 - We custom made Fluenz Spanish as language learners who knew there had to be a better way. With 60 sessions of up to two and one-half hours each, this is the most comprehensive software application covering the first and second levels of Spanish anywhere.
- To create a live learning environment, similar to what you are used to in a classroom, language tutor Sonia Gil guides you on full motion video every step of the way.
- Adults do not learn in the same way as children; we need to use the rules of languages we know to learn other languages. Fluenz leverages your knowledge of English to accelerate your learning of Spanish, with an emphasis on those words you are most likely to use.
- A next-generation platform blends beautiful full motion video with engaging, interactive workouts, including voice recording so you can compare your accent to native speech.
- Included are the Fluenz Spanish 1 and Fluenz Spanish 2 DVD-ROMs for your computer (Windows XP / Vista), two audio CDs for additional training (featuring Vantage Point star Edgar Ramirez and the voice of HBO Latin America Ivan Loscher), and the handy Fluenz Navigator for on-the-go referencing of important words and phrases.
List Price: $338.00
Lowest Price: $298.00 
Product Description: 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. Customer Reviews: Rating: 
Date: 2008-07-04
Fluenz delivers
Fluenz Spanish 1+2 Windows, Next-Generation Spanish Language Learning Software
I had high school Spanish more than 50 years ago, but never managed to say anything more complicated than "Where's the bathroom?". I've averaged one lesson per day for the past 19 days since receiving Fluenz and last night ordered, commented on and paid for an entire meal - in Spanish - at a Mexican restaurant.
Fluenz is a little different from other language programs I've read about: There is no formal vocabulary building, no verb conjugation or memorization, no rote anything. Typically, one lesson will concentrate on one scenario: shopping, airports, restaurants, etc. Real world situations. Dialogue will be exchanged between two participants, then your personal tutor, Sonia, will dissect everything. Following Sonia's explanations will be exercises wherein you type responses, match columns of phrases and sentences, and record dialogue (as a conversational participant) into your microphone. It's pretty much effortless if you're willing to put in the time.
Sonia is perfect for the job of tutor; she is personable, accent-free in English and is a native speaker of Spanish.
The screen organization is tasteful and focused; the "beat" music, which I find distracting, can be toggled off.
There are a few mis-cues: Some of the columns of Spanish sentences do not match completely their English equivalents, a minor flaw.
Although a microphone is recommended, its use is of marginal importance and whether or not you have one shouldn't be a deciding consideration for or against this program.
If there is one caveat here, it's the importance of being able to touch type accurately and speedily. Although you can toggle off the requirements for correct Spanish punctuation marks, the program does not allow spelling errors. I'm a reasonably fast typist and am typically able to complete a session in something like an hour and a half. I can easily picture a slower typist requiring two and a half hours to do the same work.
Further notes: The spoken portion of the sessions becomes more and more rapid-fire, just as it is spoken by native speakers. I have a substantial hearing loss, and though I am certain that more acute hearing would make it easier to comprehend, even students with normal hearing will find it a challenge to understand some of what some of the conversationalists say (I have my favorite speakers and also those I wish weren't in the dialogues. That, though, is what the real world offers, also.) I do use a high quality set of earphones for the lessons, and with them I am able to comprehend everything, even if it means sometimes having to have a sentence repeated. This is itself a handy program feature.
An on-screen resource, WORDS, provides a nominal sampling of Spanish-English translations. I purchased a good Spanish-English dictionary to supplement it because the program version has so few words and because it does not contain clues to accenting syllables. A good number of written dictionaries have no accent guides, either, so be careful with your selection. Also, if you buy a dictionary be certain both the accenting and the translations themselves are appropriate for the country/region you are interested in. Rating:
Date: 2008-06-12
A great product
I am a Roman Catholic seminarian and my bishop is sending me to Mexico to learn some Spanish. Since I didn't know any Spanish (I've studied French, Hebrew, and a little Latin), I wanted to buy something to help me learn a little before I arrived in Mexico. Boy was I glad when I got this! The lessons are very managable, and I could even go through a couple lessons a day if I worked hard at it and had enough time. After a brief introduction to each lesson, a dialogue is heard between two people using words and grammatical structures pertinent to that lesson. After the conversation, a full explanation is given of all parts of the dialogue, word by word. Then there are several exercises to work through, including translation, reading, and writing. There are thirty lessons in both Fluenz 1 and 2, for 60 lessons total if you buy both like I did.
There are of course many things I do not know and will learn this summer, but at least I can communicate with my host family now and go to the Mass without playing charades...And I think that's the point of the entire program--not that you can write a dissertation, but that you know some things very well and can have some confidence when you venture into a non-English speaking environment. Thanks, Fluenz, for a great product. I am one grateful customer... Rating:
Date: 2008-05-07
Finally
In an age of shorter attention spans and increasing demands from technology, it's not clear why language software hasn't kept up with the times. The established products seem to have been developed by old school academicians that focus on pounding vcabulary into your heads with repetition (ie. Rosetta Stone). Amazingly, technology is not used to their advantage. Given what's happened in other education segments, the gaming industry, and the use of handheld devices, not to mention the demand for language skills, it's amazing it's taken this long for a product like Fluenz to come to the market. DVD technology and high quality graphics make it a pleasure to use. The program was developed with efficiency in mind, understanding the limits of what can be self taught, and what the most important aspects of language to teach are within the beginner and intermediate range. The moderator moves at the appropriate pace, and generally makes you feel comfortable. I feel like the program is enjoyable to use, I'm learning what's necessary and pragmatic for my level, and above all, retaining it. I look forward to trying this product on my handheld, and hopefully the company will release some more programs for more advanced levels. Rating:
Date: 2008-04-28
excellent product
I cannot recommend this software enough. It helped me learn Spanish in a way that was quite different from the tapes I had to listen to in high school. It certainly puts you in the right mindset and teaches you in a fun way. Learning any language is difficult, but this puts you on track. If you want to learn Spanish, I fully recommend this. Rating:
Date: 2008-04-28
Simply Amazing
This product is simply amazing. A must purchase for all those who want to learn Spanish and REMEMBER it! I have tried other products only to have them collect dust within a few days of purchase. But this product really kept me hooked and wanting to learn more. I think the main difference between this product and its competitors is that this product doesn't just throw vocabulary at you hoping you'd remember something at the end of the day. The DVD really walks you through each word and sentence in real life situations, and the lessons that follow help you remember them. The product is helpful in that each lesson builds upon the previous one so there is a built in review system from one lesson to the next. Also, the CDs compliment the DVDs helping you remember what you've learned and allowing you to practice on the go.
If you really want to learn Spanish and remember it, I would definitely recommend that you purchase this great product. The delivery was prompt so you can begin that much sooner. |
