Fluenz Spanish 1+2 Windows, Next-Generation Spanish Language Learning Software

List Price: $338.00 Discount Price: $298.00

Features:

• We custom made Fluenz Spanish as language learners who knew there had to be a better way. With 60 sessions of up to two and one-half hours each, this is the most comprehensive software application covering the first and second levels of Spanish anywhere.
• To create a live learning environment, similar to what you are used to in a classroom, language tutor Sonia Gil guides you on full motion video every step of the way.
• Adults do not learn in the same way as children; we need to use the rules of languages we know to learn other languages. Fluenz leverages your knowledge of English to accelerate your learning of Spanish, with an emphasis on those words you are most likely to use.
• A next-generation platform blends beautiful full motion video with engaging, interactive workouts, including voice recording so you can compare your accent to native speech.
• Included is the Fluenz Spanish 1 and Fluenz Spanish 2 DVD-ROMs for your computer (Windows XP / Vista), Included is the Fluenz Spanish 1 and Fluenz Spanish 2 DVD-ROMs for your computer (Windows XP / Vista), two audio CDs for additional training (featuring Vantage Point star Edgar Ramirez and the voice of HBO Latin America Ivan Loscher), and the handy Fluenz Navigator for on-the-go referencing of important words and phrases.

Customer Reviews:

Fluenz Spanish 1&2 Courses on DVD [Posted on 2008-04-03]
These comments are based only on about two hours' use of the product so far.

Positives: a) The adult-oriented approach to learning. No typical kids' dialogues. b) Ease of use, right out of the box. You simply insert a DVD into the DVD-ROM drive and the course starts up. c) The ability to use a microphone to record and improve your pronunciation. d) For each "session", the ability to decide whether you want to hear the conversation with or without English and/or Spanish subtitles, and whether you want to run in "Challenge" mode (which means that you will be learning the proper written words, with correct accent marks. e) The ability to easily return to a particular session or part of a particular session. f) The fact that you are taught to write and speak and listen to Spanish.

Negatives: a)I didn't see any way of going back to the previous sentence within a conversation. To hear it again, I had to restart the conversation. There were "next" and "back" buttons to navigate from one session to another, but I didn't see a "back" button that worked within a session. But, since the beginner conversations were pretty short, this didn't present too much of a problem. b) The sessions are labeled with numbers, rather than with titles that might be more indicative of their content (e.g. traveling, ordering in a restaurant, shopping, etc.) c) The Spanish does not appear to teach the "you" (e.g. vosotros) and other elements that are taught as part of Castilian Spanish, vs. Latin American Spanish.

All in all, though, a superior product!

Attractive, modern language-learning option [Posted on 2008-04-22]
Right off the bat the packaging of this product struck me as putting it in a different category than Rosetta Stone, etc. It's very attractive and puts the user in the right frame of mind that this is going to be a fun, worthwhile experience instead of a cheesy version of those old language tapes we used to get years ago.

The expertise of the instructors and the guiding "tutor" who takes you through the program really makes a difference. Inspiring to get back on the horse and immerse myself in Spanish again after a gap of several years. Looking forward to trying some of their other language modules, too.

Simply Amazing [Posted on 2008-04-28]
This product is simply amazing. A must purchase for all those who want to learn Spanish and REMEMBER it! I have tried other products only to have them collect dust within a few days of purchase. But this product really kept me hooked and wanting to learn more. I think the main difference between this product and its competitors is that this product doesn't just throw vocabulary at you hoping you'd remember something at the end of the day. The DVD really walks you through each word and sentence in real life situations, and the lessons that follow help you remember them. The product is helpful in that each lesson builds upon the previous one so there is a built in review system from one lesson to the next. Also, the CDs compliment the DVDs helping you remember what you've learned and allowing you to practice on the go.

If you really want to learn Spanish and remember it, I would definitely recommend that you purchase this great product. The delivery was prompt so you can begin that much sooner.

excellent product [Posted on 2008-04-28]
I cannot recommend this software enough. It helped me learn Spanish in a way that was quite different from the tapes I had to listen to in high school. It certainly puts you in the right mindset and teaches you in a fun way. Learning any language is difficult, but this puts you on track. If you want to learn Spanish, I fully recommend this.

Finally [Posted on 2008-05-07]
In an age of shorter attention spans and increasing demands from technology, it's not clear why language software hasn't kept up with the times. The established products seem to have been developed by old school academicians that focus on pounding vcabulary into your heads with repetition (ie. Rosetta Stone). Amazingly, technology is not used to their advantage. Given what's happened in other education segments, the gaming industry, and the use of handheld devices, not to mention the demand for language skills, it's amazing it's taken this long for a product like Fluenz to come to the market. DVD technology and high quality graphics make it a pleasure to use. The program was developed with efficiency in mind, understanding the limits of what can be self taught, and what the most important aspects of language to teach are within the beginner and intermediate range. The moderator moves at the appropriate pace, and generally makes you feel comfortable. I feel like the program is enjoyable to use, I'm learning what's necessary and pragmatic for my level, and above all, retaining it. I look forward to trying this product on my handheld, and hopefully the company will release some more programs for more advanced levels.

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