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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
Great Resource, April 17, 2001
By |
Jonathan
Bennett
(Ohio, USA) - |
This word and phrase book is an incredibly useful resource
perfect for anyone traveling to Spain (there is another Berlitz
guide to Latin America). The words and phrases are listed first in
English (in normal print) and then in Spanish (in bold) with
pronunciations. This layout is very eye catching and user friendly.
Berlitz has divided the book into eight different sections, which
are color coded for easy access.
Part 1 contains basic expressions and information on
accommodations. Here you can find a guide to pronunciation,
important words for non-specialized conversation, and general
expressions. This section also has important words and phrases for
securing and enjoying your accommodations (hotels, camping, etc.).
Part 2 contains phrases, questions, and other important terms
related to dining. Here you discover how to order, pay, complain,
and select drinks. This area also includes a 10+ page "menu
dictionary," which lists words necessary to get exactly what you
want at a restaurant (e.g. rhubarb=ruibarbo). Part 3 relates
specifically to travel including airplanes, trains, cars, gas
stations, passports, emergencies, street signs, and rentals. It even
includes a detailed, illustrated list of car, bicycle, and
motorcycle parts in Spanish in case you break down. Part 4 has words
and phrases related to sightseeing. Whether visiting the beach or
the theater or anything in between, you will always know what to say
and ask (such as: where can I get tickets?). This part also has
phrases for meeting people. If you are going to Spain to meet a
special someone, this book will help you make chitchat, invite that
someone on a date, call him or her back, etc. Part 5 includes
information on stores and services including words and phrases
relating to banks, groceries, pharmacies, clothing, souvenirs,
jewelry, toys, photography, and even how to contact the police. Part
6 contains words and phrases concerning health issues: e.g.
dentists, opticians, insurance, symptoms, a list of body parts and
other important things. Part 7 is a mini-dictionary consisting of
commonly used words. Part 8 is a general reference section. Here you
find a dictionary of written Spanish (e.g. on maps, storefronts,
etc.), numbers, dates, times, holidays, a map and other general
words and phrases of interest. This part also includes phone numbers
for the US consulates and embassies.
I should add a disclaimer. This book will be most useful for
those who already have at least a basic grasp of the Spanish
language. It is not a Spanish textbook or a complete dictionary
(although it has a basic one). Also, this book is not a travel
guide. It does contain some basic travel information and advice
(meant to be used in conjunction with the words and phrases), but
not very much. Although it barely fits in my pocket, it is small
enough not to be a nuisance. Overall, I highly recommend this book
for anyone traveling to Spain. The size and wealth of information
(224 pages), as well as the low price, combine to make this an
indispensable resource. |