Any tips for learning French or Spanish? (1 Viewer)

[bosoxs45]

I have no idea how comprehensive the Rosetta Stone software is, but I was wondering if I would be able to learn a foreign language (Spanish/French) better from taking two semesters of intro classes at a community college or by purchasing the Rosetta Stone software?

I graduated from college a few years ago, so I don't really care about college credit or anything like that. I'm just trying to figure out which would give me a stronger command of the language.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Best thing to do is get a book or software to start and then find someone who speaks the language and spend about an hour for at least 3 days out of each week speaking with them. Put an ad up in a coffee shop or a college or something like that, interview some candidates, then hopefully pick a nice looking girl who would be willing to earn about $20/hr. There are also groups like Alliance Francais, etc. If you can find someone by word of mouth even better. But learning conversationally is the best way.

 

[sports_fan]

Highly recommend Anki for learning vocab. You can create an account and sync between your computer and phone. There are French/Spanish decks already made so you wouldn't have to create your own.

 

[Mario Kart]

Coffeebreak podcasts.

Forget about Rosetta Stone.

http://radiolingua.com/ = iTunes = FREE!!!!

 

[Ilov80s]

I'm trying to learn French right now. Nothing serious, just so I can have basic communication for a trip I am planning for a couple years down the road. I'll find the link but right now I'm just going to a website that has audio of basic greetings. It has a recording app embedded so you can compare yourself saying it with the example. Once I get the basics (intro, food, directions, etc) I will listen to some podcasts and maybe some French kids shows/books. Also, I plan to find some French people on Twitter to communicate with a little. I don't plan on spending any money.

 

[msommer]

Go live in a Spanish or French speaking country for six months if you are serious about learning the language

 

[El Floppo]

French/Spanish girlfriend.

 

[jon_mx]

French/Spanish girlfriend.

But give them more than just the tip.

 

[McGarnicle]

Necesito una prostituta por favor.

 

[3C's]

French/Spanish girlfriend.

Good idea. Hopefully my wife will understand it's for educational purposes only.

 

[John Bender]

Supplement whatever you do with the DuoLingo app.

 

[belljr]

Marry a Puerto Rican

 

[jamny]

I'm trying to learn French right now. Nothing serious, just so I can have basic communication for a trip I am planning for a couple years down the road. I'll find the link but right now I'm just going to a website that has audio of basic greetings. It has a recording app embedded so you can compare yourself saying it with the example. Once I get the basics (intro, food, directions, etc) I will listen to some podcasts and maybe some French kids shows/books. Also, I plan to find some French people on Twitter to communicate with a little. I don't plan on spending any money.

I'm brushing up on some French for a trip next month. I immersed myself in Italian a few years back for a trip and found that most of it wasn't necessary. While I was actually able to communicate fairly well at times, you'll never have a real conversation and most of the time the other person understands English somewhat. I always find it's nice to do to be a little cordial in another person's country though. Plus, it's fun to learn a new language and helps with my voiceover work.

 

[Ilov80s]

French/Spanish girlfriend.

Good idea. Hopefully my wife will understand it's for educational purposes only.

Hopefully your boss is also as understanding when you request a 6 month paid vacation so you can learn French in Paris.

 

[3C's]

French/Spanish girlfriend.

Good idea. Hopefully my wife will understand it's for educational purposes only.

Hopefully your boss is also as understanding when you request a 6 month paid vacation so you can learn French in Paris.

He might suggest a more permanent vacation.