Learn how to speak Spanish

The Michel Thomas Method is one of the most famous methods of language instruction in the world, with an emphasis on conversational language ability and a promise to help students learn very quickly. Its fans include stars like Woody Allen - 'I learned French in a way I've never forgotten'; Stephen Fry - 'a unique and perfectly brilliant way of teaching languages'; and Emma Thompson - 'the most extraordinary learning experience of my life'. Michel taught Doris Day Spanish so she could sing 'Que Sera Sera' with confidence and Grace Kelly French after her engagement to Prince Rainier.

Michel himself was a Polish Jew who was imprisoned by the Gestapo during World War 2 for his role in the French Resistance. His ability to withstand interrogation and torture in a French concentration camp was, he says, due to his ability to block out pain by concentrating and placing his mind beyond the physical. After the war he devoted himself to learning from the untapped reserves of the human mind and the hidden depths of the brain, and dedicated his life to education. He taught languages for over 50 years in the US and came to widespread prominence in Britain following a BBC documentary on his work called 'The Language Master', where he taught French to sixth form students in five days. Following this, publishers Hodder & Stoughton commissioned audio versions of his courses.

So how does it work?

Quite simple. The Spanish language course I tried consisted of six CDs and a tuition booklet. Each CD features Michel teaching two students, moving from simple phrases – ‘I want it’, ‘I like it’ – to more complicated sentence constructions – ‘I like it and I want it but I don’t need it right now’. You the listener are encouraged when Michel asks for a translation to press pause and supply it yourself, then listen to the correct version.

I found that ‘working alongside’ the students in this classroom-style of learning not only engaged my interest, it quickened my competitive instincts and ability to do well. I even found myself shaking my head patronisingly when occasionally the students got the translation slightly wrong and Michel corrected them.

I also liked Michel, I liked his simple straightforward approach. I liked the way he praised when we got it right and patiently guided us along when we were unsure. I particularly liked the way he started off by pointing out that many words are similar in Spanish and English – just with a different emphasis on pronunciation, taking us through the pronunciations so we instantly felt we had hundreds of words at our fingertips. He also explained how few words we actually need or in fact use in our everyday vocabulary, again building confidence and making the task ahead seem less daunting.

I only had a week to study the course before I went to Spain but could understand so much during my weekend away and had enough confidence to try simple sentences. I would really recommend this course and now that I’m back from Barcelona, I plan to continue my studies for the next trip.

More information and where to buy

Michel Thomas Total Spanish normally costs £85 but is available at the special reduction price of £42.50 for a limited period. Buy online at the publisher's website here.

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