So how many of you are learning to speak Spanish?

I bought Michel Thomas CDs but now prefer Synergy Spanish from the internet.

Find that I am fine when listening and answering at home but forget everything in Spain when I need it. Takes me too long to bring it to mind but will persevere.

All the night classes are full in our area and private teachers hard to find.

I know someone on our urb is giving lessons so hope to join a class in Spain.

Michel Thomas I think is quite good once you get over the irritation of his voice. It is amazing how many words in Spanish are almost a literal translation from the English with a slightly different pronunciation. There is no substitute for using it with the locals. As Victoria says they do appreciate it when you try. As Michel says get it over the net but dont worry about a let ball. Vital thing to remember and a big problem for the Brits with languages is dont be afraid to laugh at yourself. When I first arrived here a German explained to me that the main reason Brits dont pick up the lingo is they are afraid to be laughed with - the Spanish will find humour in the errors - I say almost everything in the present tense - but they will try to help if you make errors - just be a little careful about some of the words - there are some words that have a different meaning depending on the inflection - sometimes a little bit saucy and as this is not an X rated site I cannot say more. Enjoy it and make sure you have a laugh.

Rgds  

C'mon, it's easy! I already learnt...English :-)

Smiley is right, but what you will probably appreciate more than the  way the spanish people could or will treat you is the fact that you will be able to enjoy more things (local news, conversations and activities in the local area where you are, national TV news, etc.), which I believe will be better than just being able to interact with a more reduced community of people. At least, when I have been living abroad I have enjoyed it much more (or just survived :-)) being able to speak the language.

The accent or the verbs tenses are not a problem...Spanish people wil make an effort to understand you :-)

Good luck! 

We are learning Spanish at night class, we also have Michel Thomas (my wife hasn't let me use that one yet, she keeps it for herself).

 We have bought in Porto Fino and are hoping that there will lots of Spanish using this development. We went to Almerimar and were very pleased to be able to put our limited Spanish to work, it felt great that the waiters etc. let us use their language and spoke only in Spanish to us.

There seems no point in making plans to live in another country and not learning the language (or trying the food)(hate those who go to other places and eat only English, or American food!!) Variety is the spice of life.

re:vega post

didnt think commercial posts were allowed EoS, or is it a test on us to see if we understood it was advertising a shoe website?!!

I am learning Spanish using Michel Thomas and Pimsleur. Although both are good in there own ways. I would recommend Pimsleur for the simple reason that it is spoken more realistically. In other words you have to listen more carefully because most of the lessons are in the form of conversations. There are reading exercises included also. The problem I have with Michel Thomas is that when you try to listen to Spanish speakers, everything is much too fast for you to take it in.  I also listen to channel 802 on Sky which is Spanish TV broadcasting and is a mixture of entertainment and news. It is an excellent way to measure your progress. You find after a while that you start to pick up what is being discussed.

I have all Pimsleur and Michel Thomas courses in the form of mp3s which means I can listen to the lessons anywhere by transferring the files to my mp3 player or in my case my mobile.

I hope this helps you with your progress.

Good luck

If any of you live in or around the Southport area then I can highly recommend my Spanish teacher, Min.

I never stick at anything however I have been going to Min since May (trust me that is excellent for me!) he has a very repetetive way of teaching and I like to think it has started to sink.

Sky channel 802 has been my new best friend. I thought that I might be coming along greatly with my Spanish only to turn on 802 and only understand about 3 words!

Well, here's me thinking I was preogressing quite well with my Spanish, until New Years Eve that is.

I wanted to wish my friend, in Mallorca, a happy New Year. I haven't actually been taught how to say it yet,so I guessed. Feliz anos nuevo.

Apparently I wished her a happy new anus!

Oh well, keep trying eh?

Victoria

Oh I love that one!

Thanks for the laugh Infinity (Victoria), Happy New Year to you!

Regards,

Yes, what a mistake eh? But at least it's given all our friends a laugh and my friend has had many enquiries as to how her backside is!

Moral of the story is?

Don't guess - look it up!

Victoria

There is a similar one for a straw that bears a very striking resemblance to a sexual act between consenting adults - quite embarassing for a friend of mine and also he got thrown out of a bar when he asked a Spanish waitress for a $&%? - ¿!?  Dignity prevents me saying exactly what he asked for but suffice to say I have no doubt he would have gone back frequently if she had taken him for what she thought he said.

Remember your ñ next year Infinity - good one - must remember to pass it on to my Spanish teacher!

RGds

I remember a Naval attache in the Falklands who attended Spanish classes in the evening.  He never came to grips with the conmigo word and used to say con yo all the time.  When it was pointed out what this could potentially mean, he used to use to use it all the time to see the reaction of the people he was speaking to.  Amazing the looks he used to get but I don't believe any Spanish person ever corrected him, and I thought it was only the English who ignored embarrassing moments.

Being a gentleman, he would only use it when no ladies were present.

A prosperous new anus to all of you

Joiner 3020

We live about 20 miles south of you in Sutton Coldfield.

The local college & a couple of the Senior Schools run night classes in Spanish. I am sure that similar classes must be available in Derby.

Regards

John 777