. I’ll tell you why yo is so bad en un momento...
However, that chart as a foundation to speaking Spanish in real situations, making friends, doing business or pursuing a romance…
Olvídalo! (Forget it!)
Here’s what’s wrong…
If you rely on the chart you’ll always be at the mercy of the chart before you can speak.
Imagine if you had to stop and think about theory before you spoke in English.
…………..…Imagine if……………………………………………………….. you had………………to stop and………………………………….think about a bunch of theory before……………………………………………you spoke in English
That’s how most teachers train you to speak Spanish.
It’s no wonder the majority of students struggle, month after month… and many give up before they reach anything close to fluency.
Fortunately there is an easier way.
All you do is turn the verbs sideways.
Let’s turn the chart sideways and take a look at the first person pattern. That’s the one you use to talk about what you do.
Yo hablo
Yo como
Yo vivo
Now lets get rid of the pronoun yo. Spanish speakers mostly use yo for emphasis. Do you really want to go around emphasizing yourself?
(Yo, yo, yo, I, I, I, me, me, me) It’s not a good look. (It’s all about me!)
So let’s ditch yo.
Hablo
Como
vivo
Notice anything?
Let’s make it a bit easier.
HablO
ComO
VivO
Look at that!
All the first person verbs end in then letter “O”
Hablo = I speak
Como = I eat
Vivo = I live
All of a sudden something big and intimidating becomes an easy and manageable pattern. Can you understand these phrases?
Hablo español con mi amigo Francisco.
No como chile.
Vivo en Argentina.
Hablo con muchas personas en Facebook.
Vivo en México pero no como chile.
It’s that easy to bring life to Spanish verbs.
The exciting thing is it doesn’t take many of these sideways patterns to start speaking great Spanish.
Get a handful of them under you belt and the language will suddenly open up for you. You’ll quickly speak Spanish that delights your amigos.
If you "Like This" you have access to a free audio lesson.
Start to learn Spanish verbs the easy way.
Thanks and I know you'll be speaking Spanish soon!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
What's Holding You Back?
If you're not speaking Spanish the way you want yet, don't blame
yourself. It's not your ability or your age that's stopping you.
Lot's of people learn Spanish as adults.
It's a good bet that what's really holding you back is the way you've
been taught.
I know it sounds loco, but for many people traditional learning
methods actually stop them from learning. The methods are
just not brain friendly.
In fact, studies show that 95% of people who take traditional courses
never get to speak.
Why would you bother with a less than 1 in 20 chance of success?
Here's a better way to learn.......www.easy-spanish-now.com/go
Those of you who have started the course, post a comment and let others know just how easy it is to learn Spanish.
Thanks again, Adam
yourself. It's not your ability or your age that's stopping you.
Lot's of people learn Spanish as adults.
It's a good bet that what's really holding you back is the way you've
been taught.
I know it sounds loco, but for many people traditional learning
methods actually stop them from learning. The methods are
just not brain friendly.
In fact, studies show that 95% of people who take traditional courses
never get to speak.
Why would you bother with a less than 1 in 20 chance of success?
Here's a better way to learn.......www.easy-spanish-now.com/go
Those of you who have started the course, post a comment and let others know just how easy it is to learn Spanish.
Thanks again, Adam
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