So you're leaving for Spain or Latin America in a few days and you don't speak a word of the language? What will you do if you get lost in Seville and have to ask for directions? Or you're in the mood for paella and want to make a restaurant reservation? Or you fall ill in Buenos Aires and need to see a doctor? Believe it or not, it isn't too late! With Countdown to Spanish, in just 24 hours you'll learn to speak like a native in all sorts of everyday situations.

This unique and efficient countdown self-instruction is organized into 24 units, each designed to take no more than one hour to study. Beginning with an introduction to basic pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, the units advance quickly to practical conversational skills for both vacation and business travelers. By the time you count down to 00:00 hours, you'll know how to:

• Sound like a native, from syllable stress to vowels sounds
• Recognize and properly use nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
• Ask and answer all types of important questions
• Get help anywhere, from the auto shop to the post office to the dry cleaner's
• Cope with travel needs at the airport, train station, or hotel
• Conduct business effectively

Neither a daunting textbook nor a flimsy phrase book, this unique language system combines grammar and vocabulary instruction into manageable, highly effective 60-minute lessons. Once you've completed the lessons, you'll be ready try out your newly honed skills on the beaches of Cancún. You'll be amazed at what a difference a day makes!

Gail Stein is a dedicated language instructor who has taught in New York City public schools for more than 30 years. She has written numerous books on language self-instruction.