Instant Immersion Spanish 2 CD-ROM Set (Jewel Case)

by TOPICS Entertainment

Product Features

• This teaching method involves being completely immersed in the language of your choice
• This 2-CD set is designed to teach intermediate German skills for more common situations
• In TalkNow! Spanish, you'll learn common words and phrases for business or tourist situations
• It teaches through fun quizzes and games that help you remember your Spanish better
• WorldTalk Spanish has even more activities to strengthen language skills

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000059OSE
• Item model number: CS-047
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 16, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,231 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Early versions of language instruction software were little more than CD-ROM equivalents of lessons on audiotape. Instant Immersion Spanish, on the other hand, represents the next generation--software that exploits multimedia to its fullest in order to make learning Spanish easy and entertaining.

This two-CD-ROM package starts with a simple vocabulary builder that divides words into categories--colors, foods, and body parts, for example--and then drills users on their Spanish equivalents. Instructors translate each word while providing an image to match the spoken concept. A user's memorization skills can then be tested in a handful of matching games, while pronunciation is honed by speaking the words into a microphone and contrasting with the instructors' voices.

The second CD-ROM is where the immersion element comes in. Once users have learned the nouns and phrases on disc one, they are presented with a tougher challenge. While still following a basic matching-game format, instructors speak in complete sentences, requiring the learner to pick out familiar terms and work out the larger meanings of the game clues in context. Along the way, more vocabulary and some basic grammar are assimilated.

Instant Immersion Spanish provides an excellent route to picking up enough "getting-by" Spanish for a Latin vacation or to supplement class study. Some users may struggle with the transition to the tough love of the second CD-ROM, but this process is a mirror of the real-world experience of going to a new country where English is not the dominant tongue. The immersion kicks the brain into high gear and accelerates language acquisition by presenting a serious challenge--all while keeping the course of study in an entertaining game format. Those new to Spanish will definitely benefit from the practice of listening for words they know.

This first-rate content, combined with bright and easy-to-follow graphics, makes Instant Immersion Spanish a terrific opportunity for anyone looking to grasp the basics of speaking Spanish in as little time as possible. --Alyx Dellamonica

Product Description

Instant Immersion Spanish is teh set of spanish lessons you need, if you're trying to speak Spanish well AND in a hurry! It also has a dictation feature, to compare your pronunciation with native-speakers It also covers the calendar, numbers, asking directions, and other topics You'll be amazed at how much Spanish you speak in a short time! Jewel case

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

109 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You can't learn to speak a language with nothing but nouns., March 17, 2002

By 

Jason (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Instant Immersion Spanish 2 CD-ROM Set (Jewel Case) (CD-ROM)

I bought this software thinking it would teach me Spanish.

When I got home and loaded the software I found the games were fun. It made learning a huge list of vocabulary as painless as possible. The problem I have with this software is you can't speak a language with just nouns and colors. It doesn't teach you any verbs, or grammer. The 2nd CD is all in Spanish. There is no way to progress form the 1st CD to the 2nd CD. A beginner can not learn to speak or understand using this software no matter how dedicated they are or how well they learn the 1st CD. If you want a list of vocabulary words then this is your CD. If you want to learn to understand and speak Spanish this is NOT the software for you.

I wish I could get my money back.

88 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful for beginners, children, and travellers!, December 19, 2001

By 

Alyssa Katz "orga3836" (New Orleans, Louisiana United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Instant Immersion Spanish 2 CD-ROM Set (Jewel Case) (CD-ROM)

These cd-roms contain lots of fun interactive games and activities, which are especially good for children, but nevertheless enjoyable for people of all ages. For someone who knows very little Spanish vocabulary, it's a wonderful place to begin. It's also very helpful for travellers trying to learn helpful phrases and important words before a trip; in fact, there's even a section helping you to learn how to understand directions!

However, I DO NOT recommend these cd-roms for people with an extensive background in Spanish. If you've taken a couple years of Spanish and have built up a moderate vocabulary, these cd-roms will not challenge you. Also, I do not recommend this program for anyone who wants to learn Spanish grammar. These cd-roms, as their title suggests, emphasize vocabulary, and speaking and listening skills, and they do not touch on grammar AT ALL.

Overall, I consider this an excellent program for anyone planning a trip to Spain or Latin America, or for use as a supplement for *beginning* students of the language (an additional book on grammar would help). I really do enjoy these programs, and I just ordered the Russian cd-roms just like it. Since I don't know a word, it'll be perfect.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Simple Games for Beginners, January 21, 2002

By 

R. W. Pochciol "rwp464" (PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Instant Immersion Spanish 2 CD-ROM Set (Jewel Case) (CD-ROM)

This really is a fun way to learn the BASICS...the first cd covers vocabulary, and the second cd builds simple sentences.

Learn vocabulary for first words, food, colors, phrases, body, numbers, time, shopping and countries. Each category includes 4 lessons: In Word Practice, the item is shown, spoken and written. The Speaking Practice allows you to record your voice and compare your pronounciation to that of the native speaker. The Easy Game lesson names each item in a group, then asks you to select one from only a spoken clue. In the Hard Game, you select the correct item from an un-named group, with only a spoken clue.

The second cd is much more challenging. I can't quite figure out how a beginner is supposed to bridge the gap between individual words and complete sentences, but I guess it's possible. The TV quiz game is fun, and you can compete against another player too. I like the dictation and recording activities, since I have previous instruction in Spanish.

I have many years education writing Spanish, and have passed many a grammar lesson. But LISTENING to native speakers isn't as easy, so I find the second "World Talk" cd to be more helpful. I would only recommend this cd set to beginners, or intermediates who just want to play a few fun, simple language games.