Never to old to LEARN SPANISH...
 

While DH and I know some Italian, and my French is pretty good, our Spanish was absent to horrible.

Our first year in Argentina, we took a good course for Tourists:
Español Andando. There were 4 lessons in 4 different barrios (in cafes) where we learned politenesses, how to pose pertinent questions (youall know what these are) and how to speak 'menu'. There were also hops on the Collectivo, the Subte and a trip to a Market. All of this was very worthwhile and useful. They did have group classes, too, but we opted for the semi-private lessons.

Español Andando
http://www.espanol-andando.com
[email protected] Tel. (5411) 5278- 9886

This year,coming for the 4th time and for 6 weeks, we decided that we really needed to learn a bit of conversational Spanish.

We had a recommendation for our excellent teacher, Gabriela Ferrante. She is an experienced linguist and teacher, fluent in English, French, Italian, whose methods and philosophy of language learning were a perfect fit for both me and DH.

Gabriela holds classes and class trips, but again, we opted for semi-private lessons in our apartment. Because DH and I were on different levels (and one of us is more shy than the other about making mistakes in a foreign language) we divided out most of our lesson time, with a little 3 - way conversation thrown in. It was a terrific experience - we spoke only Spanish from the get-to and we both improved in comprehension and speaking.

I recommend Gabriela most highly, and we are already planning to engage her for next year.
http://www.gabrielaferrante.com.ar

~MarnieWDC

Fabulous...so when we c u back in DC we can sit around and speak in Spanish...or at least everyone but me could! Have a good trio home. (and I c another winter in BA on your horizon...)

Don't listen to Marnie. She sounds like a Porteño ( at least when dealing with food/waiters etc ) :D

OK, Porteña and you can listen to her, just don't believe the modest parts lol ...

I have a dollars to doughnuts bet that DH is more shy than Marnie. LOL!!!!

BTW, Marnie, I asked you a question you probably did not see in the http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...san-martin.cfm thread

Marnie, I think it's wonderful that you are learning more Spanish. Good for you. Yestravel, you won't be the only one not speaking it. I'm totally useless when it comes to language. The Spanish I know is what I learned so many years ago, and I can't seem to learn anything new.

I think next winter in Buenos Aires sounds like one heck of a good plan.

Marnie, before our trip to BA in Jan/Feb 2010, I enjoyed on-line Spanish classes through our local library. I learned enough vocabulary to order meals, ask simple directions, etc. When, I returned home, I promptly forgot most of what I learned.

Jan/Feb 2011, we went to the Yucatan. Once more, I did the same on-line classes. When, we were in Merida, while sitting on the upper patio of the "Luz In Yucatan" I would listen to to the melodious tones of a local Spanish teacher giving lessons to our neighbors in the suite next to ours.
I looked forward to hearing him speaks his beautiful Spanish in his sonorous voice. :)

Strangely, I found that while traveling the Yucatan I was much more shy about speaking my poor Spanish & making a mistake like you sweet DH. I think it was because I would craft a sentence in my mind. Then, when a would talk to a Spanish person they would answer me back like I had a better command of the language than I did. Then, I would be embarrassed by my lack of comprehension.

Jan/Feb 2012, we hope to come to BA once, again. I sincerely, hope that I can improve my Spanish before, then.

Well, Condu, good luck with that. I am trying to motivate myself to review the lessons from Gabriela Ferrante periodically, so that I won't totally forget what I learned.

My 2nd favorite way to keep the Spanish on board is to watch Spanish movies with subtitles (especially Argentine movies) or watch them in English, with Spanish subtitles. My very favorite way is to find a Spanish speaking friend who is willing to put up with some conversation and grammar questions.

Oh my, but it is worth it.

Best,
~Marnie

I admire you people for learning Spanish. I wish my brain was better at language. The only Spanish I know is what I learned years ago. It has stuck with me. But trying to learn anything new seems impossible.
I had some private lessons and still no luck. I know it isn't supposed to be all about memory work, but that seems to be the only way I can learn.. to say a word 1,000 times.

Marnie, I love to watch Spanish movies too. Can you give me the names of some Artentine movies, please?

Hi Kodi! Marnie recommended to us The Secret in their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos) and it was fantastic. DC is having their filmfest this week and we're heading to an ARG movie on Friday, Hostage of Illusions. I'll let u know how it is.

Marnie: When we were Argentina & in Mexico we watched Spanish programming to help develop our ear. Though my DH hasn't tried
any of the on-line lesson with me, he started to pick up some vocabulary. Also, I often, speak Spanish phrases to him and encourage him to answer back(with some prompting.) Sort of the blind leading the blind. LOL!

Thank you yestravel. I'll have to look for them at the video store.