Fluenz Spanish Level 1

Fluenz Spanish 1+2

Product Features

We custom made Fluenz Spanish as language learners who knew there had to be a better way. With 30 sessions of up to two and one-half hours each, this is the most comprehensive software application covering the first level of Spanish anywhere.
To create a live learning enviroment, similar to what you are used to in a classroom, language tutor Sonia Gil guides you on full motion video every step of the way.
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, mode
A next-generation platform blends beautiful full motion video with engaging, interactive workouts, including voice recording so you can compare your accent to native speech.
Included is the Fluenz Spanish 1 DVD-ROM for your computer (Windows XP / Vista), an audio CD for additional training (featuring Hollywood star Edgar Ramirez!), exclusive, downloadable podcasts for more practice, and the handy Fluenz Navigator for on-the-go referencing of important words and phrases.

Product Description

Product Description
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.

Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

Very effective way to learn basic Spanish, September 27, 2007

By	Dr. C. A. Holland (Columbia, MO, USA)

I did a formal review of the Fluenz Mandarin program and have had the opportunity to use the Spanish software before its official release. Fluenz Spanish 1 is designed for beginners (teens and up) who want to develop a good foundation before pursuing more advanced Spanish study or who simply want to be able to communicate on a basic level in Spanish. Familiarity with the Spanish language is an increasingly important skill in the US and it's very useful that Fluenz has come out with such a comprehensive intro-level Spanish course.

Like previous offerings from Fluenz, the Spanish program uses an elegant modern aesthetic, relying on the latest flash technology for video sessions and "workouts." The Fluenz learning system is unique in its use of an on-screen tutor who guides users on video throughout the program and its practice of "leveraging" your knowledge of English to help you learn Spanish faster. The developers have kept the same types of challenging exercises used in the Mandarin version, but have enhanced the crispness of audio and video and made the interface more user-friendly by allowing easier navigation through the many program components. I encountered somewhat awkward navigation with the Mandarin program, but this has been fixed in the Spanish software.

The program is divided into 30 sessions, each of which opens with tutor Sonia Gil, one of the developers of the program, who explains all content for the lesson and relates personal stories about the trials and tribulations of learning Spanish. After Sonia's introduction, there is a conversation which can be followed with or without subtitles (in English and/or Spanish). Next, Sonia comes back for the heart of the lesson, where she thoroughly breaks down every word and expression from the conversation, relating English and Spanish usage straightforwardly and effectively.

After Sonia's "breakdown," the session finishes with a series of interactive workouts designed to review the material from the lesson and help the user absorb it. There are at least 10 types of workouts by my count, covering (in various combinations) vocabulary, listening comprehension, writing, reading, and speaking. These range from simple exercises asking you to write the word you hear spoken to more complex matching games and voice recording. Each workout has its own color scheme for easier navigation if you want to jump to a specific type of exercise. The recording device in the Spanish program is similar to the one used in the Mandarin software, allowing the learner to record and compare her or his Spanish with that of native speakers. This device first covers simple phrases, and then offers you the opportunity to insert yourself into a conversation. After the completion of the review workouts, Sonia comes back to summarize and conclude the session.

There are a number of Spanish learning programs on the market, but few if any can match Fluenz in quality and visual attractiveness. The personal touch of having an on-screen tutor really stands out and the software feels like it was tailor-made for Spanish rather than taken from a generic mold. Given the price, I would have liked to have seen a more advanced voice recognition device (this feature is unchanged from earlier Fluenz software), but overall the Fluenz program is a refreshing new inclusion in the world of Spanish learning software.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

The best software for learning Spanish, October 2, 2007

By	S. Pitcock

I checked out the demo for the Spanish 1 program on the Fluenz website. Very impressive! The program just came out but it looks extremely thorough and I really like the instruction from a video tutor. Also very well designed visually. I have done a good deal of research in the last couple weeks and Fluenz is by far the most complete Spanish learning program I have come across (and there are many!). It makes sense to buy from Amazon, as you get a discount from the Fluenz website price. I am very happy that I took the time to find Fluenz instead of just going with one of the bigger companies. Full recommendation!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

Fluenz review, January 4, 2008

By	R. Shriver (Bettendorf, IA United States)

I purchased Fluenz in early December 2007 and am about 2/3 through it in early January 2008 - taking time off for the holidays. As a person who has not seen any Spanish since high school many years ago, this software has helped me revive the language in a very easy to learn format. The lessons are very well organized and they touch the subjects that you really need to know if you are planning travel to a Spanish speaking country. The workouts are consistent in format and presentation and each lesson is just the right length to allow the student to digest what they have learned. As you progress through the program, ealier lessons are reinforced and new materials are added in an order that truly helps one develop their command of the language. I give it 5 stars and look forward to my upcoming trip to Central America where I will be able to practice what I have learned.

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