Books : Michel Thomas Foundation Course: Spanish (Michel Thomas Series)

Rating: - quick confidence builder
An interesting approach, but to be honest somewhat more effective for the beginner than those with some level of existing Spanish.
The suprise is that the biggest inhabition to starting any langauge is actually building up the confidence to speak it, the trick here is that the listener feels more confident in speaking spanish immediately, this is a big achievement, it took me years to be comfortable with my level of knowledge to start experimenting.
As an intermediate level spanish speaker, i found this a useful practice exercise, useful for dipping into now and again, and i did find that he imparts the same lessons which i would pass on to make learning spanish easier, so you cant say better than that.
I agree with the comments about the comedy accents and overacting studnts, but if viewed as amusing it actually makes the course more enjoyable.

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Rating: - Amusing and easy learning
Having spent the last ten years trying to learn spanish, this would certainly rank as one of the easier methods ive encountered.
admittedly i find this level more of a practice excercise, but useful for that all the same.
Michel passes on some very good tips, which are indded the shortcuts to gaining mastery of spanish vocabulary.
Ideal for sticking on in the background and absorbing slowly, i dread to think what kind of Spanish accent we are picking up from Mr Thomas... Nothing like his english i hope.

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Rating: - Learn to love language
I have never studied a foreign language seriously before. I remember taking French at school from the age of 11 to 13 and hating every minute of it. I was useless.
I bought the spanish course just over a year ago. From the very first cd I was hooked. Michel has a wonderful way of convincing you that you can succeed at learning a language - and I think that is the magic - I always considered it an impossible task. I enjoyed every single minute of each cd and can not sing its praises enough. OK, the course is only an introduction to Spanish, but as an introduction I do not think it can be bettered. The confidence it gave to me meant I had the guts to study further and now have my own private tutor for two hours per week. My tutor was impressed with the progress that I had made alone. Whenever I am in a bookshop and spot somebody looking for a Spanish book I always introduce myself and sing the praises of Michel Thomas. I think they must think I am on commission. To finish, a wonderful course and a must for anyone wanting to get a foot on the ladder. Oh, and i have no critisisms! The course is faultless.

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Rating: - A Great introduction to the method
I bought the short course on recommendation from a friend. Michel Thomas puts you as the third person alongside two other novices - I can say I was better than the guy sitting next to me - in this virtual classroom of course. Quite quickly, I was able to put together sentences and I even fooled the guy in the next apartment on holiday who thought I could speak Spanish fluently!

After that, I just bought the full 8 CD course. It's a shame you can't just upgrade as you get the first two CDs in the full set. I would definitely recommend getting the short course if you want to try the method - and Michel Thomas as a tutor.

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Rating: - Very good - but not purfec'
All in all very good - but it is badly produced - example you have to be very quick with the pause button to do the examples before the answer is given, and it is not always clear when you should speak. But saying that still very good.