The main problem with learning the Slovak language is that it’s admittedly a difficult language to master. The second biggest problem with learning the Slovak language is that most of the Slovak learning tools available are pure rubbish – especially the free stuff.
Now I’m not going to pretend this is an unbiased, subjective rant because it isn’t. You’re smart enough to see through that sort of tacky “Advertorial” nonsense anyway.
What this article is about however, is explaining why the beginner’s course at http://www.SpeakSlovak.info is better than the competition.
My wife (a Slovak national) and myself spent several weeks writing, recording and re-recording this package knowing that there was a gap in the market for this sort of product. We have several books & CD’s and have also downloaded just about every pile of “Free” Slovak language related junk available. This way we realised what teaching methods worked (which we emulated) and which teaching methods made you give up and go outside (which we gladly omitted).
Here are 5 reasons why our “SpeakSlovak” language product is better than our competition. If you disagree, use our competition – but don’t say we didn’t warn you (cue my evil laugh).
1: SpeakSlovak is not misleading.
I’m not trying to be arrogant, but I’ve downloaded enough “Free” Slovak courses in the past to know they’re almost all marketing ploys, trying to get you to “Upgrade” your free “Course” to increase the vocabulary from a pathetic 20 words to an almost-useful 200 words. What a deceptive rort that is. SpeakSlovak is a “What you see is what you get” beginner’s program. You download it, you own it, you learn it.
2: SpeakSlovak is undeniably brilliant value.
I love a bargain, and the SpeakSlovak pack is a bargain. It’s 19 Euro, which is $24 US dollars – and always will be. For that you get 500+ full phrases and words, plus there’s also a pronunciation guide, along with detailed instructions on how to construct useful sentences, as well as a 22 page handbook for you to quiz yourself. If I were a slimy marketer, I’d charge $67 US dollars and make it a “Special!” – but I’m me, so it’s $24 – permanently.
3: SpeakSlovak is creative.
The whole thing is designed for your iPod/MP3 player. Every phrase or word is in English first, then Slovak with enough space in the middle for you to speak Slovak. The Slovak is spoken twice, first very slowly so you can hear the shape of the word, then after a pause it’s spoken at normal speed – again with a pause afterwards so you can try repeating it yourself.
4: I’m serious, it’s creative.
Got stuck on a word or phrase? Then just hit “Repeat” on your media player and repeat it a dozen (or a hundred!) times until it’s permanently in your memory. This method works because I use it myself, and trust me, I’m rubbish at remembering many unusual words.
5: It’s creative. Crikey. This is the last time I tell you.
Going to Slovakia? Then load all the words and phrases onto a device with a loudspeaker (like your cellphone) and when you get confused ordering a taxi or asking if there’s Wi-Fi in your hotel, just select the phrase and play it out loud. A lot of Slovaks don’t speak English, but they’ll recognise & understand SpeakSlovak’s native, clearly spoken Slovak immediately and you’ll be on your way.
For only $24 / 19 Euro it’s less than you spent on coffee last week. Did your coffee teach you any Slovak? Well, maybe it did, but it’s unlikely. If your cup of coffee did introduce itself in Slovak I’d be pretty worried. Oh, the website by the way is http://www.SpeakSlovak.info. Please check it out (so we can afford food at last… You think I’m joking don’t you?).
