rosetta stone - has anyone used it - Difference between Spainish spain/Latin Americ

[grl]

Has anyone used rosetta stone to learn a language? What are you thoughts about it.

My other question (and please forgive my ignorance) is what is the difference between Latin American Spanish and Spain Spanish?

Is there a big difference. The reason I am stuck is that I live in the UK but will be spending some time in California in the later part of 2010 and it would help with my job to have some knowledge of Latin American Spanish.

But then I go to Spain on holiday. So if I pick one would I be able to get away with speaking the other? Is the difference that big or is it like US English and UK English where there is no real difference.

Many thanks

[openeyes]

Since you live closest to and vacation in Spain I would focus on learning that form since you're apt to have the most exposure to it, but it's not critical.

This article sums it up well:

"People from throughout the Spanish-speaking world can communicate with other as easily as people throughout the English-speaking world can. There are differences, more so in the spoken language than in writing, but they aren't so extreme that you can't learn the differences as you need them.

"Also, while it's easy to think of Latin American Spanish as one entity, as textbooks and lessons often do, you should note there are differences in the Spanish of various countries in the Western Hemisphere. But again, the differences aren't so extreme that they prevent communication."

Varieties of Spanish — Differences Between Spain and Latin America

ps: I haven't used Rosetta Stone, but I do like the Pimsleur courses, which a local library might give you free access to.

[grl]

Thank you very much for your reply that was very helpful.

[aelle]

Hm. I learned Castillan (Spain Spanish) and never had any problems understanding American Spanish, although the accents are quite different. Are you a complete beginner? If so, I think your Spanish will still be malleable enough by the end of the year, so you could pick either dialect and be fine.

[grl]

Thanks for your reply I am an absolute beginner. I have never had a lesson in my life. How did you learn Spanish? I am looking for some good software / a program where I can learn my self at home. That will be the easiest way for me with my hectic schedule. Don't think that I will be able to go to classes.

[billionairekid]

I've tried learning languages through the typical school format and had brief success. I just started learning Russian through Rosetta Stone the other week and I'm incredibly impressed with the software. I've only gone through one lesson and I remember everything that was taught. That's huge considering I can't remember basic sentences in French after I studied French in school for almost 4 years.

I highly recommend Rosetta Stone to anyone who is serious about learning another language. The technology is state of the art and I’m not just talking about the software. The program is set up so that you learn how our brains were designed to learn – through immersion and by making associations.

[grl]

Thanks billionairekid, did you start at level 1. I would be interested to see how things go for you. I am going to start next month when I have finished a current project and I have a bit more time. Would it be ok to pm you every now and then and see how you are going?

[aelle]

Originally Posted by grl

Thanks for your reply I am an absolute beginner. I have never had a lesson in my life. How did you learn Spanish? I am looking for some good software / a program where I can learn my self at home. That will be the easiest way for me with my hectic schedule. Don't think that I will be able to go to classes.

I learned in class. That was fine with me. I did try using Rosetta Stone for Dutch, but felt I was progressing too slowly and stopped using it after a while. I prefer intensive sessions.

[grl]

I can understand that. Once criticism of RS that I have come across is that it can be a bit too basic and it takes it's time to get through the language.

[grl]

aelle what level RS did you start at? Level 1?

[aelle]

Yes.

[AngelaM]

Livemocha.com is a free website that is similar to the rosetta stone approach for language learning and I've found it really helpful in my attempt to learn Italian.

Also, I agree with others that you just need to focus on learning the language basics and after that you can adjust as you need to when you get to your location.

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by AngelaM

Livemocha.com

that looks like an excellent site, thanks for the link.

[grl]

Thanks guys and girls much appreciated

[billionairekid]

Originally Posted by grl

Thanks billionairekid, did you start at level 1. I would be interested to see how things go for you. I am going to start next month when I have finished a current project and I have a bit more time. Would it be ok to pm you every now and then and see how you are going?

Yes feel free to PM me. The reason people find that Rosetta stone is boring and/or time consuming is because it works by building associations instead of having you translate your own language into a new one. It's a far more powerful (and natural) way to learn new languages.

There is a reason RS is the chosen language program for the US military.

[grl]

Thanks billionairekid, much appreciated

[grl]

How long do you think that it will take you to make progress with the RS course billionairekid?

[aelle]

Hey, here's a podcast review of the Rosetta Stone: Rosetta Stone: the method behind the hype, a spelling bee with a twist, and Hillary's Congo adventure | Africa | PRI's The World

Reflects quite well my experience with it.

[billionairekid]

Honestly, if learning a new language were an absolute focus for me, I suspect it wouldn't take long before I could begin speaking in basic sentences. Depending on how the rest of the course goes (I've only done the first lesson), I expect that within a lesson or two I could speak sentences. I can already say basic things like the boy is drinking or the girl is swimming. In terms of time, I'd say that within a few days I could speak sentences.

Of course, I should also add that learning is something I've been passionately committed to for the last three years. And the more you learn, the more you're able to learn. My sister, whom I learning Russian with, has progressed very quickly with RS as well.

[grl]

Thanks billionaire kid. How many levels of the course did you get? How many lessons are on each level?