Product Description
Behind the Wheel Spanish Level 1 covers beginning to intermediate level Spanish, providing a flexible, solid and universal foundation in speaking, understanding, and creatively expressing yourself in Spanish. The program features an English speaking instructor to guide you through the lessons and two native Latin American Spanish speakers to aid with your pronunciation. Includes a companion book to reinforce and enhance the audio experience…. More >>
#1 by S. Pinson on July 2, 2010 - 7:13 pm
I drive 15 minutes to work and 15 back. I have used this course and improved my Spanish dramatically just by doing what I do 5 days a week. Instead of listening to the radio, I listen to these CDs. It is almost effortless. A native speaker allows you to improve your accent. I took an adult education course recently and by far my accent was the most authentic. It is well organized, even though at times you wonder where he is going. I am so enthralled with this course that as I was finishing part 1 and looking at part 2, I ended up buying both 2 and 3 at the same time. And I am glad I did.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Pentworth on July 2, 2010 - 9:14 pm
These discs are a lot of fun to fill the time on the commute and it is great to learn such a useful language without effort or having to make time for it.
These are based on early an earlier cassette version, but they are completely updated with additions and more user friendly timing, i.e. longer pause for translations.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by J.D. on July 2, 2010 - 9:49 pm
To get right to it (for those of you that just skim the first couple lines of these reviews like I do), this program is exactly what it claims — simple to use and effective. I was really quite surprised at how quickly the Speed Immersion method had me speaking (and even thinking) in Spanish. Growing up in Texas, I have definitely been exposed to Spanish over the years, which definitely helped, but even still I feel like anyone could pick up the language pretty much as soon as you dive into the first CD. I also liked the book a lot. I had planned to use it mostly for the transcript, to follow along with the audio, but the charts and grammar explanations were great and I went back to them over and over again as reference.
The only real con for the program is that it doesn’t really cover as much material as I thought it would. But then, the material it did cover I learned completely and easily, so maybe that is part of the process. I have already ordered Spanish 2 though, since I want to be a bit more advanced in my Spanish. And at these prices (versus the competitors) it’s still a pretty good deal. Overall I am pleased, and would maybe just recommend buying both level 1 and 2.
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by Gail Cooke on July 3, 2010 - 12:02 am
Como esta’?
Muy bien, gracias.
How many who say they do not speak Spanish understand those words? A good many I’d assume, which is a simple example of how familiar Spanish is to many of us. Most will be surprised at the number of English words that are related to Spanish words, thus quickly become a part of our vocabulary.
The ease with which it can be learned was not the only reason I was prompted to try Spanish, but we do live in Texas and have a large Spanish speaking population. Plus, I’m told Spanish is the fastest growing language in the world, and is the official language on four continents.
After just a few hours of listening I realized what a truly beautiful language it is, and how easily pronounced (compared to my forced jousts with French).
Those who have experienced Mark Frobose’s method of teaching know just how effective and practical it is – with an emphasis on frequently used vocabulary and a wonderful native speaker to demonstrate proper pronunciation. For us there hasn’t been time better spent than with these lessons. Seldom is learning such pleasure.
– Gail Cooke
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Gizmo on July 3, 2010 - 12:35 am
If, like me, you took Spanish many years ago, wish to relearn it, and have time to devote to it in the car, this product is wonderful. I could not be more pleased that I purchased it, but I did want to review it because I think how perfect it will be for you depends on your needs and expectations.
1. I do find this most useful in the car but less so around the house. I tried using it while I cooked but found I ended up just mindlessly repeating what the speaker was saying without thinking about the words being woven together. My mind was on cooking, not on learning Spanish. It’s probably why this is called “Behind the Wheel Spanish” and not “Over the Stove Spanish!”
2. If you’ve previously studied Spanish in written form – even if it was years ago – I think you’ll love these CDs. The course dives right into conversational Spanish, and as the speakers introduce Spanish words, I so clearly “see” the words in my mind and have been delighted to find that I even recall some words before the speaker pronounces them, but I know this only happens compliments of the high school Spanish I learned years ago.
3. If this is your first exposure to Spanish, I think the course will probably still be great, but I think you’ll have to hit the accompanying book first. The CDs dive right in and do NOT teach the Spanish alphabet or letter sounds, but they are covered in the accompanying book. There’s also a transcript of the CDs at the back of the book, too. Boring, right? NO – fabulous! You can go there and see exactly what the sentences look like in Spanish.
4. The native speakers are terrific, especially Luis. Just the right amount of pause is given for you to practice pronunciations. I like how the reviews are timed and like how the CD tracks are separated for me to easily go back and review certain sections again and again if I feel the need. I have worked on CD 1 for several weeks now (off and on), feel like I’ve mastered it, and I’m ready to move on.
Sept 09 Update – Surprise! The alphabet is covered on disc 2. Why? I have no idea, but anyway, do yourself a favor and study it first if you haven’t seen the Spanish alphabet before now. I’m still really enjoying this program. I can see how some might perceive the program as disorganized because it is a COMPLETELY different approach from a traditional Spanish class – BUT – it gets you saying things, and saying things you understand, very quickly. I think it’s fun and challenging, and when it’s TOO challenging, I just back up a few tracks and plow thru it again until I get it.
Rating: 5 / 5