Thread: learning another language

I am trying to learn to actually interact and converse in Spanish. Any tips?
Has anyone had any success with tapes/CD's and books like you see at Barnes and Noble. Is there something you would recommend as a good way to become conversational. Is there any method that is more successful than others. Any great internet resource.
I have had plenty of conjugation of spanish verbs in college classes. I want to learn to talk to and listen to Spanish speaking people in my area.

Tapes can help some, but nothing compares to an actual person who can correct your grammar and pronunciation lapses. Have you tried to find some Spanish groups at, say, a local community college? You could also make friends with people in a coffee shop (I'm working on Spanish now and that is what I try to do).

I learned Arabic (somewhat) by immersion. I simply asked people to help me learn. I had waiters in restaurants giving me grammar lessons. It can be fun.

I did learn French in a more formal way, by getting a minor it in college. But I didn't really start to take off in it until the upper division classes, which were taught only in French. Immersion is the key once you have the grammar and vocabulary.

Vic

Book Recommendation:
Practical Spanish Grammar by Marcel Prado.