5
A manageable daily goal
Five words provide enough material to make progress without turning a language lesson into another overwhelming obligation.
A practical 20-day Spanish program
Five words a day.
Real communication.
Survival Spanish with Herb helps English-speaking beginners learn the words they are most likely to need. The system combines a manageable daily lesson, practical sentences, English-style pronunciation help, and a free companion app.
100 essential words
50 survival phrases
50 familiar words
20 five-word days
A smaller first step
You do not have to be fluent before Spanish becomes useful.
The book is designed for adults who want practical Spanish but do not have time for a traditional course. Each day introduces five carefully selected words and connects them to useful situations involving food, travel, work, directions, shopping, family, and emergencies.
100essential words
50real-life phrases
50familiar words
20days of study
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Pronunciation that helps beginners
Every lesson connects the Spanish spelling to an English-style pronunciation guide and a practical sentence that can be spoken aloud.
✓
Built for real situations
The book focuses on the language a beginner may actually need while traveling, working, helping someone, or communicating in the community.
Try Day 1
Learn your first five words.
Tap a speaker to hear the Spanish word. These five terms help you begin talking about what you want, need, and have.
Open all 20 days in the appyo
I
Sounds like: yoh
Yo soy Herbert.
I am Herbert.
I am Herbert.
tú
you, informal
Sounds like: too
Tú puedes ayudar.
You can help.
You can help.
quiero
I want
Sounds like: kee-EH-roh
Quiero agua.
I want water.
I want water.
necesito
I need
Sounds like: neh-seh-SEE-toh
Necesito ayuda.
I need help.
I need help.
tengo
I have
Sounds like: TEN-goh
Tengo dinero.
I have money.
I have money.
Included companion resource
Practice beyond the printed page.
The free HTML companion app follows the same five-words-a-day structure as the book. It works in a modern browser and is designed for phones, tablets, and computers.
- Hear words and example sentences spoken aloud.
- Study all 20 daily lessons with direct day buttons.
- Review with flashcards and five-question quizzes.
- Practice all 50 survival phrases and 50 familiar words.
- Save progress on the device through the browser.
The story behind the method
Language, travel, music, and a willingness to try.
Dr. Herbert Midgley developed the idea from his experiences as a longtime educator, musician, and international traveler. While traveling through Europe and near the United States–Mexico border, he learned that a small vocabulary, gestures, patience, and context could help people begin communicating before they were fluent.
About Dr. Herbert Midgley
Dr. Herbert Midgley is a university educator, musician, filmmaker, author, and traveler. He has spent decades teaching students and developing practical ways to make large subjects feel manageable. Survival Spanish with Herb applies that educational philosophy to beginning language study.
For speaking engagements, interviews, bulk-order questions, or educational use, contact mfltdco@gmail.com.
Common questions
What this book is designed to do.
Will this make me fluent in Spanish?
No. The book makes a more realistic promise. It gives beginners a practical foundation of high-value words and phrases that can help them begin communicating and continue learning.
Who is the book for?
It is written for English-speaking adults, travelers, educators, parents, employees, supervisors, and community members who want a manageable introduction to useful Spanish.
Do I have to complete one lesson every day?
No. Five words a day is the recommended pace, not a deadline. Readers can repeat a day, move more slowly, or review earlier lessons whenever needed.
Do I need the companion app?
No. The book is complete on its own. The app adds audio, flashcards, quizzes, and progress tracking for readers who want additional practice.
Which variety of Spanish does the book emphasize?
The pronunciation and vocabulary generally emphasize widely understandable Latin American Spanish, with special attention to forms that are practical for readers in the United States and those communicating with speakers from Mexico.
Begin with five
Learn the words you are most likely to need.
Start the twenty-day program, practice with the free companion app, and build a practical foundation one small lesson at a time.