What is the best software for learning Spanish not Rosetta Stone?

1. 38

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   What is the best software for learning Spanish not Rosetta Stone?
   
   My son is starting Spanish classes this year and I'd like to take a refresher course to help him have someone to practice with.  I looked into Rosetta Stone and it is prohibitively expensive. Are there good programs out there that are not hundreds of dollars that are really good at teaching language?

   replyreport
2. 77

   Tom Voglerposted 10 years ago

   Check your local library.  My library has a section where the books on tape/CDs/movies are which offers foreign language media.  I have seen everything from the basics to a 30 lesson course.   
   
   I am currently using the Rosetta Stone online version to learn Italian and have both positive and negative feelings about that program.

   replyreport
   1. 38

      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I would love to read a hub about the ins and outs of Rosetta Stone if you ever feel like writing it would like to hear some balanced opinions.

      replyreport
3. 39

   Borsiaposted 10 years ago

   I took a course called "Speed Spanish" that was really quite good and not expensive. I took it online. It teaches you actual useful Spanish for day to day conversation. It is NOT a parrot phrase system, which are a waste of time.
   You can probably just Google it.

   replyreport
   1. 38

      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That sounds ideal actually, because I took spanish years ago and heard it a lot when I was little with my grandma/great grandma speaking it. The parrot phrase thing I def want to avoid. Thanks!

      replyreport
   2. 39

      Borsiaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I lived in Colombia for 3 years and for the most part didn't need more than what I learned in that class to live & get things done. Casual conversations weren't so easy but that is largely because there are so any forms of Spanish.

      replyreport
4. 79

   hrymelposted 10 years ago

   Try Livemocha dot com and Busuu dot com, they both are online language learning communities.  You can use them for free or upgrade for more challenging material.  They both have helped me a great deal.  They have speaking, reading, and vocabulary lessons as well as a wonderful international community, that has helped me connect with pen pals.

   replyreport
   1. 38

      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      excellent thank you

      replyreport
5. 70

   Rev. Akinsposted 10 years ago

   I like duolingo, it is an app on a tablet or phone, but you can also use a computer. It is free and similar to how Rosetta Stone works. It also reminds you via email to practice some every day.

   replyreport
   1. 38

      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds cool, I'll check it out thank you

      replyreport