Standard Deviants Spanish

Book Review

Title:	Standard Deviants  TV: Spanish Parts 1 & 2
Publisher:	Cerebellum Corporation
ISBN:	1-58198-010-8
Reviewed By:	Frank Fogg
Review Date:	June, 2001
Rating:

The Standard Deviants are back to teach Spanish in this edition of Standard Deviants television. This double pack contains two  VHS tapes -- parts one and two of the Salsa-riffic World of Spanish.

For those unfamiliar with the Standard Deviants, they are  a group of actors that use comic skits and other antics to teach scholastic subjects. Their programs are designed to provide quick review of the most important elements of a subject in an enjoyable and relaxing format.

These  two videotapes provide a well-rounded review of beginning Spanish lasting a  little over three hours. Each tape is divided into sections that cover a particular theme or concept. As the program progresses, vocabulary is introduced that is used in that section and subsequent sections. The vocabulary is then integrated  into the skits to demonstrate how the component pieces fit together. Although  pronunciation and concepts unique to Spanish as spoken in Spain are briefly  explained, most of the program is focused on Latin American Spanish pronunciations.

Part one includes basic topics such as the Spanish alphabet, small numbers, pronunciation, and capitalization rules. This tape  includes basic greetings and phrases, gender, and the use of articles. Extensive  time is devoted to explaining pronouns and the uses of ser and estar. At the  beginning of each section, new vocabulary is introduced, then they move on to  explaining the new concepts in detail and demonstrating how they are applied  in practical situations. A review of new material is included at the end of  each section.

The second tape covers additional topics such as talking about time, months, and seasons. This tape features a short review of the material covered on the first tape, then proceeds to teaching large numbers up to the millions. Weather related words and phrases, regular and irregular  verbs, and demonstrative adjectives are other basic concepts discussed.

Odd camera angles, crazy sound effects, absurd situations, and strange animations keep your attention focused on the program. Children that would normally be bored with advanced grammatical concepts enjoy watching  these videos because of the wacky things that constantly happen.

The Standard Deviants provide a quick and fun way  to review and improve your Spanish skills prior to testing or simply for personal  enjoyment. The material remains fresh after being viewed several times, and the slapstick presentation seems to improve retention of the vocabulary and  phrases. These two tapes cover a number of important basic concepts in a fashion that is easily learned and retained.

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