I became interested in learning Spanish when I wanted to visit friends in Mexico.  My first attempt was a Spanish beginner’s class covering a few topics related to travel. Some time later, I took a couple of traditional Spanish classes, but the main emphasis was on grammar and there wasn’t much conversation practice. I looked at various Spanish language text books and found many of them confusing, although I did find listening to the accompanying tapes helpful.

It was after a few trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico that I became more motivated and attended  some Spanish conversation classes.  They helped, but it was rather intimidating as some students were at a more advanced level than me. There were times when I thought ‘why am I doing this?’.

I looked at various sites on the internet, but when I was introduced to Think Spanish by www.languageadvantage.com, I could see that it was a comprehensive approach to learning Spanish. The opportunity to listen to Spanish speakers at one’s convenience without pressure, was a big advantage (I think that this is a big selling point).

It was exciting for me to receive the November 2011 issue of the Think Spanish audio magazine and to see that it included two articles of special interest to me:  on the ‘Day of the Dead’ (a very meaningful event I have actually witnessed myself) and on Guadalajara (one of my favorite cities – filled with beauty, music, history and wonderful people).  The cover of the magazine was attractive too with photos and maps, creating a very distinct package.

“What makes Think Spanish such a great learning tool is that it allows you to learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries and combines this with practical tools for learning the Spanish language”

This is a language program for the more advanced student, who has some previous knowledge of the Spanish language and grammar.  It would be a little overwhelming for a complete beginner.

For different learning styles, it has everything covered. I especially liked the page set-up of each paragraph, with the more difficult words and their translations opposite each other in bold print.  It made it so much easier to read and lessened the need to be always using a dictionary, saving a lot of time and frustration.  Also, by reading the vocabulary list first, it gives a good idea of the subject matter, making it easier to understand the article the first time you read it.

The inclusion of the spoken and reading grammar section was another very important plus.  It brings everything together and adds valuable structure to the lessons.

The Think Spanish audio magazine has native speakers of Spanish.  For me personally, it is easier to understand a non-native speaker than a native speaker of Spanish, so it was a huge advantage of the program to have the opportunity to replay the lessons as often as needed (and tune up one’s ear) in an unstressful situation. To have the opportunity to hear both the male and female accents made the readers feel like friends after hearing their voices so often.  Not to be forgotten is the ease of downloading the program from the Think Spanish website, a big selling point for non-technical users.

In summary, the Think Spanish audio language magazine is a sophisticated and well thought out approach to learning Spanish.  The combination of cultural and language information makes it a ‘two for one’ and helps move you quickly up the learning curve. With globalization, it is almost a necessity to have knowledge of another language.  I believe that the willingness to learn another language and to find out about other cultures is one of the steps that will help lead us to world peace. The producers and everyone associated with Think Spanish have to be congratulated, and I would like to say ‘muchisimas gracias’ and ‘buena suerte’!

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think Spanish! For more information on this offer and to buy the Think Spanish Audio Magazine now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think French and Think Italian>>

Get the Spanish language advantage with Think Spanish. Claim your competitive advantage!

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to learn a new language in 2012? Or improve on a language that’s gone rusty? If you want to make serious progress this year, we’ve hand-picked the best language courses for you, so you can get learning right away! You can start as a beginner and work your way right up to advanced (OK, it might take you a bit longer than a year!). Make a start and make language learning a priority this year and get your language advantage!

Try one of these language courses:

01 Michel Thomas Language Courses

Why not learn a language with Michel Thomas this year? There are plenty of languages to choose from with the original French, German, Italian, Spanish and these new languages: Arabic, Dutch, Greek, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. The world-famous audio method helps you to build up the language in blocks, getting you to speak full sentences from the very first lesson.  Very motivating and a great confidence booster!

for more information and to buy a Michel Thomas language course>>

02 Think Language Online Audio Language Magazine

Try this in 2012! The Think Spanish, Think French and Think Italian online audio language magazines are more than simple language courses – they are designed to help you to learn and improve your Spanish, French or Italian while teaching you about the life and culture in Spanish-speaking and French-speaking countries. And now, you can get great sale prices.

for more information and to buy a Think Language online audio language magazine>>

03 Earworms Rapid Languages

Enjoy learning languages in a completely unique and fun way with Earworms Rapid language courses. Listen to the rhythmic repetition of songs and melodies to help you learn the language by using your long-term memory or what they call the ‘accelerated learning technique’. The Earworms Rapid language course range is available in Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Learn to speak a language in 70 minutes and on the go with Earworms Rapid Languages!

for more information and to buy Earworms Rapid Languages>>

04 Eurotalk – Language Learning Software

Eurotalk is one of the world leaders in language learning software. They have ground-breaking software at beginners, intermediate and advanced levels in well over 100 languages (and growing), both on CD-ROM and DVD-ROM (the only language learning DVD-ROMs in the world!), as well as downloads and apps for your iphone or your ipad.  There is even a new business language course.

for more information and to buy a Eurotalk language course>>

05 Book a Language Holiday

Looking for something different for your holiday this year? Take a couple of weeks’ vacation to France, Spain or somewhere even more exotic like Argentina to learn a language abroad.  Combine language lessons in the morning with dance or cookery workshops in the afternoon – or even learn to sail or scuba dive!  If hanging out and people watching is your thing, just sample the local culture in a neighbourhood cafe while you’re there.

For more information and to book a Language Holiday>>

Browse more great ideas for language courses and other language products>>

An independent language course review by Andrea Lainé

The Earworms Rapid French Volume 2 downloadable version, is the follow-on audio language course after Earworms Rapid French Volume 1.

Having already tried out Volume 1, I found that Volume 2 was at a faster pace and  learning  much longer phrases. Again, we meet native French presenters as in Volume 1 and with the same method of learning the French language via rhythmic music for 70 minutes. We hear techno, reggae, chilled out music and even echo effects that are quite catchy! It’s this catchy and melodic music that helps you to pick up the language quickly and also helps you to remember particular words and phrases. This is what Earworms calls the ‘accelerated learning technique’.

We are told to begin by sitting back and relaxing. We are on a plane with our presenters. The music kicks in and we start learning phrases for ‘are you going to?’, ‘for pleasure’ and ‘for business’. It sets the scene for using your French on the plane on your way to a French-speaking country. We learn how to ask for things; ‘can you bring me a cognac/beer?’.   It is here that we are exposed to our first piece of grammar; that of gender: une bierre (f) or feminine and un cognac (m) or masculine.

An English-speaking presenter reinforces our memory for learning certain phrases by associating them to English words. For example, for un instant he says ‘ah, like an instant’. Later he quips that he is going to remember souhaite (wish) by thinking of a sweatshirt with ‘WISH’ written across the front in big letters. These word associations tie in with the ‘memory hooks’ that Earworms also use. The memory hooks help you to associate the French to a visual memory and familiar words in English.

We move onto learning how to talk about today, tomorrow and maintenant (‘now’). We also learn more grammar through the informal and formal forms of ‘you’ (tu/vous). The conversation runs into talking about having a reservation at a hotel, asking for things, saying that you are going to have a shower/bath and looking at numbers, from 60 to a million!

The chapters then go into learning the months of the year, talking about food in a restaurant and finally talking about family, brothers, sisters and the time. The course has a good overview of more expansive vocabulary and is enough to get you through basic conversations in French.

As with Volume 1, what I enjoyed most about the Earworms Rapid French volume 2 was that I didn’t find learning the language too challenging. It is a fun way  to learn  a language. The one disadvantage to learning this way is that you have to like the music. I can imagine that if you don’t like the music, then you might find this method of learning a little irritating!

This course comes with a useful phrase book. It gives more information into what the accelerated learning technique is about. It also lists all the phrases and words found in the course. This is useful for those (like me) that like to see the written language and associate it with hearing the language at the same time. Otherwise, this course is audio only.

This way of learning is unique but is accessible for most learners. The course can be listened to on the beach, on a train, plane or anywhere where you can listen to the music in a relaxed way.

The Earworms Rapid language courses can be uploaded to iPod, iPhone, iPad or other MP3 players.

Learn a language on your iPod ® with Earworms Rapid French Volume 2>>

Read a review of the Earworms Rapid French Volume 1>>

find out more about the full range of Earworms language courses>>

Get the French language advantage with Earworms Rapid French. Claim your competitive advantage!

Now this is a new learning experience for me: learning a language through the use of music. This is an interesting concept and something that Earworms calls an  ‘accelerated learning technique’. The idea behind it is to listen to words and phrases in a rhythmic way set to melodic music . You feel at ease as you listen and somehow the phrases become catchy and easy to recall.

I tried Volume 1 of the Earworms Rapid French language course which is the downloadable version (it is also available on CD). It is audio only (although a phrase book is included – more on this later). It is just over an hour long (70 minutes) and covers subjects that you might encounter whilst you are abroad such as ordering things, asking for things, asking directions, telling the time, numbers, days of the week, greetings and other useful expressions. You also cover verbs such as to eat, to order, to buy, to rent as well as asking questions such as ‘do you like?’, ‘what’s this?’ and ‘how much is it?’.

The first track deals with ‘je voudrais’ or, ‘I would like’. Before you know it you are ordering drinks, as well as saying other expressions such as ‘parfait’, ‘de rien’ and ‘merci’ – all good conversation fillers and useful pleasantries!

Each sentence is repeated at least three to four times, but each time it is said at a slightly different pace and with a slightly different intonation. The sentence is then broken down into parts. So, for example, ‘I would like to eat something’ is broken down into its components and then the word order is compared to English:   ‘I would like’, then ‘to eat’, then ‘something’ then ‘to eat’ again and then ‘something’ again and then the whole sentence is said in full once more. This idea of breaking up an expression and reconstructing it reminds me vaguely of the Michel Thomas Method language courses>>. But the Earworms method uses music and rhythmic repetition to great language learning effect!

The music varies from techno to funky jazz, guitar and what I would call ’lift’ music (musak)! Each type of music denotes a different chapter so learning doesn’t become monotonous and allows you to associate certain language with certain music. At the end of each chapter track, a challenge is set for us, although the male English language speaker answers the questions. The female native French speaker asks us ‘how do you say…..?’ with something that we have just covered in the chapter. It’s a good exercise and nothing too challenging.

In fact, this is what I enjoyed most about the Earworms Rapid French; I found the whole experience not too challenging or exhausting and yet I remembered quite a bit of the French after each sessino so, it was really quite effective. The course comes with a useful phrase book. It gives more information into what the accelerated learning technique is about. It also lists all the phrases and words found in the course. This is useful for those (like me) that like to see the written language and associate it with hearing the language at the same time. You even get a list of the English, the French (along with the audio of the sound) and its ‘memory hook’ – something which helps you associate the French to a visual memory and familiar words in English.

Overall, I thought that this course was fun, entertaining and I was under no pressure to memorise words. I later found myself humming one of the tunes and remembering the repetition of the French words! This method really does seem to work! C’est parfait!

The Earworms Rapid language courses can be uploaded to iPod, iPhone, iPad or other MP3 players.

Learn a language on your iPod ® with Earworms Rapid French Volume 1>>

Read a review of the Earworms Rapid French Volume 2>>

find out more about the full range of Earworms Rapid language courses>>

Get the French language advantage with Earworms Rapid French. Claim your competitive advantage!

Enjoy learning languages in a completely unique and fun way with Earworms Rapid language courses. Listen to the rhythmic repetition of songs and melodies to help you learn the language by using your long-term memory or what they call the ‘accelerated learning technique’. You will be speaking real language without even realising it! The Earworms Rapid language course range is available in Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Learn to speak a language in 70 minutes and on the go with Earworms Rapid Languages!

01 Earworms Rapid Arabic

levels: beginner (Volume 1) - intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Arabic
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Arabic language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Arabic straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Arabic language course on earwormslearning.com>>

02 Earworms Rapid Brazilian Portuguese

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Brazilian Portuguese
method: MP3 download only (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Brazilian Portuguese language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Brazilian Portuguese straight away!

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Brazilian Portuguese language course on earwormslearning.com>>

03 Earworms Rapid Cantonese

level: beginner (Volume 1 only)
language: Cantonese
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Cantonese language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Cantonese straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Cantonese language course on earwormslearning.com>>

04 Earworms Rapid Dutch

level: beginner (Volume 1 only)
language: Dutch
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Dutch language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Dutch straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Dutch language course on earwormslearning.com>>

05 Earworms Rapid French

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: French
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the French language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real French straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid French language course on earwormslearning.com>>

REVIEW! read our review of the Earworms Rapid French Volume 1>> and the Earworms Rapid French Volume 2>>

06 Earworms Rapid German

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: German
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the German language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real German straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid German language course on earwormslearning.com>>

07 Earworms Rapid Greek

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Greek
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Greek language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Greek straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Greek language course on earwormslearning.com>>

08 Earworms Rapid Italian

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Italian
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Italian language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Italian straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Italian language course on earwormslearning.com>>

09 Earworms Rapid Japanese

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Japanese
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Japanese language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Japanese straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Japanese language course on earwormslearning.com>>

10 Earworms Rapid Mandarin Chinese

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Mandarin Chinese
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Mandarin Chinese language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Mandarin Chinese straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Mandarin Chinese language course on earwormslearning.com>>

11 Earworms Rapid Polish

level: beginner (Volume 1 only)
language: Polish
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Polish language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Polish straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Polish language course on earwormslearning.com>>

12 Earworms Rapid Portuguese

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Portuguese
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Portuguese language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Portuguese straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Portuguese language course on earwormslearning.com>>

13 Earworms Rapid Russian

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Russian
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Russian language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Russian straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Russian language course on earwormslearning.com>>

14 Earworms Rapid Spanish

level: beginner (Volume 1) – intermediate (Volume 2)
language: Spanish
method: audio cd, MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Spanish language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Spanish straight away! This product is available as a download as well as on audio CD.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Spanish language course on earwormslearning.com>>

15 Earworms Rapid Turkish

level: beginner (Volume 1)
language: Turkish
method: MP3 download (phrasebook is included)

Learn essential words at the heart of the Turkish language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad. This  is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking real Spanish straight away! This product is currently only available as a download.

for more information and to buy the Earworms Rapid Turkish language course on earwormslearning.com>>

browse more Earworms language courses on earwormslearning.com>>

The Think French audio magazine is more than a simple French audio language course – as with the Think Spanish audio magazine, it is designed to help you to learn French while teaching you about life and culture in French-speaking countries.  It is a much more current and engaging approach to learning French online for intermediate and advanced learners.

As a French beginner however, I wanted to get an idea of what the French magazine could offer me and whether it would be too difficult for someone at my learning level.

I viewed the December 2010 issue of the Think French audio magazine. As with the Think Spanish audio magazines, the content changes every month and each magazine has between eight and ten articles which you can read, while listening along to the French. Each article has between one and two pages of text including images and photos. A lot of the vocabulary is highlighted in bold, which means it is listed in the bilingual glossary and runs along the left-hand or right-hand side of the page.  The selected vocab also corresponds with each paragraph in the text making it easier to find the words as you listen/read. You can check the meaning or get a translation of any of these words – the glossary includes nouns, adjectives, tenses, idioms and phrases – all relating to the context of the article. This is a useful tool for your language learning skills.

Article topics range from recipes to focus on people, places, religious festivals, tourism, arts and crafts, ecotourism, the environment, history as well as news stories from around the world. The topics are current, engaging and enjoyable. The Think French December 2010 issue had articles about the Christmas traditions in Canada, food of Provence, sport and biographies. The edition had one biography about the Belgian singer songwriter, Jacques Brel and included the lyrics to his best known song ‘Ne me quitte pas‘ and a link to youtube.com where you can listen and watch Brel singing the song (with English subtitles).

The articles are not too long and are good for French learners of all ages and levels. They say that you need to have a least ‘high school level French’. The magazines may be better suited for intermediate and advanced learners. Having said that, as a beginner, I gained a lot of new French vocabulary and cultural knowledge without feeling overwhelmed. I listened, read the text and gained the general gist of the articles. I could look up any words I didn’t know (and weren’t in the glossary) in my dictionary. This is an excellent way to improve your French reading and listening skills no matter what level you are.

Think French is slightly different to conventional French language courses and this is how it works.  Once you pay your membership fee, you will be able to login online and get access to your new French audio magazine every month online – or (and, as an added bonus) – you can download the magazine as a PDF and print it out as well as download the accompanying audio clips to your ipod, itunes, mp3 or transfer them to a CD or your PC. You can choose to download the entire magazine by clicking on the cover image or to download one article at a time by opening each article PDF. They recommend that you make a folder on your desktop and save the entire magazine in one go. That way you will still have access to the whole magazine even when you don’t have access to the internet. This is a practical time-saving tip.

“as a beginner, I gained a lot of new French vocabulary and cultural knowledge without feeling overwhelmed”

Each article has an option to download an audio clip in French. The audio clip has a clear and understandable narrator who reads the article out aloud in French. The narrators are both male and female and vary in speed and pronunciation.

At the end of each issue you can practice what you have read and heard by having a go at the ‘Grammar Lesson’ and ‘Repeat After Me’ tasks. A PDF of the grammar lesson is available so that you can print off the sheet and write in the answers to the quiz or keep the sheet for future reference. The Repeat After Me task corresponds with the Grammar Lesson and gives you the chance to practice your listening skills. You download the audio clip of each phrase (there are about 9-10 phrases in all), listen to the short phrase and then repeat it during the pause. A PDF of the list of phrases is also available. The December 2010 French magazine for example, had been running a series (of 3) lessons called ‘Linking Words’. Each grammar lesson is different.

Think French membership also includes access to the Think French online community. You receive extra learning tools such as additional audio files and vocab flashcards, access to the French writers if you have any language learning questions as well as exclusive members-only offers.

Sign up for your Think French audiomagazine subscription now>>

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think French! For more information on this offer and to buy the Think French Audio Magazine subscription now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think Spanish and Think Italian>>

Get the French language advantage with Think French. Claim your competitive advantage!

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The recently launched Think Italian audio magazine by Think Language, follows the success of both the Think French and Think Spanish audio magazines. Think Italian is more than a simple Italian audio language course – as with the Think Spanish and Think French audio magazines, it is designed to help you to learn Italian while teaching you about the life and culture in Italy. It is a current and engaging approach to learning Italian online for intermediate and advanced learners.

Many years ago, I studied Italian at GCSE level. Although I haven’t studied it since then, I enjoyed the language so much that almost 8 years later, my husband and I went to Italy on our honeymoon for a 17-day round trip through Veneto, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and the Amalfi coast. Che bello!

So, it has been several years since I first studied Italian and many years of not speaking or studying it since then. I would say that I am at an elementary Italian level. It was going to be interesting to see how much Italian I would remember using the Think Italian audio magazine. Would it be too challenging for someone at my learning level?

I viewed the April 2011 issue of the Think Italian magazine online. As with the other online audio language magazines in the Think Language range, the content changes every month and each magazine has between eight and ten articles which you can read, whilst listening along to the narrator. Each article has between one and two pages of text including images and photos. A lot of the vocabulary is highlighted in bold, which means it is listed in the bilingual glossary and runs along the left-hand or right-hand side of the page. The selected vocab also corresponds with each paragraph in the text making it easier to find the words as you listen and read. You can check the meaning or get a translation of any of these words – the glossary includes nouns, adjectives, tenses, idioms and phrases – all relating to the context of the article. Some cultural references to particular brands are incorporated as part of the content of some of the articles such as naming a brand of ice cream popular in Italy (April issue). I think that this attention to detail enhances your cultural awareness of all things Italian.

Article topics range from recipes to focus on people, festivals, places, history, travel, culture as well as news stories from around the world. The topics are enjoyable to read and hear. The Think Italian April 2011 issue had many seasonal articles including one about Easter festivities (La Pasqua) across Italy and two of my favourite subjects, the story behind ice cream (ll gelato italiano) and pizza (la storia della pizza)!

The articles are not too long and I would say that they are challenging enough on many different levels for Italian learners of all ages and aptitudes although the magazines may be better suited for intermediate and advanced learners. Having said that, as an elementary learner, I gained a lot of new vocabulary and cultural knowledge without feeling overwhelmed. It was wonderful to hear the Italian language whist reading the text. I tried to get the general gist of the articles first by reading them and then listening to the audio clips. This way you start recognizing words and pronunciations and connecting them to the audio. I looked up any words I didn’t know (which weren’t in the glossary) in my own dictionary. The magazine is an excellent way to improve your Italian reading and listening skills no matter what level you are at.

Think Italian is slightly different to conventional Italian audio language courses and this is how it works. Once you pay your membership fee, you will be able to login online and get access to your new Italian audio magazine every month online – or (and, as an added bonus) – you can download the magazine as a PDF and print it out as well as download the accompanying audio clips to your ipod, itunes, mp3 or transfer them to a CD or your PC. You can choose to download the entire magazine by clicking on the cover image or to download one article at a time by opening each article PDF. They recommend that you make a folder on your desktop and save the entire magazine in one go. That way you will still have access to the whole magazine even when you don’t have access to the internet. This is a good time-saving tip.

the attention to detail enhances your cultural awareness of all things Italian

Each article has an option to download an audio clip in Italian. The audio clip has a clear and understandable narrator who reads the article out aloud in Italian. The narrators are both male and female and vary in speed and pronunciation. I found that they read slow enough for me to hear each word pretty clearly.

At the end of each issue you can practice what you have read and heard by having a go at the ‘Grammar Lesson’ and ‘Repeat After Me’ tasks. A PDF of the grammar lesson is available so that you can print off the sheet and write in the answers to the quiz or keep the sheet for future reference. The Repeat After Me task corresponds with the Grammar Lesson and gives you the chance to practice your listening skills. You download the audio clip of each phrase (there are about 9-10 phrases in all), listen to the short phrase and then repeat it during the pause. A PDF of the list of phrases is also available. The April 2011 Italian issue for example, covers the topic of time across 3 pages. Telling and reading the time in Italian comes in a few forms and so needs 3 pages of explanation! The grammar topic in the March 2011 issue  is about colours. These grammar lessons are great for beginners to learn something new and for learners of higher levels to revise what they may already know.

Think Italian membership also includes access to the Think Italian online community. You receive extra learning tools such as additional audio files and vocab flashcards, access to the Italian writers if you have any language learning questions as well as exclusive members-only offers. The Think Italian team also encourage you to write to them with any suggestions for future articles and topics.

Sign up for your Think Italian audiomagazine subscription now>>

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get four free back issues free as soon as you order with Think Italian! For more information on this offer and to buy the Think Italian Audio Magazine subscription now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think French and Think Spanish>>

Get the Italian language advantage with Think Italian. Claim your competitive advantage!

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The Think Spanish audio magazine is more than a simple Spanish audio language course – it is designed to help you to learn Spanish while teaching you about life and culture in Spanish-speaking countries.  It is a much more current and engaging approach to learning Spanish online for intermediate and advanced learners.

I wanted to get an idea of what each magazine offers and viewed the October, September, August and July 2010 issues online. The content changes every month and each magazine has between eight and ten articles which you can read, while listening along to the Spanish. Each article has between one and two pages of text including images and photos. A lot of the vocabulary is highlighted in bold, which means it is listed in the bilingual glossary which runs along the left-hand or right-hand side of the page.  You can check the meaning or get a translation of any of these words – the glossary includes nouns, adjectives, tenses, idioms and phrases – all relating to the context of the article. This is a useful additional tool for your language learning skills.

Article topics range from recipes to focus on people, places, fiestas, religious festivals, tourism, arts and crafts, ecotourism, the environment, history as well as news stories from around the world. I found articles about the world’s first full face transplant in Barcelona and the problem of immigration and refugees in Spain. The topics are current, engaging and enjoyable. The articles are not too long and are good for Spanish learners of all ages and levels. They say that you need to have a least ‘high school level Spanish’. The magazines may be better suited for intermediate and advanced learners.  However, I would say that this is an excellent way to improve on your Spanish reading and listening skills no matter what level you are. You can expand your Spanish vocabulary and your cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world at the same time.

Think Spanish is slightly different to conventional Spanish language courses and this is how it works.  Once you pay your membership fee, you will be able to login online and get access to your new Spanish audio magazine every month online – or (and, as an added bonus) – you can download the magazine as a PDF and print it out as well as download the accompanying audio clips to your ipod, itunes, mp3 or transfer them to a CD or your PC. You can choose to download the entire magazine by clicking on the cover image or to download one article at a time by opening each article PDF. They recommend that you make a folder on your desktop and save the entire magazine in one go. That way you will still have access to the whole magazine even when you don’t have access to the internet. This is a practical time-saving tip.

“The topics are current, engaging and enjoyable.”

Each article has an option to download an audio clip in Spanish. The audio clip has a clear and understandable narrator who reads the article out aloud in Spanish. I found that all of the narrators were Latin American (both male and female). I do not have a problem with this, as I have lived and worked in Mexico and therefore, am aware of Latin American pronunciation. Learners of Castellano Spanish may find this a little more difficult to grasp to start with.

At the end of each issue you can practice what you have read and heard by having a go at the ‘Grammar Lesson’ and ‘Repeat After Me’ tasks. A PDF of the grammar lesson is available so that you can print off the sheet and write in the answers to the quiz or keep the sheet for future reference. The Repeat After Me task corresponds with the Grammar Lesson and gives you the chance to practice your listening skills. You download the audio clip of each phrase (there are about 9-10 phrases in all), listen to the short phrase and then repeat it during the pause. A PDF of the list of phrases is also available. I thought this useful as you can read the phrase at the same time as listening and repeating.

Think Spanish membership also includes access to the Think Spanish online community. You receive extra learning tools such as additional audio files and vocab flashcards, access to the Spanish writers if you have any language learning questions as well as exclusive members-only offers.

Sign up for your Think Spanish audiomagazine subscription now>>

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think Spanish! For more information on this offer and to buy Think Spanish Audio Magazine now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think French and Think Italian>>

Get the Spanish language advantage with Think Spanish. Claim your competitive advantage!

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Enjoy learning French in a totally revolutionary way with Michel Thomas Method French language courses. This unique method has been perfected over a lifetime of teaching. No books, no pens, no notes and no exercises from this totally audio language course.  It works by building up the language in manageable chunks bit by bit. Just relax, listen, connect and learn. And you really do make so much progress while learning French, even if you’ve never succeeded in learning a language before. Now you can learn French with the Michel Thomas Method, in a fraction of the time needed for any other course.

browse Michel Thomas Method French language courses UK>>

01 Michel Thomas Method START French NEW!

level: beginner – this START course replaces the Introductory course from previous Michel Thomas ranges
language: French
method: audio cd, mp3

Learn 50 essential words at the heart of French and how to put them together to make yourself understood. This one-hour introduction to the Michel Thomas Method will have you speaking real French straight away and help you to decide if this method of language learning is for you.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method START French language course on amazon.com>>

02 Michel Thomas Method TOTAL French NEW!

level: beginner – this TOTAL course replaces the Foundation Course, Vocabulary Builder and Foundation Review from previous Michel Thomas ranges
language: French
method: audio cd, visual review course and interactive exercises for PC or Mac

The 12-hour Michel Thomas Method Total French works with your brain, helping you to build up your French in manageable, enjoyable steps by thinking out the answers for yourself. You learn through listening and speaking without the pressure of writing or memorizing.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method TOTAL French language course on amazon.com>>

03 Michel Thomas Method PERFECT French NEW!

level: intermediate/advanced – this PERFECT course replaces the Advanced course, Vocabulary Builder and Advanced Review from previous Michel Thomas ranges
language: French
method: audio cd, visual review course and interactive exercises for PC or Mac

Perfect French with the Michel Thomas Method includes up to nine hours of audio on CD. Become a fluent speaker and understand any situation with this follow-on advanced course.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method PERFECT French language course on amazon.com>>

04 Michel Thomas Method Total French TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe Set NEW!

level: intermediate/advanced – this TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe set includes both the Total French and Perfect French language courses.
language: French
method: audio cd, visual review course and interactive exercises for PC or Mac

The Michel Thomas Method Total French TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe set includes both the Total French and Perfect French language courses. You get the nine hours of audio of the Total course as well as the 12 hours of the Perfect course in one pack. Become a fluent speaker and understand many situations with this follow-on course to the Michel Thomas Start French course.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe Set language course on amazon.com>>

05 Michel Thomas Method MASTERCLASS French NEW!

level: intermediate/advanced – this two-hour course replaces the Language Builder course from previous Michel Thomas ranges
languages: French
method: 2 CDs audio cd/mp3

This course is for true language-lovers who want to widen their vocabulary in a one-to-one seminar using the Michel Thomas method. The present, future, conditional and past tenses are covered in this fully audio course with two hours of teaching. Learn French at home, in your car or on the move with your mp3 player.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method MASTERCLASS French language courses on amazon.com>>

Previous editions of Michel Thomas Method language courses:

01 Michel Thomas Method Speak French Get Started Kit

level: beginner
language: French
method: audio CDs

The Michel Thomas Method Speak French Get Started Kit is a two-hour short course audio method for learning French. Join your teacher in a class on the CD and you will soon be able to construct simple sentences to speak basic French. By the end, you will have the confidence to understand and speak some French.  It is the first two hours of the Speak French for Beginners course.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method Speak French Get Started Kit on amazon.com>>

02 Michel Thomas Method Speak French for Beginners

level: beginner
language: French
method: audio CDs

The Michel Thomas Method Speak French for Beginners is an eight-hour, 100% audio method for learning French. Join your teacher and you will soon be able to construct simple phrases. You will learn the language with other students, hearing both their successes and their mistakes to keep you motivated and involved throughout the course. By the end, you will have the confidence to understand and speak French.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method Speak French for Beginners on amazon.com>>

03 Michel Thomas Method Speak French Advanced

level: intermediate to advanced
language: French
method: audio CDs

An audio method for learning French. Join your teacher and fellow students to learn and improve on your French language, hearing both their successes and their mistakes to keep you motivated and involved throughout the course. By the end, you will have advanced vocabulary, excellent conversation skills and greater confidence to speak French.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method Speak French Advanced on amazon.com>>

04 Michel Thomas Method Speak French Vocabulary Builder

level: intermediate to advanced
language: French
method: five audio CDs and a zippered case

An audio method for learning French. Join your teacher and build on what you have learned in previous Michel Thomas French language courses, by hearing correct pronunciations from native French speakers with lots of opportunity for practice. This course will help you learn 1000 French words and phrases towards having greater confidence to speak French.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method Speak French Vocabulary Builder on amazon.com>>

05 Michel Thomas Method Speak French Language Booster

level: intermediate to advanced
language: French
method: audio CDs, booklet, zippered travel case

An audio method for learning French. Join your teacher and fellow students to enhance your French language. By the end of this course, you will have expanded vocabulary, a greater knowledge of expressions and much improved all-round French comprehension.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method Speak French Language Booster on amazon.com>>

Previous editions of Michel Thomas Method French:

06 Michel Thomas Method French Foundation 8-hour course

level: beginner
language: French
method: audio CDs

An eight-hour, 100% audio method for learning French. Join your teacher and two students in a live lesson and within the first hour you will be able to construct simple phrases. You will learn the language with the students, hearing both their successes and their mistakes to keep you motivated and involved throughout the course. By the end, you will have the confidence to understand and speak French.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French Foundation language course on amazon.com>>

08 Michel Thomas Method French Vocabulary Course

level: intermediate
language: French
method: audio cd

Building and expanding on the language structures taught in the Foundation and Advanced Courses, these new Vocabulary Courses give you all you need to enjoy travelling, whether for business or pleasure.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French Vocabulary course on amazon.com>>

browse our Michel Thomas Language Advantage store for more Michel Thomas language courses and books on amazon.com>>

Enjoy learning French in a totally revolutionary way with Michel Thomas Method French language courses. This unique method has been perfected over a lifetime of teaching. No books, no pens, no notes and no exercises from this totally audio language course.  It works by building up the language in manageable chunks bit by bit. Just relax, listen, connect and learn. And you really do make so much progress while learning Italian, even if you’ve never succeeded in learning a language before. Now you can learn French with the Michel Thomas Method, in a fraction of the time needed for any other course.

browse Michel Thomas Method French language courses USA>>

01 Michel Thomas Method START French

level: beginner – this START course replaces the Introductory course from previous Michel Thomas ranges
language: French
method: audio cd, mp3

Learn 50 essential words at the heart of French and how to put them together to make yourself understood. This one-hour introduction to the Michel Thomas Method will have you speaking real French straight away and help you to decide if this method of language learning is for you.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method START French language course on amazon.co.uk>>
Michel Thomas Method START French is not currently available as a download from audible.co.uk

02 Michel Thomas Method TOTAL French

level: beginner – this TOTAL course replaces the Foundation Course, Vocabulary Builder and Foundation Review from previous Michel Thomas ranges
language: French
method: audio cd, visual review course and interactive exercises for PC or Mac

The 12-hour Michel Thomas Method Total French works with your brain, helping you to build up your French in manageable, enjoyable steps by thinking out the answers for yourself. You learn through listening and speaking without the pressure of writing or memorizing.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method TOTAL French language course on amazon.co.uk>>
Michel Thomas Method TOTAL is not currently available as a download from audible.co.uk

03 Michel Thomas Method PERFECT French

level: intermediate/advanced – this PERFECT course replaces the Advanced course, Vocabulary Builder and Advanced Review from previous Michel Thomas ranges
language: French
method: audio cd, visual review course and interactive exercises for PC or Mac

Perfect French with the Michel Thomas Method includes up to nine hours of audio on CD. Become a fluent speaker and understand any situation with this follow-on advanced course.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method PERFECT French language course on amazon.co.uk>>
Michel Thomas Method PERFECT is not currently available as a download from audible.co.uk

04 Michel Thomas Method Total French TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe Set NEW!

level: intermediate/advanced – this TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe set includes both the Total French and Perfect French language courses.
language: French
method: audio cd, visual review course and interactive exercises for PC or Mac

The Michel Thomas Method Total French TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe set includes both the Total French and Perfect French language courses. You get the nine hours of audio of the Total course as well as the 12 hours of the Perfect course in one pack. Become a fluent speaker and understand many situations with this follow-on course to the Michel Thomas Start French course.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French TOTAL & PERFECT Deluxe Set language course on amazon.co.uk>>
Michel Thomas Method PERFECT is not currently available as a download from audible.co.uk

05 Michel Thomas Method MASTERCLASS French

level: intermediate/advanced – this two-hour course replaces the Language Builder course from previous Michel Thomas ranges
languages: French
method: 2 CDs audio cd/mp3

This course is for true language-lovers who want to widen their vocabulary in a one-to-one seminar using the Michel Thomas method. The present, future, conditional and past tenses are covered in this fully audio course with two hours of teaching. Learn French at home, in your car or on the move with your mp3 player.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method MASTERCLASS French language courses on amazon.co.uk>>
Michel Thomas Method MASTERCLASS is not currently available as a download from audible.co.uk

Previous editions of Michel Thomas Method French language courses:

05 Michel Thomas Method French Introductory 2-hour course

level: beginner (note: this Introductory course is the first two hours of the original Foundation eight-hour course)
language: French
method: 2 audio CDs, plus a booklet with Italian phrases with English translation or mp3 download of audio book

This is the first two hours of the eight-hour French Foundation Course. Join your teacher and two students in a live lesson and within the first hour you will be able to construct simple phrases. You will learn the language with the students, hearing both their successes and their mistakes to keep you motivated and involved throughout the course.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French Introductory 2-hour language course on amazon.co.uk>>
for more information and to download the Michel Thomas Method Introductory 2-hour French language course from audible.co.uk>>

06 Michel Thomas Method French Foundation

level: beginner
language: French
method: 8 audio CDs plus a booklet with French phrases in English translation

The Michel Thomas Method French Foundation course is an eight-hour, 100% audio method for learning French. Join your teacher and two students in a live lesson and within the first hour you will be able to construct simple phrases in French. You will learn the language with the students, hearing both their successes and their mistakes to keep you motivated and involved throughout the course. By the end, you will have the confidence to understand and speak French.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French Foundation language course on amazon.co.uk>>

07 Michel Thomas Method French Advanced

level: advanced
language: French
method: 4 audio CDs plus a booklet with French phrases in English translation

The Michel Thomas advanced five-hour courses are the follow-on to Michel Thomas’ highly acclaimed Foundation eight-hour course. This course will take you on to the next level, so you are understanding and speaking advanced French easily and fluently. Join the teacher and two students in a live classroom situation and build your knowledge at an astonishing rate.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French Advanced language course on amazon.co.uk>>

08 Michel Thomas Method French Vocabulary Course

level: intermediate
language: French
method: audio cd

Building and expanding on the language structures taught in the Michel Thomas Method French Foundation and Advanced courses, these Vocabulary courses give you more words and phrases to help you to enjoy travelling, whether for business or pleasure.

for more information and to buy the Michel Thomas Method French Vocabulary course on amazon.co.uk>>

09 Michel Thomas Method French 20 minute free sample

level: beginner
language: French
method: download to your ipod, mp3 player or even to your mobile phone, PDA or satellite navigation system

This is a 20-minute sample of the best-selling Michel Thomas Method French Language Course, offering you a fast-track introduction to French.

for more information and to sign up for the Michel Thomas Method French 20 minute free sample on audible.co.uk>>

browse our Language Advantage Michel Thomas shop for more Michel Thomas language courses and books on amazon.co.uk>>