What is the best dvd to learn old spanish? We moved to Miami and I don't speak or understand anyone.?

Question

Please help!!

It is very important to me to learn the language and be able to properly speak spanish. I feel awful when I can't communicate what I need. I almost feel like I offend them when I can't reply in spanish. i know it is diverse down here, but I also know that everyone can understand old spanish. That is, everyone but me. I learn quickly and am very willing to learn.

Answer 1

My college uses a software called TeLL me More, by Auralog. It covers not only the basics, but also intermediate or advanced level. It is also a lot less repetitive. My goal was to become fluent so it was perfect for me. It has a lot of different activities: picture/word association, videos, dialogues,..., includes also grammar and conjugation. It has also more content than any other language software. Their speech recognition is great so you can have a dialogue with the computer. You can check out their website at http://www.auralog.com for a free demo and compare too. You can check out independent reviews on the web too http://www.toptenreviews.com or about.com websites.

The best way to learn a language would be through immersion, visiting these countries. Learning a language will require some time. In addition to software, you can have books which are useful as well. Audio CDs like Pimsleur for instance might help you out but you cannot get any feedback on your pronunciation so I did not like it so much

Answer 2

Learn some simple phrases and common words. For the most part, you're going through culture shock. I moved down to Miami from NY 5 years ago, and felt the same way you do now. I am way too old to learn a second language in a country where English is the first. Everywhere you go, just say "no hable espanol" and you're bound to find someone that speaks English. Since most people speak English as a second language, they use it first. When they understand you can't understand, you'd be surprised how many know English, or enough to communicate.

Answer 3

Besides buying a DVD you should get an audio cd for your car. Listen to it instead of the radio whenever you get in the car. It helps to have a pocket sized phrase book too. I recommend one for Latin America spanish instead of the ones for Spain since Miami is more than just Cubans. You should learn the basics like hello/goodbye, please, thank you, how are you, and i don't speak spanish. (It's easy but carry the book with you.)
Most hispanics including myself will speak spanish first because most of the people we bump into are hispanic. I'm sorry but I can't tell the difference between an Argentinian and an Anglo unless he's speaking. I have met Cubans of Chinese and/or Lebanese descent, white Haitians, Koreans from Argentina, Japanese from Brazil, and blond blue-eyed Hondurans. So when you see someone on the street in Miami you will automatically think they know spanish. It's not being rude just a simple mistake. When I was younger I lived in Miami Beach and lots of my neighbors assumed I was Jewish. I din't get upset but I did learn about their religion and history because it made for better conversation. Remember the more languages you speak the better opportunities you will find in the business world. Speaking only one language limits your opportunities (no matter what language that is).

Answer 4

OK, not that I don't love all the suggestions on how to learn, but really, the people who live here don't speak proper spanish. Most people speak Cuban Spanish or Puerto Rican Spanish. There are also a lot of South Americans here, which is totally different. While your vocabulary might allow you to understand some things here and there, you probably won't be able to hold a conversation with someone because especially cubans, puerto ricans and dominicans speak way too fast for a novice to understand, not to mention they are different dialects. I would recommend learning from a tutor who can teach you more "street" spanish, rather than "Castellano" Spanish (from Spain).

Secondly, Miami is still in America the last time I checked, so while it's nice that you want to adapt to your surroundings, insisting on speaking to someone in English isn't too far off. And also, most people who speak predominanlty Spanish are really nice people and will try to communicate with you in English if you tell them, "Perdon, no hablo espanol." (Pronounced: Pair-don, no ahblo espa-niol.)

GOOD LUCK.

Answer 5

Dear Anna:(and I mean it)

the "Hes-panics" in Miami are...........
More friendly than any body else.(look for family orientred people) in Miami.
They may not understand a word of what You are saying .but,They still want to be close to You.,and give You a helping hand.(funny but is true...ask around) My idea of that behave is that They believe You are in distress.they know You Can't speak Spanish.So They want to protect You ,From some imaginary Ghosts.......( yes ,is ridiculous)
See is believe......

also, form my Miami experiences.,....
if You see someone screming something in a un'know language and rising the hand .....then suddenly someone else answer in the crowd....do not get scaready...may They was screaming "does any body speak Hebrew here?"
and the other people rising the hand where saying "yes ,We are !!!" THAT"S MIAMI I!!!!

27 different languages are spoken in Miami on the daily basics.

Yes , Arabic language too. shoulder to shoulder with the hebrews..........( You better believe it)

personal experiences from Miami.......

Answer 6

One of the easiest ways to learn would be to watch the many Spanish TV stations....

Answer 7

Here's your first lesson:
Spanish- Buenos dias, como estas?
Pron: ( boo-a-nose D-as, Come-oh ess-tass)
English- Good morning!, How are you?

Answer 8

cubano sin barreras

Answer 9

its more cuban there than anything. bring the flag wehn you leave.

Answer 10

Try this website:

http://www.mansionspanish.com
.