Learning Spanish: How to Understand and Speak a New Language by Bill Worden (review)

Learning Spanish: How to Understand and Speak a New Language is a 30 episode video program aimed at the true beginner. The program is provided in three formats: 1) DVD, with a paper copy of the workbook; 2) CD, with a paper copy of the workbook; or 3) online (including the workbook and videos which can be downloaded—after purchase—at www.thegreatcourses.com). All three formats allow streaming of the video as well as downloading to an iOS or Android device with an app. (Cost of the program: Video download format: $334.95; CD or DVD format: $384.95). This video program on how to learn Spanish is different from most programs used by those who are working towards learning Spanish for fluency. As the author states from the very beginning, “the ‘What’ [of learning a language] is not enough… The student must also be given a clear idea of ‘how’ to do it” (see the video in lesson 1). Therefore, instead of focusing on teaching grammar, vocabulary, and culture, the author delves deep (in each video episode) into the “how” to learn Spanish. The “how” to learn Spanish that the author refers to are tips on how to approach learning a new language. The tips are general, such as “have a positive reaction,” “take every opportunity to speak Spanish,” etc.

Learning Spanish can be broken down into two connecting parts: 1) the 30 video episodes and 2) the accompanying workbook. Each of the 30 video episodes runs between 38–49 minutes in length and is designed to develop listening and speaking skills. Each episode follows the same format. The author begins the episode (including the first one) speaking briefly in Spanish, no more than one minute in length. Then, he physically turns himself around (perhaps an indication that he is going to change languages?) and provides a translation of what he has just said in Spanish (i.e., a welcome to the episode). The next 20–25 minutes are dedicated to the topic of the episode. A short summary of the previous episode is presented, then the new topic begins. The lesson is presented completely in English, with the exception of short instances of vocabulary introduction and practice of a grammatical structure. After the lesson is presented, an audio glossary is presented. This glossary includes all of the Spanish words (vocabulary and grammar) covered in the episode. The author says the word in English and a native speaker of Spanish gives the equivalent in Spanish, with the learner repeating what s/he hears. Finally, the last section of the video episode is entitled “Conversation Practice,” providing a number of different types of activities. These conversation practice activities include verb paradigm practice, followed by guided question responses (i.e., “Answer the following question in the negative”), or requests to translate a vocabulary word from Spanish to English and vice versa.

The second part of Learning Spanish is the workbook, which is designed to develop reading and writing skills through the use of the vocabulary and grammar that are presented within each episode. Each lesson in the workbook is set up in the same format and, with the exception of the activities themselves, everything is in English. First, the new vocabulary is presented in the same order as in the audio glossary and therefore it is possible to listen to the pronunciation while reading the words. Second, there is a solid and concise summary of the video episode, generally beginning with an explanation of “how” to learn Spanish (i.e., “have a positive attitude,” etc.), then continuing on to an explanation of the grammatical points that were covered in that episode. Next, a number of activities are presented to practice the new grammar and vocabulary. Instructions are given in Spanish, with an English translation immediately following. Activities include fill-in-the-blank (single word answers), True/False, Multiple choice, short answer, and crossword puzzles. Finally...