06-30-2012, 10:15 PM
In the past couple of months, in addition to my normal business, school, and family duties, I have had to start speaking Portuguese. *yikes* I have read a few books in the past and worked on the Rosetta Stone CD, but it hasn't been a pressing need to speak fluently until recently. I have a trip coming up in a few months and WILL be giving a presentation so now I am starting to panic.
Anyhow, in searching for ways to practice speaking, I found a really cool website: The Mixxer | Language Exchange for Everyone It's not a substitute for instruction, but a really good compliment. Basically, you sign up and list your native language and what you're trying to speak. You can then join a group or meet someone whose needs compliment yours. For example, I have met a couple of people from Brazil, we've exchanged Skype info and then chatted. We agreed to 10 minutes in English and 10 in Portuguese. I was lucky enough on one occasion to find someone with a degree in Portuguese, who gave me some really great tips. You can find all sorts of languages there and native speakers of almost anything common language.
It's been a great way to practice without any pressure or expectations and with people who have a perfect accent! It's totally free and doesn't require leaving the house or any specific schedule. I am so excited how I've been connected with native speakers and since they really want to practice English, I'm not asking for a special favor.. just helping each other out. Added bonus - I can ask questions about culture or phrases that I can't find in books.
** Disclaimer - kids, make sure to check with parents first and of course use caution in handing out Skype info. **
Anyhow, in searching for ways to practice speaking, I found a really cool website: The Mixxer | Language Exchange for Everyone It's not a substitute for instruction, but a really good compliment. Basically, you sign up and list your native language and what you're trying to speak. You can then join a group or meet someone whose needs compliment yours. For example, I have met a couple of people from Brazil, we've exchanged Skype info and then chatted. We agreed to 10 minutes in English and 10 in Portuguese. I was lucky enough on one occasion to find someone with a degree in Portuguese, who gave me some really great tips. You can find all sorts of languages there and native speakers of almost anything common language.
It's been a great way to practice without any pressure or expectations and with people who have a perfect accent! It's totally free and doesn't require leaving the house or any specific schedule. I am so excited how I've been connected with native speakers and since they really want to practice English, I'm not asking for a special favor.. just helping each other out. Added bonus - I can ask questions about culture or phrases that I can't find in books.
** Disclaimer - kids, make sure to check with parents first and of course use caution in handing out Skype info. **
Regis University, ITESO, Global MBA with a focus in Emerging Markets 4.0 GPA, Dual-university degree (Spanish/English)
ISSA Certified Nutritionist
COSC BS, Business Admin
My BS Credits:
Spanish 80 | Humanities 67 | A & I Lit 72 | Sub Abuse 452 | Bus Ethics 445 | Tech Writ 62 | Math 53 | HTYH 454 | Am. Govt 65 | Env & Humanity 64 | Marketing 65 | Micro 61| Mgmt 63| Org Behavior 65| MIS 446|Computing 432 | BL II 61 | M&B 50 | Finance 411 | Supervision 437| Intro Bus. 439| Law Enforcement 63| SL: Accounting I B | Accounting II C+| Macro A | ECE: Labor Relations A | Capstone: A| FEMA PDS Cert
ISSA Certified Nutritionist
COSC BS, Business Admin
My BS Credits:
Spanish 80 | Humanities 67 | A & I Lit 72 | Sub Abuse 452 | Bus Ethics 445 | Tech Writ 62 | Math 53 | HTYH 454 | Am. Govt 65 | Env & Humanity 64 | Marketing 65 | Micro 61| Mgmt 63| Org Behavior 65| MIS 446|Computing 432 | BL II 61 | M&B 50 | Finance 411 | Supervision 437| Intro Bus. 439| Law Enforcement 63| SL: Accounting I B | Accounting II C+| Macro A | ECE: Labor Relations A | Capstone: A| FEMA PDS Cert
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