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Speed Learning Languages.com versus FSI courses

Posted:
October 16th, 2011, 8:05 pm
by mbateman
Does anyone know anything about the "www.SpeedLearningLanguages.com" website and the courses that they offer? They have a very smart looking website that offers downloadable (pdf and mp3 files) courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Mandarin. A quick review of their sample material leads me to conclude that they are selling the FSI Basic Courses for these languages. Total price, which includes an additional 30-hour "Practice" package, is about 200 $US. Since they don't seem to acknowledge the source of their main material (the FSI courses), I have to wonder about the additional practice material (source, content, availability elsewhere, etcetera). For all I know, they might be selling a link to this very site! Comments, anyone?
Re: Speed Learning Languages.com versus FSI courses

Posted:
October 26th, 2011, 4:30 pm
by mbateman
I have the answer! Speed Learning Languages.com does indeed sell the FSI courses, either the relevant Basic Course or the FAST course, depending on the language chosen. The original texts seem to have been retyped (or simply copied and reformatted) into Adobe.pdf files. The audio files are the originals in mp3 format. The additional "practice" material is a series of short extracts (in the target language and in English translation) from classic literature, totalling some 700 plus printed pages, including the translations. Since we're talking classic literature here (Grimm brothers, E.A. Poe, Kafka), while the practice material will represent a serious challenge to the learner and will most assuredly improve his/her vocabulary, I have my doubts as to its relevance to everyday conversation. The practice files are accompanied by "readings" by native speakers in mp3 format. All of the material is downloadable. Total price for the packages is 197 $US. If you send them a nicely-worded Email, they'll send you sample files. They seem to be nice folks who have developed a nice little business model!
Re: Speed Learning Languages.com versus FSI courses

Posted:
October 26th, 2011, 7:31 pm
by mantis713
The description fits the FSI courses exactly. They have absolutely no contact or company info on the site, not even a name! I would not purchase anything from them.