Spanish for Dummies |
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| Title: | Spanish for Dummies |
| Author: | Susana Wald |
| Publisher: | For Dummies |
| Type: | Book / Paperback |
| Publication Date: | 15 December, 1999 |
| ISBN / ISBN-13: | 0764551949 / 9780764551949 |
| List Price: | $24.99 |
| You Save: | $9.25 |
| Amazon Price: | $15.74 |
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This book is also available, brand-new, from 3rd-party marketplace sellers at Amazon.com, from $5.97.
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Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
Is speaking Spanish nothing more than a bad high school memory for you? Are the phrases "Yo quiero Taco Bell" and "Hasta la vista, baby" the extent of what you can say in Spanish? Whether you need a quick primer for an upcoming business trip or want to build on a basic understanding of the language, Spanish For Dummies can help. But the book is more than just a language text full of cool phrases and useful vocabulary -- it's also a cultural guide for those moments when you really need to know how and why things are done. Part of what makes this book so valuable is its whole-language approach to Spanish. Instead of burdening you with endless vocabulary lists and tricky grammar rules, Spanish For Dummies gives you the tools to take your Spanish on the road. Focus on everyday situations and hone your small-talk skills that help you with basic communication in Spanish. What's more, the authors have scattered throughout the book tidbits that contextualize the language so you understand the people, places, and things that are unique to Spanish-speaking cultures. An audio CD enables you to hear Spanish as it's really spoken by presenting dialogues between native Spanish speakers.
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Customer Reviews:
• The World Of Spanish!
01 January, 2010
At the very beginning of the text Ms Wald infers that Spanish for Dummies is as much a cultural introduction to the Spanish speaking Americas as it is a premier in the fundamentals of the language itself. That she loves her subject is evident in her writing content and style.
She makes very clear that this book alone will probably not make one fluent. It's not a rehearsal of grammar in depth nor is it a textbook. But if one is willing to supplement the study of its basic ingredients with immersion in the language, one should do well. My suggestions include adding the complimentary volume (Intermediate Spanish for Dummies), the SfD Phrase Book, additional high-quality texts, popular magazines in Spanish, Univision and Telemundo television if available, an assortment of beginning dual-language books, a New International Version dual-language New Testament or Bible (or other form of Spiritual Works or Scriptures as available), and an E-News source or two of choice. Add to this mix a few generous colleagues, friends and neighbors who speak the language.
SfD is well organized. It's clear, intuitive, informative, uncluttered and humorous throughout. The cartoons are great! Previous criticism regarding misprints and typos are valid and such lack of attention to detail makes me crazy. I tend to see more and more of this in print and on-line the past decade or so. Certainly the author is ultimately responsible but perhaps this also is commentary on the quality of proofreading and editing these days. I've marked certain corrections and clarifications in my copy but wager I didn't catch them all.
The accompanying single CD is helpful with the rudiments of diction and pronunciation. Expect a number of canned conversational phrases directed toward the novice - nothing extra. More substantive audio recordings and programs are to be had through Berlitz and Rosetta Stone.
Spanish for Dummies has done what I expected it to do and I'm pleased to have it on my language-studies shelf.
My Four Stars would have been Five expect for the several printing errors as mentioned.
Russell de Ville
1 January 2010
- Amazon Customer Review
• And That In Spanish Would Be?
07 January, 2010
Having lived in Southern California most of my life, I had tons of Spanish friends. The church I use to belong to had a Spanish service...but until I started teaching writing, I had little need for a reference guide for Spanish words. Some times a student will toss in a Spanish phrase here and there...this is a good source to help me know the spelling and if the phrase is used correctly.
- Amazon Customer Review
• Spanish For Dummies
08 January, 2010
Thanks for shipping the book so quickly! The book is in great shape and I look forward to doing business with you again in the future!
- Amazon Customer Review
• Mainly A Crash Course
07 November, 2009
This book is only for those who might be going on vacation in a Spanish speaking country and only want to know a few words and phrases.
It covers beginner topics like: vocabulary for food, asking how someone is and their name, talking on the phone, and asking directions.
It very briefly covers some grammar: the difference between ser and estar, simple present and simple past tense, the [(ir) + a + (infinitive)] future tense, and reflexive verbs. It doesn't cover any other tenses.
The speakers in the audio portions speak slowly. It is only for a very beginner of the language.
- Amazon Customer Review
• Shipped Promptly
01 February, 2010
i've only had time to briefly peruse the book but i am hopeful that my spanglish will improve.
- Amazon Customer Review
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