Learning Spanish.
 

Hi all, as well as attending a language class I was wondering if there are any decent (preferably free!) websites anyone can recommend to help with vocab, grammar etc?

Gracias!

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

You may find this helpful? > BBC - Learn Spanish with free online lessons

Go to your local library, I am sure they will have a selection of language courses available.

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

Duolingo

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I agree with Duolingo, but you have to stick at it every day and if you do it can be a satisfying free program.

Steve

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

Thanks, have already tried the BBC website, will take a look at duolingo :thumbup:

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

Not sure where you are but great solution is Spanish TV, their 24 news channel is excellent and you can watch the pictures and listen. Think they also have subtitles in Spanish. I learnt my numbers watching basketball.

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

Babbel has some free tutorials. I used it for a month and them decided to pay for a years subscription. Spain's rtve channel is good, use a VPN like Hola to access it from UK.
SM

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

Notes in Spanish, and Light speed Spanish, do lots of free pod casts, at various levels and are contactable via twitter. Gordon and Cynthia ( LSS) are very good at replying, although Ben and Marina (NIS) do send e mails about buying extra resources but the pod casts are brilliant. All can be used on MP3/4 players whilst out exercising, or driving car etc.

Pete

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I've got an app; called Babbel. It's ideal. totally free and very good and you go at your own pace.

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I used Babbel for another language and, after the free period, it cost about 20€ per quarter, automatically renewable if you don't cancel by the deadline. On the other hand, I only have a computer, and apps may well be free....
I stopped because I didn't see the point of learning the past tense so early on (in addition to the fact that it wasn't European Portuguese, but Brazilian:blink:)

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I do 15 minutes of Spanish every morning with Duolingo. I find it helps me think Spanish for the day. It helps if you get into that mindset but also to realise that language isn't something you learn once and crack, so to speak; it's an ongoing, even endless, process.

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

Just about to finish Rosetta Stone (which is a bit hit and miss and very time consuming) but the best value for money App I have found is this:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....spanish&hl=en

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

This is quite a useful web site if you haven't already seen it. English to French, Italian, German & Spanish Dictionary - WordReference.com

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I've tried most of the tips above, but I am still finding it difficult to settle into learning the language. I've pretty much completed Dualingo, and I feel quite confident answering those questions, but when I listen to TV shows or other audible media, I can hardly understand a word of it. It's at that point I become a little dispondant. I've always struggled with languages, and for me I think I need a more regimented and structured approach. I would like to attend a GCSE class. Maybe I will look into that. I notice my local local authority evening classes use a book called 'Pasos 1' by Martyn Ellis, so I have bought that and hopefully this will help.

Does anyone know of an exercise type book, which I can work my way though. It's all very well reading page after page, but I think I need to perform some activities too.

I know everyone's journey is different, but can you really learn a language with a non-immersive method? I'm finding it so difficult. Sorry, I'm rambling, and making excuses perhaps, for not putting in enough effort!

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I wouldn't get too hung up with the grammar side of it and concentrate on building up your vocab and for that the 6,000 Spanish Words App is excellent - I do about 20mins most nights while the TV is on.

I am now at the end of the final module of Rosetta Stone and it's been a bit of a struggle - boredom mainly & I find the typing exercises hard due to the accents. I'm pleased I've done this course but it has taken the best part of 21 months and that is with me putting in a lot of Hrs.

My next step with be to go thru the 2 Spanish for Dummies books + the 2nd BBC Book. I will also run thru the excellent Paul Noble course again. I will also refer back to Rosetta Stone to re-run some of the Milestone modules.

I am finding it difficult but I am persevering as when I do finally move to Spain I want to be able to communicate with people and integrate into the community. When I watch Spanish films and TV I'm picking up a little of whats going on but it's the speed of speech that I find difficult.

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

A Spaniard would say the same thing about listening to an english person

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I have found Michel Thomas very good which is solely audio based, and I use Duolingo for vocabulary.

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

If you like Michel Thomas try Paul Noble Spanish, same format and method but much clearer and no confusing dimwit student to put up with😃

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

and they would be wrong by about 3 orders of magnitude. None of my Spanish friends speak even remotely as slowly as we do in English, even when repeatedly asked to do so.
Pete

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

About 20 years ago now I was running the UK subsidiary of a Spanish company and our Sales Manager , a real Glaswegian, phoned the Head Office to speak with one of the technical team. He said " Guess what guys ? I am learning Spanish ! " The technician replied, "It would be more helpful to us if you learnt English first."

Re: Learning Spanish.
 

I don't think anyone has mentioned this. There is a free program on the internet that is very extensive, it starts from the most basic and takes months to work through it. It was developed by the Foreign Service department of the US Government but is in the public domain apparently. If you search under FSI Spanish Language you will find various sites that reproduce it. IT consists of audio and books which you can download. There are many other languages offered as well. Also I found Pimsleur helpful for listening and understanding as the lessons are listen and respond, it does cost, but is not exorbitant, for me it was worthwhile. No doubt there are others depending on the style of study you prefer. Good luck!