Speaking in Spanish

[wispfox]

So, it's been entirely too long since I was *actually* fluent in Spanish. About 10 years, actually.

And I'm no longer even remotely fluent, although I understand pretty well. I suppose that not having had a reason to know computer terminology at the time probably isn't helping, since that is the context in which I most frequently need Spanish.

On the plus side, especially considering my difficulty with speaking in *English*, it's actually really impressive to me that I *do* know another language. But then, 9 months in Spain would do that. Even if it did take me 3 rather painful months to actually be able to communicate.

I'm thinking that, next time I actually remember to investigate, I want to try to track down some German language audio tapes, to learn German. Both of my parents know it, and it's the largest percent of what I am (of course, that percentage is something ridiculous like 5%). And my brain probably needs the stimulation. Of course, I have no idea what decent 'how to learn a language' audio tapes exist. And, perhaps, I really mean a CD - that way I can use it in the car. Kinda like the bird call CD I have, given to me by Starhawk a bit ago.

Mmm. Learning. Especially learning difficult, but not nearly impossible, things (nearly impossible would be anything require spatial awareness. :).

Comments

[ccprince.livejournal.com]

I've always been a big fan of the "Teach Yourself..." series. I don't know if they're releasing their language stuff on CD these days, but I know they do tapes. And these days, it's so simple to transfer tapes to CD, what with computers and audio cards and CD burners, it doesn't much matter. Heck, if you didn't live all the way across the country, I'd just volunteer to do that for you, if you needed. For that matter, I still would, but I imagine you have more convenient options. :-)

And if you run into German weirdness, maybe I can help. Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch. :-)

[fourgates.livejournal.com]

I have a bunch of good learning-German books, flashcards, etc., but no tapes because I find that when dealing with new material, I don't pick up a lot of important nuances through the ears that I can get more readily through the eyes. Also, I can't seem to remember phrases unless I know all of the words well, tapes seem to cover only a few hundred words, and I'm usually disappointed at the content that is selected for tapes. Anyway, I have some good stuff in storage that you're welcome to borrow.

[szasz.livejournal.com]

German is the only other language I know. And it's atrophying since, of course, there's very little occasion to use it. I shoulda spent my effort on Spanish. THAT I could use, if only to watch the novellas on Telemundo.