Learn to Speak Spanish 7.0

Copyright: KBkids.com

On occasion, a family looks for a language program because they plan to do some traveling. Many families purchase programs for the academic value of language acquisition, while other just want to be functional in an unfamiliar place. If you are planning to do traveling, specifically to Mexico, this program will bring you up to speed quickly. Other families may want to try Self-Study Spanish, Kids! Spanish, or one of the other language programs with a broader scope.

This new upgrade from The Learning Company is very appropriate for those wanting to travel to Mexico. If your travels are taking you to another Spanish speaking country, the program will still be helpful, but much of the cultural information will be irrelevant. The emphasis here is very strongly Mexican. This is not an immersion program, which will gradually allow you to understand and speak a language in a natural manner. This is a 'learn it, regurgitate it, and be ready to hit the streets of Mexico running' program. Eleven units teach everything from arrival, changing money, dealing with a maid, hailing a taxi, and finding an address to making long distance phone calls, and visiting the doctor. The program is very, very well done, but deals with a more narrow range of language skills than some more academically based programs. For the traveler, however, this can't be beat. If you are going to Mexico, you want to look less like a tourist, and not embarrass yourself. You may not care about some of the more intricate vocabulary. You just want to order something edible, and find the bathroom! If so, this program will be your best choice.

Each unit is divided into several areas. You will be given learning goals for the unit and then will study the basic vocabulary for that unit. Once you feel you know the words needed, you will progress to a cartoon strip dialogue. Throughout this program you can record your voice, and watch as your speech is ranked from tourist to native quality. Translations in English and Spanish can be turned on or off at your discretion. Once you have interacted with this cartoon dialogue, you will use the same dialogue with real video characters. Later, this will become even more interactive as you speak freely with a video character, and try to 'hold your own' in a real situation. This practice is invaluable. Here there will be little hand holding, although you can always ask for a hint. This interactive video conversation is very innovative. Vocabulary exercises, and reading practice are a part of this program. A workbook and practice audio tape are included with your program, as well as an offer for a free microphone.

A few basic games are included throughout the program, such as Go Fish and a Crossword generation game. Don't buy this program for it's games, obviously, but they add a fun distraction from the hard work of conversational Spanish.

Bottom Line: A tremendous tool for the Mexican traveler. Can't be beat for it's travel preparation power. For the average student interested in learning Spanish, it's scope may be too narrow.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3 1/2

BrainGain: 3 1/2

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 4

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