Fluenz Spanish 1 2 Learning Suite Windows Including DVDs Audio CDs Podcasts and Fluenz Navigator Next Generation Spanish Learning Software
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Fluenz is a software company founded by a group of passionate language learners who felt there had to be a better way. We believe in the power of one-on-one tutoring, so our technology is geared towards bringing real life instruction to the computer. In our Spanish application, language tutor Sonia Gil guides you throughout the program, blending full motion video explanations in English with a series of highly engaging workouts, helping you to understand and speak relevant Spanish. The Fluenz system follows three clear principles: 1) We learn best when we have a teacher. It’s often difficult to motivate yourself to learn on your own. By bringing a tutor to the computer, we explain all concepts in a sensible way and you don’t have to tackle Spanish all by yourself. 2) It’s easier to learn Spanish by starting out in English. Contrary to what you might think, Spanish is a tough langauge to learn and we are able to progress much faster by leveraging our knowledge of English to help us learn Spanish. In fact, modern linguistics tells us that as adults, we need to use the tools of the language we already know and apply them to learning a new language. With Fluenz, you learn first in English and relate basic Spanish grammar and syntax to that of English, rather than trying to understand Spanish grammar with Spanish logic. 3) It’s best to learn the most relevant words in Spanish right away. You need to start learning the words and structures that will allow you to communicate the most in the least amount of time, taking into consideration which words are easier to remember for English speakers, which expressions make the most logical sense to us, and which are most useful–”cell phone” instead of “red apple.” Being able to communicate right away in simple ways requires relevant learning. And, with 13 types of workouts covering verbal expression and comprehension, as well as reading and writing, you practice and internalize what you learn in the video lessons.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars First class program and company
I purchased Fluenz Spanish this past summer and have been very pleased with it ever since. It teaches the language using different learning strategies all wrapped in a very sophisticated, attractive, and user-friendly computer program. Even though I haven’t finished the program yet, I am already light-years beyond my previous “high school Spanish” level.
In addition, I’m happy to recommend this product because of the fantastic customer service provided by the company. One of my companion CDs was recently stolen (along with my car stereo) and the company was extremely generous to quickly send a replacement. Clearly this is a first class company that values its customers. Please feel confident purchasing this product…you won’t regret it.
5 Stars Great Product, would like to see more material
It was enjoyable to use, it taught me a very solid foundation, and I probably retained nearly 100% of what it taught. Also, whenever I had a problem or questions the customer support was exremely quick and helpful in their replies. Concepts were clearly explained so that you can expand on your own. I also liked how the teacher gave occasional cultural information and tips on how you can improve your Spanish (specific movies, music, etc.) I just wish it had more material. You are not going to be “fluent” after completing just this program because, while I felt like the method was very effective, the overall speed at which new structures and words were introduced was fairly slow. Because of that I would give it about 4.5 out of 5, but overall I was very impressed.
2 Stars Good features but needs work!
This is a lecture style program that acts like a good, individual tutor guiding you progressively through the learning of Spanish. Problem is, that it is cumbersome to get at the various topics or sub-topics. You are limited to a single menu screen that gives numbers for the various lectures rather than verbal or pictorial descriptions. So, you don’t know what each number refers to. Also, when you are within a given section, there is no label that tells you which section you are in. Another serious flaw, for me, is that there is no way of “book-marking” where you’ve been, so every time you wish to return to working on the program, you have to restart and attempt to navigate the menu system to find where you were. It’s a pity that the system is so time consuming to navigate, as otherwise this would be an excellent program. But, the difficulties in using caused me to return the program for a refund.
5 Stars Thorough and effective.
This is a terrific program for the adult learner. I have only finished half of Spanish I, but at this rate by the end of Spanish II I should be close to fluent. The instruction and the production of the program are first-rate.
5 Stars Worthy software!! Buy it!!
I wanted to learn more of Spanish and this program (Fluenz Spanish 1 and 2) turned out to be a very fun way to do it. “Interacting” with Sonia (the instructor) and the others in the program made it fun to come back and take more lessons. In addition to the traveling aspect which is a lot of this program, I would have liked to have seen more about everyday situations, such as more on communicating with a Spanish speaker, in a store setting, for example — as there are many people who speak Spanish but not so much English. I would also like to have seen an alphabet pronounciation table where you could see and hear (in one place) how each letter is pronouned. Please note: The instructor IS very through in telling you how things are pronouned, I just would have liked a table so you could review it all in one place). In addition, I would have added more basic words, foods, clothing, more greetings…you know the things you get from all those other language programs. There is a dictionary in this program telling you the most important words you’ll need to do what you do and say what is important to say when speaking Spanish. A more comprehensive dictionary would have been nice, plus a table of contents of some kind, telling you what each session covers.
I have tried Rosetta Stone, and it is good for these other things, but the problem with Rosetta Stone is that it does not translate for you.
That’s the great thing about Fluenz. They not only tell you what is being said, but why the word or sentence is structured the way it is. That’s something you don’t get from most programs, or if you do you have to read it, instead of the ease of listening to it.
Also, Fluenz does not “talk down to you” like many other programs do. They give you intelligent dialogue and treat you like an intelligent person.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a Spanish learning program, I would buy Fluenz FIRST, then buy the other ones to learn more basic Spanish — but I definately recommend this program.
