Guide to Costa Rican Spanish

I spoke Spanish before coming to Costa Rica, but found the people in San Jose spoke with more slang and pachuco. Chris Howard's book helped me to communicate better and with more credibility. When I moved to the coast, the dialect was even more different. People considered me snobby when I spoke like I did originally. His information was even applicable in the countryside. I give this book as a gift to new clients and friends visiting Costa Rica.

The ideal take-along Spanish guide is very portable (i.e. fits in a standard purse), easy to use, and contains phrases lending to everyday issues. That's why destination-bound visits to Costa Rica will welcome GUIDE TO COSTA RICAN SPANISH: it's all of the above and more. The new edition comes from a Costa Rican citizen, not a U.S. teacher, though he does hold a foreign language background as a teacher - thus it includes a healthy dose of local slang and color new to even those with some rudiments of Spanish. From proverbs and sayings to a basic English/Spanish reference set, GUIDE TO COSTA RICAN SPANISH is a take-along 'must'. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

I spend most of my time in Costa Rica and part time in Nicaragua. When I came to came to this part of the world I virtually spoke no Spanish. I needed a quick injection of the language to get by. I did not have time to go to school. A friend recommended this book highly so I purchased. It has been so helpful. I can now get out of a lot of jams by using it. I even met the woman of my life by using some of the phrases in the book. The slang is also great.

I have little ability when it comes to learning a foreign language nor do I have time to take language courses. This book gave me the basics to survive in Costa Rica. Now I can at least communicate. It has extricated me from a lot of jams. This book is like an idiots guide to Spanish. Buy it!

Christopher Howard has assembled the quickest and easiest way to learn the nuances of speaking Costa Rican Spanish like the native "Tico" speakers. His common sense approach to learning all the little things makes it a pleasure to practice speaking, and listening, as the locals do whenever I visit beautiful Costa Rica. I have more confidence in my communication ability now that I have this excellent book to guide me.