Berlitz Self-Teachers
The Berlitz Self-Teacher is available in Spanish
There are approximately 40 lessons that are each designed to be studied in one session. Each lesson has a theme. They start by showing several example sentences using new vocabulary words and grammar topics. The difference is, they introduce them through text examples and not just by stating it.
It gives pronunciation and translation for each sentence. It forces you to think in the language, especially at the end with the exercises. They are not just fill in the blank, you have to think about answers to the questions.
Who is it best suited for?
This form of learning is great for all levels, but this specific series is geared toward the beginner. It starts at a basic level assuming you don’t know any of the language. If you are new to the language but have been spending a little time with it, it can still benefit you.
How will it help me?
While the Berlitz Self-Teacher will teach you grammar and vocabulary, its main focus is on thinking. It will teach you to think in the language so that you can speak more fluidly and confidently. Instead of just being able spit out words you will learn how to effectively put them together.
What is its best feature?
The best feature is the ending questions. Throughout the lesson you learn new words and how to say things, but just understanding them is not enough. With the questions at the end you are able to test your knowledge and your skills. When you answer the questions, you are practicing putting sentences together. The more you do this, the faster you will get and the more smoothly will be able to string words together.
How should it be used?
This a great supplementary tool. I would advice you to still get a standard textbook, but this is great to add on the side. Maybe you could do a lesson every few days, or if you spend a lot of time studying your language, you could do one lesson a day.
However you decide to use it, make sure you master each lesson before moving on. Each lesson builds on the previous lessons.
How much does it cost?
This is a great supplementary text for anyone on a budget. They only cost about $10 on Amazon.com.
Is it worthwhile?
This series is definitely worth trying, though it’s not required. You could still learn a language perfectly well without it, but if you find you are having trouble speaking and writing in your target language quickly and easily, you may want to give this a try.
Conclusion
This is a great series that builds on a popular idea for a cheap price. If you aren’t able to afford a program like Rosetta Stone