Fluenz Spanish 1 2 Windows 1 0 Next Generation Spanish Language Learning Software

Fluenz is a software company founded by a group of passionate language learners who felt there had to be a better way. We believe in the power of one-on-one tutoring, so our technology is geared towards bringing real life instruction to the computer. In our Spanish application, language tutor Sonia Gil guides you throughout the program, blending full motion video explanations in English with a series of highly engaging workouts, helping you to understand and speak relevant Spanish. The Fluenz system follows three clear principles: 1) We learn best when we have a teacher. It's often difficult to motivate yourself to learn on your own. By bringing a tutor to the computer, we explain all concepts in a sensible way and you don't have to tackle Spanish all by yourself. 2) It's easier to learn Spanish by starting out in English. Contrary to what you might think, Spanish is a tough langauge to learn and we are able to progress much faster by leveraging our knowledge of English to help us learn Spanish. In fact, modern linguistics tells us that as adults, we need to use the tools of the language we already know and apply them to learning a new language. With Fluenz, you learn first in English and relate basic Spanish grammar and syntax to that of English, rather than trying to understand Spanish grammar with Spanish logic. 3) It's best to learn the most relevant words in Spanish right away. You need to start learning the words and structures that will allow you to communicate the most in the least amount of time, taking into consideration which words are easier to remember for English speakers, which expressions make the most logical sense to us, and which are most useful–"cell phone" instead of "red apple." Being able to communicate right away in simple ways requires relevant learning. And, with 13 types of workouts covering verbal expression and comprehension, as well as reading and writing, you practice and internalize what you learn in the video lessons.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars At last, a wonderful program to learn Spanish
I'm a native speaker of Spanish but have reviewed this program for several co-workers at a multilateral institution in Washington D.C. Fluenz Spanish 1+2 is a multimedia application that comes in two DVD-ROMs. The material is organized in sessions that are led by a charismatic tutor on full motion video. She does a very good job of explaining the intricacies of Spanish vocabulary, grammar and usage from the point of view of an English-speaker, and in plain English. Each session begins with the tutor's brief introduction, followed by a conversation that contains the material to be worked on, followed by her longer tutorial. These video tutorials present the most effective summaries of how Spanish works I've ever heard. Following the tutorial the program goes on to a series of 13 different kinds of fully interactive workouts. These grow increasingly challenging, and force the user to review the material by writing it, reading it, listening to it, and recording it. These workouts have been beautifully designed with beautiful photographs of Latin America and Spain. Whereas other language learning methods seek to teach languages without any assistance from English, Fluenz's refreshing approach makes for faster learning suited to adults. The systematic comparisons between English and Spanish grammar allow learners to understand structures immediately, and to grasp how key verbs can be easily used in a variety of situations. All the vocabulary taught by the program is relevant, since it has been designed with a traveling adult in mind. Although some might miss learning the Spanish words for tree or for apple, this is more than made up for by the ability to speak to a taxi cab driver, to activate a cell phone, or to figure out if there is hot water at a beach hotel, etc. While the vocabulary is very specific, the program makes a lot of emphasis on the core grammar anyone would have to learn to pursue advanced learning. All in all, I highly recommend Fluenz Spanish 1+2. I believe it will lead to fast, common-sense learning of relevant materials because it has been developed from the point of view of teens and adults traveling to Spanish-speaking countries or wanting to establish a strong foundation for further learning.

5 Stars Clear, well designed and interactive
The Fluenz approach provides a very logical and interactive method of building language skills. Out of the box, the packaging is striking and well designed. The language exercises are clear, relevant examples for a modern learner. The interface intends to provide you with a dedicated video instructor, to good effect. I found the pacing perfect for a new language learner, and the included audio CD allowed for the added benefit of practice while on the road. An important aspect of the package that is often overlooked; the licensing allows for transfer and use of the audio tracks on a portable device. You have the ability to record your own pronunciation and compare it to native language speakers, a great feature. In the language software market this stands out as a very professional, pragmatic offering.

5 Stars Great reinforcement styles, and a pleasure to use
The first thing you notice with Fluenz is that this software looks great - the photos and design are beautiful. I was really impressed with the multiple reinforcement styles that each lesson uses. Listening, reading, typing, repeating, matching, and I think maybe a couple more types of reinforcement; they really do help to drive home the words and phrases that you are learning in the dialog/scenes. The pacing is just right, so that you learn a little, then reuse and build on that in the next lesson. The (pleasant) host uses english and spanish to explain anything that isn't obvious, like grammar, irregularities and idioms. Fluenz is perfect for an absolute beginner, but also great for someone looking to expand and reinforce slightly rusty spanish language skills (like me), because you can move around as you choose, or proceed sequentially through the course.

5 Stars Finally a software you can work with.
I ordered the software for our office and it is great. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. The exercises at the end of the lessons are a very good feature too. I have tried a few other softwares and nothing compares to it. A co-worker loves it too. She has started the Spanish and is asking to get more languages in which we will. Try it yourself.

5 Stars Fluenz Spanish Rocks!
I have only been through the first three lessons of Fluenz Spanish I and II but already I can say that this program beats ALL others hands down! The manner in which the lessons are taught plus the exercises after each lesson are superb when it comes to adults learning a foreign language.

I can't say enough good about Fluenz. These folks got it right!!! My goal is to be able to speak Spanish fluently by mid-year and I have NO doubt that it will happen thanks to Fluenz. I have already told several friends not to waste their money on the other programs and to purchase Fluenz. The entire staff at Fluenz knows what their doing so if you want to learn Spanish, look no farther!

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