"Living Language Conversational Spanish" by Irwin Stern is a comprehensive guide that aims to enhance learners' ability to effectively communicate in Spanish. This book, accompanied by audio recordings, takes a dynamic approach to language acquisition and focuses on practical conversation skills.
Stern begins by introducing basic vocabulary and grammar, gradually progressing to more complex phrases and expressions. The book is structured in a user-friendly manner, starting with essential greetings and introductions and moving on to various topics such as travel, shopping, and dining. Each chapter offers useful dialogues, vocabulary lists, and exercises to reinforce understanding and provide opportunities for practicing speaking Spanish.
What distinguishes this book is its emphasis on real-life conversations. Stern provides authentic examples of dialogues and situations, enabling learners to master conversational skills in a natural way. The audio recordings that accompany the book are invaluable resources, allowing readers to listen to native speakers and become familiar with proper pronunciation and intonation.
Available on Audible
One of the book's strengths is its clear explanations and straightforward approach. Stern avoids overwhelming readers with excessive grammatical explanations and instead focuses on practical usage. This makes the book suitable for both beginners and those who already have a basic understanding of Spanish.
Overall, "Living Language Conversational Spanish" is a comprehensive and effective resource for learning Spanish conversationally. Irwin Stern's approach, combined with the accompanying audio recordings, provides learners with the necessary tools to confidently communicate in real-life Spanish speaking environments. Whether used as a self-study guide or in a classroom setting, this book is a valuable asset for anyone seeking to develop their conversational skills in Spanish.
What are readers saying?
Living Language Conversational Spanish, written by Irwin Stern, aims to teach readers how to converse in Spanish. Reviews for the book have been mixed, with some users praising its effectiveness while others express disappointment.
Many reviewers appreciate Living Language Conversational Spanish for its comprehensive approach to learning Spanish. They find the book's clear explanations, useful vocabulary lists, and various exercises helpful in reinforcing the lessons. For beginners, it covers the basics of grammar, pronunciation, and common phrases in a logical and easy-to-follow manner.
However, some reviewers feel that the book falls short of their expectations. They criticize it for lacking depth and not providing enough examples or opportunities for practice. Some find the lessons repetitive, which can be tedious over time. Others find the explanations of grammar concepts confusing or lacking detail.
The audio component of the book also receives mixed feedback. Some reviewers find the accompanying CDs or online audio recordings valuable for improving pronunciation and listening skills. They appreciate being able to hear native speakers and practice speaking. However, others mention that the audio quality can be subpar, making it difficult to understand.
While there are both positive and negative reviews for Living Language Conversational Spanish, many users still find it an effective learning tool. They emphasize the importance of consistent practice and dedication. Some also suggest supplementing the book with other resources, such as online courses or language exchange programs, to enhance the learning experience.
SpanishLearning ConversationalSpanish LanguageLearning