Everyday Spanish Deluxe Edition (2 CDs & AA Essential Phrase Book)

Amazon.co.uk Review Everyday Spanish Deluxe Edition is a CD-ROM package that aims to get the student conversing readily in most basic situations. It has the standard features of most language-learning software programs--voice recognition software (to allow you to compare your Spanish with the real thing), role-plays and grammatical tutorials. It adds an AA Essential Spanish phrasebook to the basic edition. After installing the software, the user can choose from a range of basic situations--in the hotel, at the station and so on--and watch a video role-play. There is the option of listening with the full Spanish text and English translation, with the Spanish only or without any supporting text. There is also comprehensive grammatical support that excerpts elements from some of the role-plays and points up various grammatical rules arising from them. While perfectly adequate, Everyday Spanish Deluxe Edition is aimed at the beginner to intermediate level and not, as the promotional blurb claims, at "experienced Spanish speakers". In truth, it's probably best for business travellers or holiday-makers. It's a shame that much of the package seems quite dated. For example, it still refers to the Peseta rather than the Euro. The situations strongly recall the 1980s and the grammatical section--with its talk of "partitive articles" and "interrogative adverbs" (and without too much supporting text)--is uncomfortably reminiscent of language learning from the old school. This package does the job but those wanting a bit more fun or something slightly more contemporary might also have a look at programmes run by Berlitz, Mindscape and Auralog. --Toby Green Manufacturer's Description This unique deluxe edition of Everyday Spanish includes 2 CD-ROMs plus an indispensable Spanish Phrase Book. Each CD will enable you to speak Spanish the easy way whilst the phrasebook will make sure help is always at hand. Disc 1 – Everyday Spanish Role-play with Everyday Spanish and you’ll learn useful phrases quickly! As you listen, read and speak you become involved with a host of familiar situations where language skills are essential. Disc 2 – Talking Spanish Now practise your speech and pronunciation using this clever interactive technology! To perfect your pronunciation, ‘voice print’ graphics provide a visual pattern of your speech so you can see as well as hear the differences.