The Importance of Learning Spanish

Now is not the time to be a monolingual. People are learning Spanish in numbers which were once considered unimaginable. Spanish has gained importance as being one of the most widely spoken languages of the world. In the West, Spanish is considered secondary to English.

As a result, many native Spanish speakers have moved to other countries. They learn the language of that land but remain loyal to Spanish. This is true of the Hispanic population in the US. There are over 40 million Hispanics in the United States and there number is always on the rise. The dilemma is that they have shorn monolingualism while the Americans haven't. Most of the Spanish people are able to speak English but a majority of English speakers don't understand even a word of Spanish.

There is no doubt that Spanish is the best choice for anyone who is looking to add to his repertoire an exotic language with a rich history. Not only is Spanish of cultural importance, but is the official language of four of the seven continents.

Easy to Learn

The phonetics and vocabulary make Spanish probably the easiest language to learn for an English speaker. Spanish is written in a way that an English speaker will be able to read a word and ascertain its pronunciation easily. Even basic grammar of the Spanish language is simple and clear-cut. When you begin to learn it, you will be able to converse fluently in Spanish in just a few days.

Understand English Better

Did you know that a large portion of the English vocabulary we commonly use is derived from Latin? Well, this was a gift from the French, but the interesting thing is that Spanish is a Latin language as well. So, what I am trying to say is that you can understand English grammar and language better when you start to learn Spanish.

Become a Linguist

He who learns one language can learn a hundred! Got a bit of the Schindler's List hangover! Seriously speaking, learning Spanish can be the first step on your journey to picking up the important languages spoken in the world today. Spanish is one of the easiest to learn, and is therefore a good one to start off with. Once you have learned Spanish, you can move on to French or German or any other language which you prefer.

However, learning Spanish isn't a walk in the park. You will have to put in much effort and time to be able to master it.

Spanish Learning Factory can help you learn Spanish in a way that you will be speaking it like a native in no time at all.

SpanishLearningFactory Provides Online Spanish Courses and Spanish classes from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced. for more details visit website SpanishLearningFactory.com

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Is Rosetta Stone Really Worth It?

Nowadays, learning a language on the computer is all the rage. More and more people are buying products like Rosetta Stone or subscribing to online services such as Mango Languages. Are these products really worth the money though? Let's face it, most people struggle to afford the higher end language products such as Fluenz and Rosetta Stone. It's rather hard to justify spending about five hundred dollars on software that you're not sure will work for you, but, it seems to work for everyone else. Let's take a more in depth look at Rosetta Stone and see exactly what it will and won't do.

Rosetta Stone is currently in its forth version and the price for its complete Latin American Spanish language pack is (at press time) $479.00. One year ago, when I bought it, the third version sold for the same price. I have asked Rosetta Stone Customer Support and they tell me that there no actual difference in the software between versions three and four. Rather, version four comes with access to Rosetta Stone's online learning community, TOTALe, which version three did not. After finding that out I decided not to upgrade to the next version.

So how does the software work? Rosetta Stone uses a method that is called "Dynamic Immersion", which is basically a fancy way of saying that it does not use any English to teach you a foreign language. Rather, the program uses pictures of people and objects, with their Spanish translation underneath. In my opinion, this makes Rosetta Stone by far the easiest way to learn vocabulary in a new language. Because there is no English, the translated words stick in your mind with the pictures, which leads you to think in that new language. Just that feature alone makes this software extremely useful.

The program is composed of several levels, which are composed of several units, which in turn are composed of several lessons. Each of the units focuses on a certain subject, such as school or shopping. In each of the lessons, you learn new vocabulary and ideas then, after the lesson, there are several activities which you can complete to further your knowledge of the subject matter. Each of the activities focuses on you being able to do a certain thing such as: speak, listen, write, understand, et cetera. A good deal of the exercises are repetitive, but that's part of what helps you remember the language.

The company often boasts about its speech recognition program that gets you speaking your new language write away. While it does help you to form sentences quickly, the voice recognition software is certainly not bug free. There have been many situations where I know that I said the write thing, but the software just won't recognize it. Sometimes I will just turn off the speaking activities to avoid this. Rosetta Stone also claims that it will teach you to speak without an accent, if you set the speech recognition to only recognize native sounds. There are many flaws since, with Latin American Spanish for example, there can be many different types of accents, all of which are from native Spanish speakers. Also, for most adults learning a second language, it is almost impossible to speak without an accent, and so it's very difficult to succeed with native speech recognition.

Another problem that I have with Rosetta Stone is its claim that it teaches grammar. The grammar lessons are short and simple. They focus on things like which article to use for a word, or which verb conjugation goes with a given subject, but these lessons do not explain why it has to be the way it. My opinion on grammar is that there is no way to successfully teach it, without explaining it. Rosetta Stone doesn't explain anything, because the company's theory is that, when we learnt our first language, we weren't explained anything about grammar. The difference is though that then we couldn't be explained anything about grammar, so we just went with the flow, now we are older and smarter. We question things. I used Rosetta Stone for Spanish, and I was already familiar with French grammar, so I had a pretty good idea of what to do in Spanish, but, if I had been learning an eastern language (or any language that unconnected to what I knew), Rosetta Stone would have probably been too confusing for me to use.

In my own opinion, Rosetta Stone fails to give users enough opportunities to write in their new language. Yes, as I said earlier, they do have writing exercises, but they are far and few between. Normally, each exercise only asks you to write a few words or short sentences. I believe that, to memorize spelling and punctuation in another language, one needs to have more practice writing.

After a month or two of learning Latin American Spanish just through Rosetta Stone, I found that I could speak quite well, and I had confidence that I was saying things correctly. It amazed people that I could carry on a (basic level) conversation with other Spanish speakers. The problem, however, was that I was a little shaky on spelling. I could read quite well but, when it came to writing, I often found myself questioning where to put accents. After you learn one Romance Language, the grammar of the others will be fairly easy. That being said, I had a good knowledge of Spanish grammar. This knowledge, however, came more from my experience with French, rather than from Rosetta Stone itself.

So is Rosetta Stone worth it? I would honestly say that it is. Although there are many problems that I have found with this software, and it is not the godsend that many people assume it is, it will really help you memorize vocabulary words. I would not, however, recommend that Rosetta Stone be the only way you learn a language. It would be extremely beneficial to have a tutor as well, someone to whom you can ask questions. If that is not an option for, then I would suggest you buy a good grammar book to guide you where Rosetta Stone cannot.

Wilhelm Schulz offers both private tutoring and online classes for as low as $10 per hour.

To find out more on Wilhelm Schulz (Founder of Futurama Languages) go to:
http://futuramalanguages.weebly.com/

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ESL Teaching Strategy: Information, Instruction, Inspiration, Intuition

What is the difference between a good teacher and a master teacher? We probably have all endured teachers where we felt their calling was anything other than teaching. Other teachers could at least keep our attention, and make the class exciting and fun. But on occasion, there would be that master teacher that could somehow make us feel like we were the only one in the classroom, and we felt as if our brains had been opened as he poured a cup of knowledge into our souls. It might have been an elementary teacher, a coach, or, for a lucky few, a mom or a dad. Let's look at the main ingredients of a master teacher.

1. Information. Information makes up 40% of teaching. It is the sole reason for our role as a teacher. Take away our substance, and we will also lose our occupation. Yet, the fault in many teachers is in their resistance to remain a student. It can be easy to dust off the old lesson plans from year to year, and deliver the same information that was given 10 years ago - rusted and outdated.

I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday. ~Abraham Lincoln

The best remedy for an old lesson plan is a learning teacher. Let's make sure as teachers that our information - that 40% of teaching - is 100% of what it should be.

2. Instruction. Instruction makes up 30% of teaching. Imagine a road system that had no rules. Drivers could go as fast as they want, drive in any lane, never stop for a traffic light, and there were no guidelines for accidents. Yes, people could get to their destination, but it would be accompanied by chaos and confusion. As teachers, we not only need to impart information, but also give it with good instruction. As a student I enjoyed the classes where it was obvious that the teacher had good procedures in the classroom. He knew the most efficient way to pass out papers, collect papers, explain the rules of an activity, give tests, schedule a research paper with good deadlines, and keep the class as fair as possible. It was always a privilege to be in a class where I felt the teacher ensured that every little detail was accounted for.

3. Inspiration. Inspiration makes up 20% of teaching. Inspiration comes from success. The more successful a student is at something, the more they will want to excel in that area. I was watching my son play a skateboarding game on our Wii. As a six year old, he just could not figure out how to make that virtual skateboard do what he wanted it to do. However, I noticed that level 1 was super easy. It was easy enough to grant my son a small measure of success. He could not do level 2, but I simply had to encourage him to do better on level 1, and he soon was able to beat level 2. That measure of success was enough to keep him interested. In our classes, our students don't want to fail. However, if they fail many times then failure becomes the only thing they are actually successful at. Have you ever had a student that wanted to excel at failure? Instead, we need to keep our students tasting the wonderful joy of success.

4. Intuition. Intuition is that 10% of teaching that I believe separates the good teachers from the master teachers. Intuition is that ability to look into the eyes of a student and know whether or not he is learning. It's the ability to draw out of the student the knowledge that the teacher has given to him. It is that unique touch on the heart of a student that lets him know that you really care. Students have the distinctive ability to know whether or not the teacher is teaching for money or for the student. Teachers will never be able to fool a student in this area. For the master teacher, intuition goes both ways. The master teacher is able to know if the student is truly learning and what to do about it, and the student is able to sense the level of compassion that the master teacher has for the student.

What an awesome privilege to have to opportunity to help mold the early impressions of a student. Let's increase our relevant information, make clear our instructions, inspire through success, and captivate with our intuition.

For great ESL resources for both the student and the teacher go to http://www.ilesi.com/. ILESI stands for International Languages Educational Services Inc., and has established English training centers all over the world.

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Corporate Business Lessons - English Language Teachers

English has become the language of business. If you are an international company that does any business deals with speakers of another language you are probably doing those dealings in English. English is the language to learn for all international business trading. There are several ways to learn business English. Some of them include being taught by a local non-native English speaker, being taught by a computer program with expensive software, and learning English over video chat with a native English teacher that lives in an English speaking country. English can be learned with any techniques, these are just some of the options.

Learning English from a non-native English speaker can be difficult in a variety of ways. Especially if the person teaching you is not a teacher, things can become very hard. English has a lot of small rules that are often broken. To really know what you are learning and how useful it is to you, you will need to speak with a native English speaker. Also learning from a local person may not give you the business English lessons that you need to do international business. To learn the proper English for your needs you should probably consider another way to get the training you need.

English can be taught effectively by a computer program. The tools are all there to give you the knowledge you are paying hand over fist for. The real drawback to using computer software is that it can sometimes not give the focus that you are looking for. Also there is no real feedback system that lets you know you are doing well or poor in specific areas. If you decide to go with computer software to learn business English lessons you should be prepared to pay a considerable amount. English can be learned with programs but is better suited to human interaction.

With the power of the internet learning to speak English through video chat with a person living in an English speaking country can be simple. The prices are for one person's concentrated time that they give directly to you each time you call. The service will provide feedback and relevant information about the English language. With a proper English tutor business English lessons can be at your finger tips and not for an exorbitant price. If you are considering learning English for your business needs make sure to choose the best option for you. The options are out there for your choosing.

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How to Learn Chinese Tones!

For speakers studying Mandarin, learning the tones can be quite the challenge. Mandarin has 4 tones, and one neutral tone; This means that one word can have a variety of meanings based on the way you say it. The Mandarin word "ma" for example can mean mom, hemp, horse, scold or indicate a question depending on what tone is used! Being such a foreign concept, how can you learn tones without hours of meaningless repetition?

The first answer is simple, you need to understand that even in English we use tones all the time! We may not realize it, but by putting a different intonation on the exact same word we can have a variety of meanings!

Take the word "yeah" for example. Our tones on it are very similar to the Chinese tones!

1. A Mandarin first tone is a high level and neutral pitch. Try saying "yeah" just a little higher than your normal voice, and also keep it the same pitch. What did that sound like? If you were to say that in a conversation what would you be expressing? In English a high level neutral pitched "yeah" indicates doubt. Its like saying "I see what you are saying, but I'm not sure." And we get all of that out of just saying "yeah!"

2. A Mandarin second tone is rising tone - you start your voice low and it comes higher. Say "yeah" with a voice lower than your normal voice level, then immediately rise it just a bit above your normal voice level. When you do this with "yeah" you usually are saying either "really? That's interesting."

3. A Mandarin third tone is a falling first, then rising tone. Say "yeah" starting high, then bring it down, then bring it back up. What does this mean in English? In a conversation most of the time it would mean "you are right, but what's your point?"

4. The Mandarin fourth tone is a falling tone. Imagine you are upset at someone and they just asked you a question you thought was a dumb question so you answer "yeah." Start a bit high then drop fast. In this case Yeah simply means yes, but with it you are also indicating that the person should have known better then to ask that question.

The reality is that Chinese is not that much different from our own language. Tones are a little foreign, but understanding we use them in some cases as well can further your understanding. The major difference is that their tones are assigned to EVERY word, whereas we use them selectively.

One more thing to point out, you can't simply not worry about tones and assume people with understand you. As your language ability increases so do the importance of tones. One of the best things you can do to hear and understand tones is get practice with a native speaker or advanced level student of Chinese.

I would recommend checking out my website http://www.cafespeak.com/ where you can use Skype to meet with a native speaker of a language. In the meantime, keep working on those tones!

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Skype Online English Lessons - Learning a Language With Video Chat

Learning English is now more accessible than it has ever been for people in countries all over the world. With the internet the opportunity of learning English online is only a matter of finding the right company to be taught by. Skype is a common type of video chat system that many people use. There are a few, clear cut reasons for trying Skype online English lessons with a reputable business. They are learn English from the same native English speaker every lesson, spend money on the actual lesson instead of on software, and learn conversational English through role-playing and one-on-one chats.

There are two ways to learn a language which are from someone who speaks English and someone who is a native English speaker. There are pros and cons to each approach, but if you are learning conversational English, learning through a native English speaker will guarantee correct pronunciations and word usage. There are businesses that will provide you with the same teacher for every lesson. With the same teacher you do not have to concentrate on filling in a new teacher each lesson or telling them that you already learned something. Skype online English lessons bring native English teachers within your reach.

Many companies will sell you expensive software that you have to install on the computer. With Skype online English lessons the software you need is online for free. You pay for an actual live person who can tailor your lesson specifically to how you learn. Software can do that, only live people can. Online English lessons should not be complicated. You pay for the time of the teacher you are working with. Never pay for an expensive computer teaching system again, when your time and money could be better spent learning from a live person via video chat through the internet.

Spending time focusing in writing English or spelling English when what you need is conversational speaking skills can be a waste of time. Get lessons focused on your needs through a variety of techniques taught by a live teacher. If all you need is conversational English you can do that easily through one-on-one dialogue. Skype online English lessons are designed to give you the training in English that you are willing to pay for. English is not difficult but can be challenging without the proper instruction. Learn to speak English from a professional native English speaker over the internet and see how quickly you can learn.

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What Is the Best Way to Learn a Second Language?

What is the best way to learn a second language? This subject can have many opinions and views, mine are as follow:

Learning a second language can be very frustrating but yet extremely rewarding... as of my personal experience to learn a second language; I started first by nailing the alphabet down, and then moved to learn some vocabulary (meanings). It takes a little while to memorize and a lot of patience. I guess it depends on the learner and how fast can they absorb the information. I had students that learned how to speak, read and write a second language in matter of few weeks...others took longer. The methods of teaching a second language play a big role in making student's comprehension more effective.

There are some language programs and CD's out there can be very helpful, however, learning a second language of a live tutor is very important because it gives students the opportunity to ask about anything they desire on the spot, something videos and CD's cannot provide.

Here are a few tips to consider along the way of your language leaning journey.

‧ Choosing your language teacher is essential; make sure they can "speak" English clearly and comfortably so you don't feel nervous around them.
‧ Write down every note you can get in YOUR language so you know what you wrote without forgetting.
‧ Ask about anything you like don't let anything go without understanding it.
‧ Use the few words and sentences you learned in a conversation and let the natives correct you as this is one of the best methods to master a language.
‧ You have to be inquisitive and detailed about the structure of the sentences of the foreign language, the earlier you get the bigger picture the simpler the details become.
‧ Use some helpful software, they are all over the internet, I will be recommending some programs in a later article
‧ Always learn the proper version of the language, not a dialect.
‧ Have an exchange buddy- someone who you can help learn English, Spanish,...ect and in return he help you learn the target language.
‧ Find and download a free dictionary to keep on your desktop, and research the verity usage of the words in the language structure.
‧ Make a plan and goals to what you want to accomplish first, this was my plan; ALPHABET> MEANINGS +PRONOUNCIATIONS> SIMPLE CONVERSATIONS> DIGGING DEEPER.

I hope you benefit from these tips and I wish you good luck with everything.

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