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So now that you’ve found Bueno, entonces... you might have a few questions about what makes it the best new way for you to learn Spanish. Have a look below at the most common questions we get about the product, and if you don’t see your question listed, send us an email or give us a call toll-free at 1(866) 390-6451.
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» General Questions about Bueno, entonces...? » What is Bueno, entonces...? » What does the name mean? » Why have I not heard of it before?
» Who is Bueno, entonces... for? » Is Bueno, entonces... Right for Me? » Is Bueno, entonces... too advanced or basic for me? » Will I be offended by the “spicy” content?
» How Does Bueno Entonces... Work? »What is the General Linguists learning method? » How is Bueno, entonces...an improvement on other Spanish learning programs? » How can Bueno, entonces... be so much cheaper than other Spanish learning programs? » I don’t have an iPhone; can I still use Bueno, entonces... to learn Spanish? » Does Bueno, entonces... work with Windows XP, Vista, Linux, Mac OSX, etc? » Can I use Bueno, entonces... on my iPod or Blackberry?
» What Will I Learn with Bueno Entonces...? »What does Bueno, entonces... teach me? »Why does this sound different from the Spanish that I have learned? »Why do the classes move so fast…what am I getting from this if I can’t keep up? »The translations don’t make sense...why didn't you find a native English speaker to translate? »What do the colors mean...and how do I memorize them? »What do symbols mean and why do I need to know them? »Do I really need to understand all of The Professor’s grammatical explanations? »Does David really learn Spanish in 30 classes?
» What is the Difference Between the 6-DVD Set & the Instant Download? »Is the content on the DVD set and the instant download the same? »What is included with the Instant Download? »What is included with the 6-DVD Set?
» Technical Support »I've paid for the Instant Download, where are the files? »The download page gives me an error, how do I get the files? »Why is the Instant Download taking so long? »When I play the video files in Windows Media Player, I can't see the visuals? »I ordered the 6 DVD set and it hasn't arrived yet, where is it? »The 6th DVD doesn't work in my DVD player - what am I doing wrong? »I love the format of the classes. Are you planning to teach other languages in this format? »I bought Bueno, entonces… and it’s not for me. How do I return it?
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» What is Bueno, entonces...?
Q: What is Bueno, entonces...?
A: Bueno, entonces... is a revolutionary new way to learn Spanish quickly and conversationally. Combining the best of existing language-learning audio books and software programs with fresh audio/visual tools developed by leading linguists, General Linguistics has created a totally new method to learn a second language. Designed so that students look forward to and are engaged by their language classes, Bueno, entonces… is "as comprehensive as Rosetta Stone ® but in an addictive, engaging and beloved format: a TV show.”
The first foreign language program from General Linguistics, Bueno, entonces… brings you inside 30 private, 1-on-1 Spanish lessons, almost like learn-Spanish reality-TV. The classes are challenging and fast-paced, yet entertaining, as they’re developed to keep you engaged. The teacher and student, both trained actors, will keep you locked-in, laughing and guessing what is going to happen next.
Q: Why is it called Bueno, entonces...?
A: Bueno, entonces... is roughly translated as "Well, then..." or "Ok, so..." in English. It is a phrase typically used by native Spanish speakers to start a story, as a placeholder while they think of what to say next, or to transition to a new topic of conversation. It is also one of the first phrases that foreigners learn when they are constructing sentences in Spanish.
Q: I’ve wanted to learn Spanish for months, why haven’t I heard of you until now?
A: Bueno, entonces… was created recently in response to the frustrating experiences of many Spanish students who had tried every product on the market, only to come to the realization that nothing was helping them think in Spanish. By placing students into an engaging, private-lesson format, Bueno, entonces… teaches you to think in Spanish so you can speak in real situations, not simply memorize a few phrases. Bueno, entonces… was originally developed for the iPhone, but due to overwhelming success, we’ve recently released it on DVD and as an instant download for your Mac or PC.
» Who is Bueno, entonces... for?
Q: Is Bueno, entonces... right for me?
A: Bueno, entonces... was developed for beginner and intermediate Spanish students between 16 and 30 years old. Beginning students might have to spend more time on the first classes to get up to speed, but intermediate and even advanced students will learn new expressions and grammatical concepts as early as the first class. The format is fast-paced and challenging, meant to be watched over and over again until everything is absorbed - and funny enough that students WANT to repeat the classes until they understand everything. We’ve listed just a few of the possible uses forBueno, entonces... below – have a look…
Already taking Spanish classes?
Bueno, entonces... is a great way to help you apply what you’re learning in the classroom to a more realistic, conversational format. This is a great supplement to the vocabulary and grammar that you’re studying in class, because after all, you’re studying to be able to speak Spanish, right? However, if you are looking for a study guide for a formal, written exam, you may want to look elsewhere.
Preparing to study, volunteer, or travel abroad?
This is the perfect tool to prepare you for real Spanish conversations, at the speed at which you will have to have them. As you already know, speaking Spanish in class, and speaking on the streets of Latin America or Spain are two very different things, and Bueno, entonces... will prepare you to speak, understand, think, and respond in Spanish at the rate of normal conversation, whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate speaker.
Headed to Latin America or Spain for business?
You have come to the right place. Bueno, entonces... is great as an introductory course or for refreshing your existing ability to speak – it will help you chat with your partners and clients in their native tongue, as well as navigate the streets after work. If you are looking for specialized medical, legal, or other industry-specific jargon, you may want to supplement this class with something a little more specific to your needs.
Just want to be able to communicate with more people?
This is exactly what you’re looking for. Bueno, entonces... focuses on enabling you to communicate in Spanish. While we cover grammar, sentence structure, and some of the finer points of the Spanish language, the course stresses the ability to speak and understand Spanish.
Q: Is Bueno, entonces... too advanced or basic for me?
A: Bueno, entonces... covers a lot of ground, from the most basic words, rules, and phrases, to complex concepts usually reserved for advanced Spanish courses, so have a look at the options below, and read over the one that best describes your Spanish.
I can say "Hola" and "Gracias"...but that’s about it
Bueno, entonces... will be challenging for you, but very valuable, as the engaging nature of the course makes the classes easy to repeat. In order to be able to follow along with the story, we recommend viewing the first few episodes multiple times as an introduction to Spanish.
I’ve picked up a few words and phrases, and can communicate basic ideas
Great! Since you already know a little Spanish, Bueno, entonces... will reinforce basic vocabulary and grammar as well as build on any previous knowledge to the point of conversational Spanish. You’ll go from hacking together words in Spanish to communicating smoothly constructed sentences in 5 weeks.
I studied Spanish in high school or college, but don’t get to speak it very often
Bueno, entonces... is perfect for you, as it covers the basic concepts of Spanish I & II as well as more advanced concepts that come up during the course of normal conversation. The course set (30, 35-minute classes) will build on previous knowledge all the way to a conversational level. The same is true for students who understand but have trouble speaking. Bueno, entonces... provides cultural and language immersion - the 30-class series will improve both comprehension and communicative abilities.
Q: Will I be offended by the “spicy content” in Bueno, entonces...?
A: As we mention on our home page, spicy Spanish classes are a part of Bueno, entonces...” David is fairly obnoxious, and, for lack of a better term, a jackass. A natural performer, he is witty, funny and outrageous. Jimena is a classically trained actor and a real Spanish teacher. Between the two of them, they push the boundaries of appropriate discourse, and sometimes break it. The rule is if you’re worried about being offended, you probably will be. If you think you can't be offended, you will enjoy following the witty banter - and you won't be able to wait to find out what David says next.
» How Does the Program Work?
Q: What is the General Linguistics language learning method?
A: The General Linguistics method to teaching a foreign language is based on the following 5 principles:
1. Make the Classes Interesting & Engaging Engaging students is crucial to learning and remembering material. Using wit and charm, Bueno, entonces... not only engages; it keeps you thinking about the last lesson and looking forward to the next one. Like your favorite teachers, David & Jimena know learning doesn’t have to be dry and boring.
2. See The Words On The Screen. Some people are audio learners; others learn visually – most people need both, absorbing different concepts in different ways. With Bueno, entonces... every word is on-screen so you see the spelling while hearing it pronounced.
3. Color-Coding. Words on-screen are color-coded in Spanish and English to help you understand word usage and sentence structure. You’ll quickly see, hear, and understand how words in Spanish correspond with English ones, and how they are used in sentences.
4. Symbols & Illustrations. Verb tenses and grammatical concepts are represented by clear symbols so you quickly learn and understand their usage. Iconic illustrations easily associate images and words, burning vocabulary into your brain.
5. REPETITION - The Key to Languages Any teacher will tell you this, and here’s the problem with old audio books and language software – they’re mind-numbingly boring, making them painful to use, and unbearable to repeat. Bueno, entonces... is engaging, fast-paced, and fun. You’ll repeat all 30 classes over and over, learning more each time – as your Spanish progresses, you pick up more of the humor, making it easier to repeat.
Q: How is Bueno, entonces... an improvement on Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur and other Spanish learning programs?
A: Bueno, entonces... incorporates all the necessary grammatical and vocabulary concepts covered by traditional Spanish learning programs like Rosetta Stone ® and Pimsleur ®, but the information is presented in a fresh and interesting way so that you will enjoy the classes and retain what you learn. The set of 30 classes is entertaining and designed to teach you conversational Spanish, which you can use immediately, not textbook Spanish, which is rarely applicable to real life.
We developed Bueno, entonces... in response to the boring 10-20 year old audio books that are still on the market today, not to create another one. Those products were designed to meet government ISO standards, whereas Bueno, entonces... was designed to be effective, user-friendly, and entertaining. Your day at work or at school is long enough without subjecting yourself to an hour of painfully dry language-instruction. Like the treadmill in your grandma’s basement - big, yellow boxes that collect dust on a bookshelf won’t teach you anything.
In addition to being comprehensive and entertaining, Bueno, entonces… was specifically designed to teach you conversational Spanish. This is not a computer program, developed by a scientist in a basement somewhere, then applied to 100 different languages. Bueno, entonces… was developed by leading linguists in the US and Latin America, whose job is to teach real people Spanish, not by a computer programmer who has never attempted to teach someone a foreign language.
Q: How can Bueno, entonces... be so much cheaper than other Spanish learning programs?
Q: I don't have an iPhone, can I still use Bueno, entonces... to learn Spanish?
A: Yes. Although the series was originally released in the iTunes App Store the 6-DVD set and the instant download version of the series are now available for sale on our website. The DVDs can be viewed on your television or computer, while the downloadable version can be viewed solely on your computer. Both options provide you with the files to be used on most any portable media device.
Q: Does Bueno, entonces... work with Windows XP, Vista, Linux, Mac OSX etc.?
A: Bueno, entonces... is not a software program so it is compatible with all computer operating systems (Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac, Linux, etc.) If you have the DVD set you will be able to view the discs on your television or your computer. We also provide you with individual video and audio files for all 30 classes so that you can copy them onto your portable media player and watch or listen on the road.
Q: Can I use Bueno, entonces... on my iPod or Blackberry?
» What Will I Learn?
Q: What will Bueno, entonces... teach me?
A: Bueno, entonces... fulfills all requirements set forth by the American Council for Teaching a Foreign Language. at Spanish levels 1 & 2, as well as by the Common European Framework Reference for Languages– Spanish 1A/1B. These two organizations provide well-respected, internationally-recognized guidelines for language learning. However, due to the conversational (rather than academic) nature of Bueno, entonces…, you will also learn more advanced Spanish concepts usually limited to upper-level academic courses.
The bullet points below cover the major concepts taught:
All in 30 classes of Spanish language and Latin American cultural immersion! Please also refer to the class syllabus for more specific topic information.
Q: Why does this Spanish sound different from Spanish that I know?
A: Bueno, entonces... is based on the Argentine dialect of Spanish, but strongly emphasizes universal grammar and vocabulary concepts. As Argentine Spanish is amongst the fastest and more difficult to comprehend, these classes will prepare you to quickly understand and acclimate to any of the many variants of the Spanish language.
21 Countries in the world list Spanish as their official language, and multiple variants of the language are spoken in each. Most multimedia classes on the market are created to teach Spanish from Spain, which differs greatly from the dialects of Latin America. Others teach “neutral Spanish”, which was invented in an attempt to combine the variations so that only one Spanish soundtrack for films or television shows would be necessary. Yet, "neutral Spanish" is not actually spoken anywhere. So, even if you had mastered "neutral Spanish," you may not be able to communicate with any one local community. In order to truly speak Spanish conversationally, you have to study a variant actually spoken somewhere.
Bueno, entonces... teaches you Spanish in an immersion-style format, as it is spoken, so that you will be able to understand and communicate conversationally at the speed of a native Argentine. Additionally, we notify students when using language specific to Argentina, and explain the usage of similar words used in other countries. No matter your reason for learning Spanish, your goal is most likely to hold an intelligent conversation. Immersion is a key step in reaching that goal in any language, so, get immersed with Bueno, entonces... and be on your way to learning conversational Spanish!
Q: Why does it go so fast...what am I getting out of this if I can't keep up?
A: Don't expect to get everything the first time through – we designed the classes to be funny and interesting enough to watch multiple times - the more you watch them, the more you learn. Beginners will need to watch all of the classes multiple times, whereas intermediate students may be able to watch the first few classes just once.
Q: The translations don’t make sense...why didn't you find a native English speaker to translate?
A: The classes were actually translated by native English speakers (who are also fluent in Spanish) with the idea that the translation would help users understand the way a phrase or word is used. Like many components of the Pizarra Mágica (Magic Whiteboard), the English translations are meant to be used as a guide. Many times there is no direct translation from Spanish to English, so we chose to translate the phrases in such a way that you will understand the difference in sentence structure and word usage. Although they may not always be written as a native English speaker would write or speak, the translations were developed by language professionals who learned Spanish as a second language and understand common misperceptions and difficulties of learning Spanish.
Q: What do the colors mean...and how do I memorize them?
A: The colors will help you figure out how to use certain words. Memorizing them isn't necessary when starting the course. As you progress through the 30 classes, you will realize that you have learned how a word is used in a sentence by its color. If you need help, you can always refer to the color & symbol key for a refresher.
Q: What do symbols mean and why do I need to know them?
A: Don’t be intimidated by the number of symbols you see. They will appear on your screen to assist you and will help you contextualize the usage of certain verbs and forms of speech. You can always refer to the color & symbol key for help understanding the symbols.
Q: Do I really need to understand all of The Professor’s grammatical explanations?
A: Not right away. The Professor is there to help students who are particularly interested in knowing how Spanish grammar works. We understand that for most students, they are finer points, a bit too theoretical to grasp at first. Give it time, and you will find yourself going back to listen to The Professor’s explanations as you progress. Feel free to watch our explanation of the Pizarra Mágica here.
Q: Does David really learn Spanish in 30 classes?
A: David resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina and therefore lives in full Spanish immersion. As such, he has the advantage of picking up words that he hears in everyday life. He tries to help you along by explaining concepts that he might already understand. But during the 30 days in studio, David does advance to a conversational level of Spanish and you can too!
» What is the Difference Between the 6-DVD Set & the Instant Download?
Q: Is the content of the 6-DVD set & the Instant Download the same?
A: Yes - both versions include the complete Bueno, entonces… Spanish course. The learning materials in both versions are the exact same. The only difference is that with the DVD set, you have the option to watch your classes on TV with a DVD player.
Q: What do I get with the 6-DVD set?
The 6 DVD set ($199 + Free S&H) provides you with the DVDs to be watched on your television as well as the files included in the Instant Download version. The 30 classes are separated into 5 weeks of classes (1 week per disc) and the 6th disc contains the video and audio files so you can also put them on your portable media device.
Q: What do I get with the Instant Download?
A: The Instant Download version ($147): a link to download the video and audio files will be sent to the email address associated with your Paypal or Google Checkout account approximately 10-30 minutes after payment has been completed.
» Technical Support
Q: I've paid for the Instant Download, where are the files?
A: Once you have completed the payment process, it takes approximately 30 minutes for the download permission email to appear in your inbox. If you don’t see it after 30 minutes, check your junk email folder to make sure you don't have an email from Miniature Studios. If you did not receive an email, give us a call at 1-866-390-6451 or send us an email at orders@miniaturestudios.com with your full name and receipt information and we’ll make sure you get the files immediately.
Q: The download page gives me an error, how do I get the files?
A: If you see the error page it is either because the 72-hour download time limit has expired or you have exceeded the allowed number of download attempts. If you incur any technical problems that prevent you from downloading the files, please give us a call at 1-866-390-6451 or send us an email to orders@miniaturestudios.com with your Transaction ID and full name so that we can reactivate the download link for you.
Q: Why is the Instant Download taking so long?
A: Download times will vary based on the speed of your personal internet connection. Please note that <i>Bueno, entonces...</i> is a set of 30 - 35 minute classes, so you are downloading the equivalent of 9 full-length movies. We host all of our files with Amazon.com Web Services, providing the fastest downloads available. If you have a high-speed connection and are experiencing delays or problems with a download, please let us know by sending an email to orders@miniaturestudios.com.
If you have a slower internet connection, or your download takes more than 4 hours per zip file to complete, and you would like us to ship you a DVD with the files for $5.00, please revisit the download page to purchase the disc.
Q: When I play the video files in Windows Media Player, I can't see the visuals?
A: The video (.m4v) files are best viewed with the most recent version of either iTunes (FREE download available at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) or QuickTime player (FREE download available at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/).
Q: I ordered the 6 DVD set and it hasn't arrived yet, where is it?
A: The processing period for DVDs is 2-3 business days. As soon as we have shipping information, we will send you an email with the tracking information for your order. If you do not receive a confirmation of your order, please contact us at orders@miniaturestudios.com.
Q: The 6th DVD doesn't work in my DVD player - what am I doing wrong?
A: The 6th disc of the set is actually a data disk (not a DVD) meant to hold the files for your computer or portable media player. Make sure to copy them onto your computer before trying to watch them on iTunes or Quicktime.
Q: I love the format of the classes. Are you planning to teach other languages in this format?
A: General Linguistics plans to teach French, English for Spanish speakers and Mandarin Chinese in the coming months. Also, stay tuned for more advanced levels of Spanish.
Q: I bought Bueno, entonces… and it’s not for me. How do I return it?
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If you have other questions, comments, or feedback about Bueno, entonces… please let us know....fill in the form below to send us an email!
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© Copyright 2009 by Miniature Studios, LLC. All Rights Reserved - support@generallinguistics.com
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