I have 3 months to learn Spanish ...

[heyjude]

Anybody know of a good CD Spanish Language Program? So many for sale on the web - I hoped somebody might have a recommendation. I will probably only need the basics, but it would be nice to make an effort at the albergues and bars.

Doing Camino Frances mid/April & May.

[quiet]

Try googleing " instant spanish elisabeth smith" i found the holiday spanish version very useful. I hope you succeed because most of the Spanish locals only speak Spanish and they do appreciate you making an effort to speak their language.
Paul

[Leslie]

Someone on Facebook suggested to try the BBC language site - also it is free - Camino de Santiago | Facebook - this is our Facebook Page.

For the BBC see - BBC - Languages - Spanish: All you need to start learning Spanish

[Bem48]

google/check out the MICHEL THOMAS method, fantastic way to learn Spanish, CDs available on Amazon etc. Listen to the 5 min intro video on the web site !
Buena Suerte y buen Camino !!!

Bem in Sydney

[gilblah]

I have been learning German for a month from the BBC site, as well as using other resources and I would recommend it as a method that is practical for obtaining results in 3 months.
The units are designed to give a working knowledge of everyday encounters while traveling: things such introducing yourself, ordering food, the weather, asking directions etc. There are also grammatical notes and interesting cultural information. All exercises and word lists contain spoken pronunciation; and the whole site is very easy to navigate and beautifully structured.
Here s the web address:
BBC - Languages - Spanish: All you need to start learning Spanish

[Philip Sonnichsen]

If you live in the states, many libraries offer the Mango program which is free.
You can also obtain the Pinsleur beginning CD set for $9.95 -- go to their
website

[Saoirse]

There are some good suggestions here already the BBC is always good, but I don't know it personally. The Michel Thomas Method is very good, it is taught in the way we learn our own mother language. I am new here, but note that you are a junior member, though I don't know what age you are. I thought you might also like ear-worms! It's a form of very catchy song, you know the ones you can't get out of your head no matter what!? With earworms there are essential words and phrases set to a catchy tune. it consists of two people one native speaker the other a learner and they de-construct the phrases and sentences. It is very catchy and is great to walk to! Neither of them have note taking or 'homework'! Here is the link for the earworms site where you will of course find more information and demo's. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[heyjude]

Hi, Saoirse - Ha! I wish Junior Member was an age designation! I haven't yet found out exactly what that means. Maybe "junior" means you are planning to walk and "senior" means you've already done it??? Maybe someone else can explain. Thank you for your suggestion of the Michel Thomas Method and the ear worms (didn't see the link).

[Saoirse]

Not a junior? Ha that's funny, only in spirit eh? I wonder why you are shown as junior ... maybe I come up as a junior as well?

Sorry about the link I realised after I had posted my reply that I hadn't in fact included it. I posted another reply with the link, however, I can't see it on the thread. Here is the link... hopefully! Earworms - Learn a new language, quickly and easily with music ::

[giacobbi]

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), the US Government's primary training institution for officers and support personnel of the U.S. foreign affairs community, has developed many language courses. The materials FSI developed are now in the public domain, and at least one non-profit is devoted to assembling as many of the courses as possible under one roof. Here's where you can find a number of FSI Spanish courses, including "tapes" & texts, free. (What's not to like about that?)

FSI Language Courses - Spanish

FWIW: I posted this information more than 24 hours ago, but for some reason it never made it into the thread. HTH. giacobbi

[grayland]

The "Junior Member" designation refers to the number of posts you have made.

Nothing to do with age or completion of a Camino. Post a little more and you will quickly become "Senior".

[heyjude]

Ah, so that's what it's all about. This one will get me one step closer to being a Senior!!

[heyjude]

Thanks for the earworm link - I'll check it out!

[Beachboy]

I used Kristine Kershul - Spanish in 10 minutes a day (South American but simple & good) also used Michel Thomas which is also good but the advantage of the 10 minutes a day is you learn basic phrases, numbers etc. Another option is Coffee Break Spanish (Podcast via iTunes) also very good (free but you can buy an enhanced version).
Buen Camino

[larrybarrett2]

Hey Jude,
I'm the other Junior member(Larry) that just signed on to this terrific group....I'm leaving from St Jean around the 18th April,and am taking a crash course in Spanish at a Northern Virginia CC....I've tried Rosetta Stone and was unhappy with it....I've just now contacted the BBC option,so thanks for your inquiry!
Thanks for all the other suggestions,posters..
See you on the Road......you know,I read Jack Keruoac at an early age, along with Hemmingway,Iwonder.....Naaaaah

[heyjude]

Hi, Larry:

Believe it or not, I just found out about Spanish lessons are being offered in a small town near us ... and the first class for beginners is tonight! Yes, we've signed up.
Will likely see you on the Camino. There will be 3 of us. Are you going alone or with a group?
Judy

[larrybarrett2]

Thanks to all the posters on this thread....I start my 3 month course tonight...I've separated myself form Rosetta Stone,and have signed up BBC. In addition, I hope to involve "earworm' in my newly acquired Android,if I can figure out how to marry the two...it occured to me that as I train with 22 pound backpack for two to eight hours a day,it might behove me to be plugged in to a language app....
I'm going alone,and starting in St. Jean the 18thj or 19th of April....taking the 'Napoleon Route'
Cheers,
Larry

[heyjude]

I've started taking Spanish classes in a group. Until now, I didn't even know we had Spanish lessons close by. Now if only I could learn to roll my "r's". We're taking the Frances route.
See you on the Camino.
Judy