How Can I Learn Spanish? (Self-Study)

Many adults who want to learn Spanish lack the time to attend live classes several hours a week. However, in recent years, there has been a boom in self-paced language learning guides. Teaching yourself Spanish (or any other foreign language) has never been more convenient. This article discusses some of the most trusted and effective language learning programs on the market. You can learn to read and speak Spanish at home, at your own pace.

Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) is arguably one of the best-known, most comprehensive systems for learning Spanish. Its unique software has voice recognition, so that it can actually correct your pronunciation as you practice oral lessons. It is highly acclaimed because it truely immerses you in the Spanish language from Lesson 1. Many people who have used it say it is better than classroom courses when it comes to integrating speaking, reading, and listening. Most users achieve a decent level of Spanish fluency within months of using the program. It comes in several levels, from 1 to 5. You can save money by purchasing the complete set.

Fluenz Spanish is another program for achieving Spanish fluency in a short timespan, or at your own liesurely pace. The interactive lessons are unique in that you receive an on-screen tutor to guide you through the lessons. It is different from Rosetta Stone in that it really focuses on teaching you the foundations and logic of Spanish grammatical structures, rather than immmediate conversation skills. The Fluenz software is ideal for adults who struggle with immediate immersion programs, but enjoy mastering the structure of a new language. It also has voice detection software to correct your Spanish pronunciation. Fluenz Spanish has some of the highest user ratings on Amazon.

For those who need a more affordable way to teach themselves Spanish, there is the Teach Yourself Latin American Spanish book with audio. This is perfect if you need to prepare for a short trip to Mexico or South America. The CD has excellent pronuciation guides, and the accompanying text teaches you the language in the context of everyday conversations. The textbook doubles as a handy Spanish phrasebook and travel dictionary.

For an audio-only Spanish course, Pimsleur language guides are the top of their class. This is ideal for the Spanish student who can learn during her commute. Many people combine the Pimsleur audio series with the Teach Yourself text series.

© Had2Know 2010