Little Help with a Big List

[Awaken]

I'm working on a little Spanish flashcard app to help me work on Spanish and programming at the same time. I made my starting source file, but I was hoping others could look over it and help me with it.

1) Are there errors/typos
2) Did I miss some important words that are critical for Level 1 Spanish?
3) Anything else you want to comment on

As a pre-warning, it is a big list (~1000 words), but if you have Excel 2007, you can filter it to smaller chunks.

If anyone wants to help and doesn't have Excel or an application that can open Excel 2007 files, I will be happy to post it as a CSV file.

Thanks everyone who can help. I know it is asking a lot.

File Download Area: http://code.google.com/p/practicards/downloads/list

[Perikles]

Can you provide it in an earlier Excel version? I can't read it, otherwise I would be glad to help, because it may be good practice for me as well.

[Awaken]

Perikles - Yep. I just uploaded a 97-2003 Excel version. Let me know if you have any issues. I also went ahead and added a CSV version just in case.

[HomoVulgaris]

There are plenty of other flashcard programs to select from, so you have to have very good motives to write a new one. You can improve your programming skills, but, unless your program fully implements proper memorisation technique, your Spanish will suffer.

I would recommend avoiding plain words as a single unit to learn - use phrases in context. For example, change "la panadería" into "el panadero trabaja en una panadería". Early in the beginning it may be harder, but as the result, you will have much better progress and will acquire many grammar rules on your way.

Also you can skip the "Category" column - it is obvious from the context. I am using tags to set the priority and the source of the flashcard fact. This way I can measure and compare the effectiveness and benefits of my different Spanish learning activities.

I you want to acquire the cream of the creams in the shortest time frame, use a word frequency list: it's little use of learning words you will see once in a lifetime.
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Hay un montón de otros programas para repetir las tarjetas de vocabulario. Debes tener unos motivos grandes para escribir el otro nuevo. Podría superarte tus conocimientos de programación, pero, a menos tu programa realice un método completo de memorización, tu español va a sufrir.

Te recomiendo abondonar usando las palabras solas como el único dato de aprender - es mejor usar las frases con contexto. Por ejemplo, en lugar de "la panadería" usa "el panadero trabaja en una panadería". Al principio eso puede ser más difícil, pero tú progresarás más rápido y de paso aprenderás muchas reglas de gramática.

También puedas echar la columna de "Categoría" - eso es claro de contexto. Estoy usando las etiquetas para marcar la prioridad y el fuente del dato de tarjeta. En esa manera puedo mensurar y comparar la efectividad y los beneficios de mis dierentes actividades para aprender español.

Si quieres aprender lo más granado en tiempo mínimo, usa la lista de palabras más frecuentes, porque es inútil aprender palabras que nunca verás en su vida.

[CrOtALiTo]

That is a long list.

I have a personal list if you need a new list I can give you my list and well just you will can learn more new words.

If you are interesting, let me know.

[Awaken]

Originally Posted by CrOtALiTo

That is a long list.

I have a personal list if you need a new list I can give you my list and well just you will can learn more new words.

If you are interesting interested, let me know.

Thank you CrOtalito. Once I finish learning this list, I will come to you for more.

[Perikles]

I have been through your list, and have the following comments:

Bruise- moretón
Cupboard- armario, aparador
Deer- ciervo, venado
Goat- la cabra
Lavaderia -> Lavandería
Map of the city – el mapa ??
Month- el mes (you have la mes as well)
Mop- el trapeador, la fregona, la mopa
Pants- los pantalones
Peanut butter- la mantequilla de cacahuete
Some- algunos algunas
To build- construir
Toilet- baño, servicio
Town- la ciudad (big), pueblo (small)
Water el agua (but feminine! – el agua fría)

I find some of your words as essential vocabulary a bit strange, but each to his own.

[Awaken]

Haha. Thanks Perikles. There is a method to the madness (although I question it sometimes) and more stuff will be added. I'll update my list with your items.

Thank you for your help.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by Awaken

Haha. Thanks Perikles. There is a method to the madness (although I question it sometimes) and more stuff will be added. I'll update my list with your items.

Thank you for your help.

You are welcome - I can't guarantee I have spotted everything, in fact I'm sure I haven't.