www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am preparing for my first trip to CR, and would like to be able to speak with the chicas. Searching online, I find a ton of spanish language learning programs, all with great promises to be the best and a wide price range. Before ordering one, I would like to know which one really works to teach me the basics. I have exactly six months from today before my flight. any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Living for today because the past is gone and the future is uncertain

I like Pimsleur.

but you need to buy a dictionary spanish/english and read stuff too.

also, practice, practice, practice speaking. everyday.

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

thanks californicationdude, that program is very inexpensive. Very cool. I will go to the bookstore right now for the dictionary and maybe a few language learning books as well to help me along.

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Living for today because the past is gone and the future is uncertain

Your local public library is also often a good place to find language learning books and CDs.

Rosetta Stone also gets very good reviews though around here Pimsleur seems to be the favorite. I would never advocate piracy but, before you rush out to the bookstore (or library), you should be aware that there are places on-line where you can get copies.

Absolutely true. I just got Pimsleur Portuguese from my local library. They had many more copies of Pimsleur Spanish.

It's free and it's legal. Why not start with this before buying anything?

When you go to the bookstore, find a simple beginner's grammar book with lots of exercises and a complete answer key in the back. Do all of the exercises in the book. Also buy an inexpensive dictionary and a verb book. Total costs for all 3 books should be less than $50. If your bookstore is good, you can buy them all for less than $25. I did.

In addition, you can find lots of free resources online. There are many free programs similar to Pimsleur. Somebody here mentioned Coffee Break Spanish. I used that in the past, and it was fun to hear Scottish people trying to learn Spanish

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"All them women gonna make me,
teach 'em what they don't know how..." TMIB

Not sure about Pimsleur, but I can attest to Rosetta Stone. I am using it now. Not a word of English is uttered, so the focus is on thinking in Spanish.

Also, a lot of emphasis on vocabulary, which is helpful to me to follow along with others' conversations to a point for now. There is also a writing/ typing portion on the computer. As well as speaking sections to hear yourself speaking Spanish.

Pricey, but worth it so far.

I have a one on one tudor. It seems to be going well. ID once wrote me that you have to put in the time NO MATTER WHAT YOU USE. And I have

NYG

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Damm that water is cold!!!
And deep too!!!

I think it helps to find out what type of learner you are. When learning English I was quite visual as opposed to audio. Playing into your strengths when learning improves success which in turn keeps you motivated.


Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

It also doesn't hurt to have a chica that is willing to point to your nose and say, "AH. It is such a cutie little nose. Now how do you say this body part is Spanish?...........Yes, That's such a good boy!!!

Are you ready for a little snack?"

That is motivation and the encouragement and snacks help a lot.

Lost

For language learning, the two series that seem to have worked the best are Speed Spanish, and Learn Spanish like crazy.You can google these titles and find out where to get them.

The nice thing about the audio programs is that you can play it on your car's CD player while driving which is otherwise non-productive time for most of us (unless you're one of those who likes making cell phone calls while driving ). The big negative is that it short changes your reading and writing skills, but that is not quite as important for most of us unless we plan to read and respond to RFM's.

Ok, just finished at bookstore. Found a nice dictionary / phrase finder for 6.99, "the complete idiots guide to learning spanish" (includes a audio cd), as well as a Pimsleur combo pack that was on sale (includes basic and conversational levels). Going on a 2 week business trip, I think this will keep me busy in my downtime. Thanks everybody for the advice.

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Living for today because the past is gone and the future is uncertain

I have Rosetta Stone
At first I thought I was robbed, but after a while it gets better
I also have Chistopher Howard's guide to Costa Rican Spanish and a Lonely Planet book Coata Rican Spanish
You have to do the time
I agree with NYG a few classes with a tudor can bring it together
I know alot of words but remembering them and using them in a sentence is another thing

IMHO there's no substitute for actually just going and taking a class. You have 6 months, so there's no reason why you couldn't, and most classes will allow you to interact with others and practice conversation. You'll get grammar basics along with vocabulary, and that structure will allow you to do more than just parrot phrases.

No matter what you do, either classes or language teaching aids, there's no substitute for practice with people and repetition. Make friends online and talk to them. Watch latino tv and read spanish newspapers and magazines. Good looking online chicas will motivate you and it will be fun, which makes the learning go faster.

The biggest thing I've learned in learning languages myself is that you can't be afraid to use what you have or to make mistakes. You will make tons, but you will also learn what to do and what not to do as you progress. People will help you, especially if you ask them to. Make sentences with baby words and use them proudly. Once you have basic structure adding vocabulary isn't all that difficult. It just takes patience and work. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and then use what you learn. Use it every chance you get, even if it's just to ask for something simple.