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NOT Learning Spanish

Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Earth Wind and Fire, Apr 7, 2013.

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  1. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Im kinda resigned to the fact that age 56, my mind no longer has the capability to learn another language.

    In order to attempt to speak to Spanish speaking people that have moved into my neighborhood, I have tried Berlitz & other language instruction tools like CD's , but not without lots of memorization (and thats with always forgetting where I had put my keys, wallet & reading glasses). This just isn't working.

    My brothers kids as youngsters attempted Rosetta stone for Italian, Spanish & German without much success either. Then I read it takes an adult at least 5 years of daily study to get to any level of proficiency. Guess I'm an utter failure at it. Has anyone out there been able to accomplish another language (esp at my age & without immersion into the other culture---I think thats the only way after struggling with the other worthless tools.) Its real frustrating.
     
    #1 Earth Wind and Fire, Apr 7, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 7, 2013
  2. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    Check into your local library to see if they offer Mango languages free.

    My 16-year old is learning Spanish and we're learning a little along with her. One thing we have done (when we can afford it) is eat at the Mexican restaurant and make friends with the servers there. They do not read or write in English, but they are helpful with conversing and they are thrilled we want to learn.
     
    #2 abcgrad94, Apr 7, 2013
  3. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    I'm doing Rosetta Stone French. I got the program for Christmas.

    I'm finding it difficult in the fact that I don't have the time to devote to it like one needs to. The lessons are easy to understand (despite being total immersion, NO English spoken or written) because of the pictures. The pictures are so obvious and that's good.

    But, what I am finding myself having to do to retain it is to write down every word I learn and every type of sentence structure they show and make up, type up, and practice my own sentences with what I have learned.

    Just watching the lessons isn't enough. I find myself having to repeat the lessons, too. But they do mix things up when you repeat a lesson, so the temptation just to memorize a lesson is taken away and that's good. And because you have to wear a headset and it's a voice-recognition program, you HAVE to pronounce everything correctly or it won't let you go to the next word or phrase.

    There are 5 levels with 4 units per level and about 10 lessons with multiple words and concepts per lesson. I'm only on level 1 unit 3.

    It's taking me a much longer pace than I thought and it is harder than I thought, but I am liking it very much.
     
    #3 Scarlett O., Apr 7, 2013
  4. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    Si................... :smilewinkgrin:
     
    #4 Amy.G, Apr 7, 2013
  5. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    5 levels of this course seems (1) like its gonna be expensive (2) will get very tedious

    do you have anyplace to practice your French language? I know I can practice the Spanish with all the Spanish speaking people around me, but that might mean they actually draw away from me knowing I'm aware of what they are talking about....currently when they don't want me to know something they just go to Spanish mode...personally, I think thats kinda rude.
     
    #5 Earth Wind and Fire, Apr 7, 2013
  6. Arbo

    Arbo Active Member
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    #6 Arbo, Apr 7, 2013
  7. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    Well, I got it cheaper on Ebay. I haven't gotten bored yet.

    No, I don't have anyone here locally to practice with (frankly, I haven't asked around), but the program has computer generated scenarios that you "converse" with. I'd love to visit France someday, but for now it's just a self-fulfillment of a wish to learn a foreign language.
     
    #7 Scarlett O., Apr 7, 2013
  8. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    Have you tried speaking with the people you're trying to speak to? It's about the best way to learn - simply start communicating and picking up the words, and you can look up additional stuff on your own. Immersion directly into it seems the easiest way to pick it up, the same way a baby learns to speak. You see an object, someone says the name, you make the connection right there in real life. You see it, taste it, feel it, touch it. You just figure it out, see the context surrounding it and it makes so much more sense than trying to learn it from some program rather than from life, plus you'd be teaching each other. The mutual benefits would really be something to base trust and friendship on within your community.
     
    #8 Gina B, Apr 8, 2013
  9. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    That's how I'm going to have to do it but that way will take lots of time.
     
    #9 Earth Wind and Fire, Apr 8, 2013
  10. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Yes I know but I don't have 300.00 clams to lay out. Will just muddle through.
     
    #10 Earth Wind and Fire, Apr 8, 2013
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