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Learning a New Language

Okay kids, I did it. I purchased the "Rosetta Stone" for learning Spanish. I am going to need you guys to keep me honest though. I know simply buying the (very expensive) program will not make me fluent. I have to practice! Grr! Anyone have any advice on learning a new language? Advice on Rosetta Stone?

I do volunteer work every year in Latin America (normally Costa Rica) and it has been an increasing battle to communicate not knowing the language. I wish I was one of these people that just "picked it up" but my last trip was 3 weeks long and nothing! I was still playing charades instead of using language. Sigh. Oh well.

So, if you have advice, I am all ears!

Sara K. Braden- Villas, Garden, & Single Family Homes from $130's

Posted by Sara K. Braden- Handmade Cards and Gifts on 08/01/2008 11:22 AM

Comments (14)

learning a new language, rosetta stone, spanish

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14 Comments on Learning a New Language

AUG

2008

Sara- I wish I had advice, I don't. I just want to congratulate you on taking the first step to learing spanish. I think it is wonderful. Having the second language will be very useful- Good Luck

My experience with languages is immersion. If you live in an area where you can find a community center to volunteer in where Spanish may be a primary language you may find kids who will love to help you out.

See if you can find a conversational group in your area. They get together and speak in spanish for an hour or 2 each week. Perhaps, that will help. Good luck.

I agree with Pat that by living in the country and "total immersion" in the culture, this experience should help your Spanish fluency. That being said, I lived with a family in Guadalajara, Mexico when I was a summer exchange student, and learned my Spanish by watching the Mexican soap operas every afternoon with the Mexican senora of the house. My Mexican friends later told me that I had the BEST Spanish slang of any "gringa" they had met! :-)

I admire your efforts. The only comment I have is tht when you learn a language the first thing that happens is that you begin to understand much sooner than you can string a sentence together then without even noticing you begin to do both and then you are just adding to your vocabulary. I also think total immersion speeds things up. Good luck

Sara K: Advice ? Of course. Rosetta Stone is my second cousin. She is part owner of a taco stand in Carrollton... and, if requested, can serve up some really delicious breakfast burritos. Enjoy ! By the way... her ex-husband Hymie makes a great knish, too, if you ever have a taste for them.

Barbara Thank you for such a nice comment. I have my fingers crossed but I know it is not going to be easy for me!

Pat I think you are totally right. I wish my schedule accommodated a total immersion. I know there are wonderful language schools in Latin America but the programs are 6 weeks. It would be worth it but who has the time? Maybe you are right and volunteering closer to home would help.

Joan that is an excellent idea!

Anyone familiar with a group in the DFW area that has these conversational meetings for learning a language?

Susan I have also heard the soap operas are the way to go. YOU GO GIRL! Wish I could turn back time and have learned it in high school! I think it gets harder the older I get!!

Sandra thank you for the supportive comments. Sometimes I have to be reminded one day at a time! I have someone who is a bit of a mentor to me, Lara, who is fluent and since I look up to her so much, I think I apply pressure on myself to follow in her foot steps. Guess I don't have to follow so closely (0:

KAS you so crazy! I am surprised that since you happen to KNOW a second language you don't have some advice!! You prankster you!!!

Oh... I forgot... Rosetta was also a part-time psychotherapist, and owned a spa business... sold lots of hot tubs. So... there were times when if you were interested in a spa, and also needed some counseling, she would hold her patient's sessions while having them test out the bubbling hot tubs at the same time. She, of course, was one of the first to use the now-popular "immersion therapy" method. <ducking>

Sara, you are too funny! But I thank you for the nice words about me. I agree with all of the above and more. Immersion is ideal, but you can even practice with the subcontractors where you work. Just point to specific items and ask them how to say them. If you learn the words for floor, wall, carpet, tile, brick, wood, etc it could give you some commonality with Hispanic prospects and buyers. Just the fact that you make an effort wins points with every culture. There are conversational Spanish courses at the local community college where you can learn and practice in a safe environment. You are never too old to learn a new skill or language. You just have to commit to it and practice on a regular basis.

Buena suerte (good luck.)

AUG

2008

Sara: Seriously, now... I have seen flyers about Spanish classes for Realtors. They seem to come out once every six months or so. Would you like me to send you one of those flyers next time I get one ? It couldn't hurt...

AUG

2008

Lara: Aren't you a doll?!!? I'm not sure it is ever a "safe" environment for me to use new words! No telling what I might say!!

KAS: That would be awesome! Please send it to me. Maybe we can go together (0:

AUG

2008

Hello Again Sara!

As I mentioned in a comment on another post, I am from Yuma, Arizona, and we are actually less than 30 miles from the US/Mexico border. My husband works in construction and many of the men that he works with have come over from Mexico, been naturalized, and then brought their families over. My husband has told me on numerous occasions that when he would ask different people how they learned english so fast, they would say from cartoons. It sounds almost silly, but when you think of the simple logic of it, it makes perfect sense. It is simple, easy to follow, and of course child-like.

So . . . long story short, my recommendation to you is to watch Hispanic cartoons and variety shows along with your Rosetta Stone. Hopefully, it will help you pick it up faster!

Good luck to you!!!

Nyana

AUG

2008

Sara - I started using Rosetta Stone on-line last year and kept with it until it was discontinued at our library. I enjoyed it and found it to be helpful - I just wish they hadn't changed their licensing requirements for libraries. Good luck.

AUG

2008

Nyana you may live in the arm pit but you are a genius! I look forward to trying this!! Fun and learning. Gracias!

Lynn:I am with you there! It was SOOOO expensive. Too bad you are not closer. I could share (0:

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