Learn to Speak Spanish: Deluxe Traveler's Edition

by The Learning Company

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000063LGP
• Item model number: 381568
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 28, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,163 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Learn to Speak Spanish: Deluxe Traveler's Edition is a mighty impressive language learning package. Featuring a four-disc CD-ROM software set, a desktop microphone for use with the software, a practice audio CD, a 90-minute interactive DVD that's viewable on a standard video DVD player, and the complete, 688-page Fodor's Mexico 2002, this comprehensive program contains virtually all you need to become a competent Spanish speaker and Mexican traveler.

The software has some unusually helpful features, like a "pronunciation gauge," which compares your own pronunciation to that of a native speaker. The scoring tended to be generous (we rated "native" on our first try and never hit "tourist" unless we were deliberately trying to mangle a word) but still was entertaining--and motivating for those who have the urge to compete with themselves.

The program also tests your reading comprehension by letting you respond to written questions verbally, using voice recognition, the effect being that you answer just as you would in a classroom.

Almost everything here talks--every new page has a talking introduction (these can be switched off), words can be clicked on for pronunciation, and there's even a talking dictionary. You may want some privacy, because even if you use headphones, you'll be talking often enough to annoy the people around you.

Installation of the software is a breeze compared to the mind-bending task of assembling the microphone, which comes in several pieces and resembles a Chinese puzzle.

We found that some of the various Internet links were no longer functioning, and the program crashed once during our test. Nevertheless, we were very pleased with this package overall. We enjoyed using it and would recommend it as a friendly approach to learning the basics of Spanish. --Peter Moksha

Amazon.com Product Description

Learn to Speak Spanish: Deluxe Traveler's Edition provides everything the enthusiastic traveler needs, including a microphone, Fodor's Mexico 2002 travel guidebook, and even an interactive Spanish-language DVD featuring the Standard Deviants. With five CDs, including an audio CD that offers language exercises, plus a workbook, Learn to Speak Spanish is packed with content and special features. More than 100 lessons and a talking dictionary advance your Spanish language skills. Plus, speech recognition technology, an assessment test, and progress tracking let you customize the program to meet your individual needs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Love It!, September 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Learn to Speak Spanish: Deluxe Traveler's Edition (CD-ROM)

I took 3 yrs in High School and 2 semesters in College and I find this tool to be excellent when it comes to learning and brushing up on Spanish. The audio quality is based on your speakers and sound card installed on your PC not the application. If you are learning for the first time, you should start with the BASIC section and stay there for at least a month. If you try to jump ahead you won't be successful. If your native tongue is not English you'll probably have greater difficulty because this application leans towards English speaker to Spanish. As for the organization the opening screen is Pronunciation, then the Basic Course, Extended Courses, Internet Lessons then Cultural Movies. Where's the confusion. Once you go into the Basic Course, other options are given, including Games which is the only component I felt could using some improvement.

This applications works in both Windows 98 SE and Windows XP. Make sure you download and install all the patches for your Operating System...As well as install the latest versions of DirectX free from Microsoft and QuickTime.