Do You Want to Improve Your Spanish?

When you were in school, you likely studied a foreign language. But if you were to travel to where that language is spoken, would you be able to communicate?

Probably not. Just because you've memorized some vocabulary and know how to conjugate verbs doesn't mean you've become skilled at using the language. Jan Bergin of Aurora, Colorado, learned that first hand not too long ago.

"My first month at Down Under Saddle Supply, Inc., I took a call from someone with the Monterrey Police Department's mounted patrol down in Mexico. They wanted to buy some saddles. I'd taken some Spanish in school, but that was a long time ago, and I had trouble communicating with him," says Bergin.


She got help from a Spanish-speaking tutor to put together e-mail messages. "But I realized that I needed to really learn the language to be effective in my job. We are, after all, operating in a global economy," she says.

A friend advised Bergin to brush up on her Spanish skills by listening to the material on LoMasTv.Com, an online Spanish video magazine for people who wish to improve their Spanish, and she's glad she did. LoMásTv (TheMostTV) features authentic television and videos from throughout the Spanish-speaking world, and all material is posted with both Spanish captions and English translations. There's also an online dictionary that allows users to click on words and see their meanings, a slow play feature, and, one of the most enjoyable features, a listening game. "I think the game is like icing on the cake," reports Bergin. "It seems to help fine tune what I listen to on the videos."

"Numerous studies done on language retention all point to the fact that the best way to learn is to become immersed in the language. Becoming versed in reading and writing is a good place to start, but you must also listen to native speakers. Most people don't have direct access to Spanish-speaking populations. Watching LoMásTv provides this access in an environment where you have full control," explains company spokesman John DuQuette.

The material offered on the site is uncensored, represents a wide range of genres and regions, and is geared towards a variety of audiences. Videos come from authentic Spanish broadcast sources that have partnered with the site, as well as exclusive interviews and travel pieces. Among the videos available, users will find music from top artists such as Gloria Estefan, cooking lessons, language pointers, documentaries, travel pieces, interviews and dramas. New material is posted several times every month.

"My favorite thing about LoMásTv is being able to listen to people speaking in a wide variety of Spanish dialects, about very diverse subject matter, and being able to read the Spanish and English at the same time," says Bergin. "It is difficult enough sometimes to understand what people are saying in English much less Spanish. Having the written words along with the dialog is a tremendous aide in learning to listen."

If you, too, would like some help learning Spanish, log on to www.LomasTV.com and take advantage of the company's risk-free trial membership. If not satisfied, simply cancel within 7 days for a full refund!  

"I'd love to be able to put on our Website 'Se Habla Espanol,' says Bergin. "Hopefully I'll be able to soon."

LoMasTv is produced and published by Yabla Interactive and utilizes Yabla's unique, proprietary technology. The videos and technology are used by top academic institutions , including Iowa State University, The University of Michigan, and the U.S. Department of State.  

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