Pronounce it Perfectly in Spanish: with Audio CDs [Paperback]

Jean Yates (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764177729 | ISBN-13: 978-0764177729 | Publication Date: January 1, 2006 | Edition: 2

This updated language program includes three audio CDs, which replace the previous edition's tape cassettes. Focus is on correct pronunciation of Spanish words and phrases so that the speaker can be clearly understood in Latin America and Spain. It presents exercises in sound discrimination and accurate sound creation, for example instructing in pronunciation of the "±," which does not occur in English. Words and phrases are put into a variety of conversational contexts for students of Spanish to practice and perfect. Sentence intonation patterns are presented to help students master the Spanish language as it is really spoken, and English-Spanish cognates are presented and analyzed.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up–This revision of the 1994 program offers pronunciation drills in Spanish and is intended to give students practice in speaking the language. The content is not substantially different from the original audiocassette release except for format. It is designed to aid in mastery of the sounds of Spanish, training the ear to detect normal variations in Spanish pronunciation. There are five parts. The first segment contains lists of Spanish place names and cognates familiar to American students, priming the ear to the differences in Spanish and American sound verbalization. The next two parts present each Spanish letter, as well as variations on the sounds of each in specific instances. The accompanying textbook has diagrams of tongue placement to achieve the correct pronunciation. Examples of words and sentences using the sound of the focus letter are presented, with ample time for listeners to repeat the word, phrase, or sentence and to listen for confirmation. Part four covers Spanish stress and intonation patterns, with words and phrases included for practice. The fifth segment features dialogues that illustrate the most used Spanish verb tenses. The pace is slow at first but increases in speed until students are speaking at almost a normal rate. The paperback textbook duplicates the material on the CDs, and the initial sections allow for dictation practice as well as pronunciation drills. The CDs can be used with the book or independently. The voices of the male and female narrators are easy to understand and to duplicate and demonstrate a range of regional accents. The aural quality and pacing are excellent. This series will enhance high school language programs and could be used in language labs or at home for reinforcement .–Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA
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Language Notes

Text: English, Spanish --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 2 edition (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764177729
• ISBN-13: 978-0764177729
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The series is very good..., June 25, 2002

By 

Benjamin M. Ellis (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pronounce it Perfectly in Spanish: Book with 2 Cassettes (Audio Cassette)

When I first started learning German over 2 years ago, a native speaker recommended to me the Pronounce it Perfectly in German set to help me pronounce more like a native (I have since been told by native speakers that my pronounciation is flawless). Now that I'm taking up spanish again (it's been 6 years/since I studied it in high school) I have purchased this Spanish version and I like it very much. The 180 minutes of intruction starts with detailed audio and written instructions on how to pronounce each vowel, consonant, and the dipthongs. This is done by two native speakers that read off around 10 words for each sound and give time for you to repeat the word before they say it once more to verify you said it correctly. After all the sounds are covered, topics such as sentence intonation and the running of words together is covered. The tapes end with five conversations between people from 5 different Spanish speaking regions with time for you to repeat each sentence the second time the interview is read.

I can honestly say that these cassettes are very helpful and worth the price. My only complaint is that they don't come on CD.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Certainly Helps One Prounounce It Perfectly, February 16, 2008

By 

S. Behrens "casa del orso" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pronounce it Perfectly in Spanish: with Audio CDs (Paperback)

This is one of the best products I have purchased for learning Spanish.
The book is well-organized and the CDs contain every bit of essential information covered in the book. There are different native speakers on the tape and their pronunciation is clear and concise. I will add here that there are many other books and tapes claiming to improve pronunciation, but they usually fall short of the claim. At this price you will not find a better product.