Software to Learn Spanish??

[davidg4781]

I'm wanting to learn to speak Spanish and was wondering if anyone could recommend some inexpensive Mac software. I have a Windows version of something, but I don't have Windows on my Mac, and not much room on my HDD to install it, so I'm wanting a Mac one.

I've looked around online, and, honestly, it's a bit confusing without actually trying out the software.

 

[Queso]

Check out the Education section on the iTMS podcast directory. There's loads of Learn Spanish podcasts which are free (as for several other languages for those that are interested).

I've also used the Transparent Language courses in the past, which are quite good for learning the verb forms and some idioms. If you get used to hearing the common conjugations your understanding when people speak to you goes through the roof

 

[davidg4781]

Thanks! I never even thought of that!

My main reason is because I've been applying with different companies and that's one of the questions I always have to check No on. I never really thought it mattered, but, if it will help me to land a better job, or better pay, I'll do it.

 

[Queso]

Oh definitely, here in Europe as well as where you are. You're quite lucky in that Spanish is probably the easiest of the Latin languages to learn. It's very logical in construction. Once you've got the basics start listening to Spanish language radio and things will just fall into place before you know it.

 

[davidg4781]

I took 2 years of it in High School, got good grades, but really didn't retain anything. I can sort of listen to someone, if they speak slowly, but that's the extent that I have.

 

[Queso]

In that case practice with the podcasts and don't bother with the software. Spend the money on a couple of books and a spanish/english dictionary. Best of luck.

 

[gks]

I'd just use LiveMocha

http://www.livemocha.com/

 

[Carlanga]

rosetta stone maybe?
maybe a month in an spanish speaking country?
GL

 

[Danekero]

rosetta stone maybe?
maybe a month in an spanish speaking country?
GL

Yeah I'd suggest Rosetta Stone. It's a really intuitive course and even from the start helps support all levels of skill.

It costs money, but I'd say it's worth it.

 

[nastebu]

And definitely sign up at mylanguageexchange.com

I've had good luck finding language exchange partners for Japanese there.

Going from English to Spanish really is much easier than most other languages. The grammar is very very similar and a lot of the vocabulary are cognates. Good luck!

 

[benhollberg]

Yeah I'd suggest Rosetta Stone. It's a really intuitive course and even from the start helps support all levels of skill.

It costs money, but I'd say it's worth it.

How much is Rosetta Stone?

 

[Danekero]

How much is Rosetta Stone?

It's pretty steep at $299 per level, with discounts as you increase in level and the full course costing $749. It certainly isn't for everybody, but as far as the course itself goes, I was impressed at how well it actually teaches you.

http://www.rosettastone.com/learn-spanish

It really depends on what you can afford and what learning techniques you prefer. As mentioned before, there are a few other options that are MUCH cheaper, and I'm not advocating anybody spending $700 on something they don't think they need. Before making the purchase, I'd definitely check out demos online, or use the trial on that link. I was included in a group course - if it had been just me paying for it I might not have invested that much in it.

 

[benhollberg]

It's pretty steep at $299 per level, with discounts as you increase in level and the full course costing $749. It certainly isn't for everybody, but as far as the course itself goes, I was impressed at how well it actually teaches you.

That is way too much money.

 

[Danekero]

That is way too much money.

It is. It's a good course, but I wouldn't buy it if I wasn't being discounted for my group.

 

[iLoveLingo.com]

iLoveLingo's Spanish Course

Since it's related to what we do I thought I'd give you a quick presentation of our Spanish course which is available for multiple platforms (iPhone, iPad, Mac OS X, HP/Palm, W7, etc).

It starts from the very basics and quickly moves you along during 10 lessons.

It's not as steep as Rosetta (between 15-20 USD depending on platform), but is actual course, ie. not just flash-cards, etc.

Here is a quick overview if you are interested:

iLoveLingo Spanish Course for Mac

YouTube-video of iLoveLingo Spanish Course

Cheers,
Daniel

 

[wordmagicsoft]

Our dictionaries for iOS:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/word-magic-software/id416216400

Or for Mac OS X:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/word-magic-software/id416216400?mt=12

Will definitely help you with your Spanish studies.

I recommend you the Unabridged Dictionary, since it is 50% OFF right now...

 

[MacUser09]

I know that you asked for software, but you should also search on Youtube for "Learn Spanish" videos. Also Podcasts in iTunes.
You may even find teachers that give lessons via Skype.

Hope this helps.