Real language for real people

Our courses are for adults who want real Spanish for real connection, not endless apps, memorization, or open-ended programs.

Research-based courses designed and taught by Dr. Hannah Pitner, professor and second-language acquisition researcher.

6 self-paced online modules

teaching videos and a printable packet in each (they combine to make your "book!")

weekly virtual meetings with a native conversation partner

chat channels

lifetime access

All of our courses use a communicative, research-based method.

Because of this, each course focuses on real conversation rather than isolated grammar units. The courses build on each other and are all anchored in six foundational concepts that support true communicative ability in Spanish:

• Using verbs to ask and answer everyday questions

• High-frequency verbs that express likes, dislikes, location, and being

• Gender and number in a clear, usable way

• Descriptions and essential vocabulary

• Pronunciation through sound awareness and letter patterns

• Strategies for understanding and being understood in real interaction

Current Offerings

ALL OF OUR CURRENT OFFERINGS ARE NOW LIVE. THEY ARE "EVERGREEN" MEANING THAT YOU CAN PURCHASE THE COURSE AND BEGIN AT ANYTIME. THE LIVE ELEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 6 WEEKS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, JUST CHAT WITH US.

CONVERSATION BASICS I

A gentle entry point into Spanish designed to help you feel grounded, confident, and supported from the very beginning.
This course focuses on clear pronunciation and research based strategies that reduce anxiety and build real communication skills.

It is for anyone who feels their foundation is messy, unclear, or nonexistent and wants a simple, reliable structure for natural conversation.
We begin with the essential building blocks and practice using them in calm, achievable steps that invite curiosity instead of pressure.

CONVERSATION APPLICATION I

This course builds on the core concepts from Conversation Basics 1 and guides learners into more applied communication.
The focus is on navigating real world scenarios with greater complexity and noticing how the same foundational building blocks continue to support natural conversation.
We integrate research based strategies for bilingualism, confidence, and long term fluency.

REGISTER NOW

REGISTER NOW

We get it — there are so many options, and it can feel overwhelming. How do you know which path is truly the right fit for you?

Mainstream apps might work for certain seasons of learning, but here’s a simple breakdown to help you see how they compare to Linguaviva Courses.

A Note from Our Curriculum Director

Hi, I’m Dr. Hannah Pitner, cofounder and curriculum director at Linguaviva. I have a PhD in Applied Linguistics and am a university professor of Spanish and English. My focus is helping adults (and kids!) learn languages quickly and confidently, without the overwhelm.

Too many learners try apps, textbooks, or traditional classes, and end up frustrated when they still can’t use the language. Our courses are designed around research-based, communicative teaching methods that help you start speaking right away—without memorizing endless charts or stock phrases.

When you join us, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can jump into real conversations, even as a beginner.

“The course helped my colleagues and I build confidence in our ability to communicate with our Spanish-speaking clients... we were able to get the essential information we needed and refer him to the right service."

Serrie- Hospitality Hub, Memphis

“I most enjoyed the varied, yet consistent use of exercises that challenged me to respond to the Spanish language in more of a natural manner.”

Client- Restore Corps, Memphis

★★★★★

★★★★★

Our courses are for you if...

• You want to speak, not just “practice for five minutes a day” forever.

• You have a meaningful reason to learn — personal, professional, or relational.

• You’re ready to integrate the language into your daily rhythms, even with a full schedule.

• You want guidance that feels human, research-based, and oriented toward long-term memory.

• You prefer natural, usable language over stock phrases or scripted dialogues.

• You’re excited about a structure that includes weekly live sessions, flexible chat-based practice, and a matched conversation partner.

• You want an immersion-like experience without uprooting your life.

Who these courses are not for...

• You’re looking for something purely casual, entertainment-based, or “when I get to it.”

• You want quick-fix fluency or passive learning.

• You prefer memorizing vocabulary lists rather than applying language in real contexts.

• You’re not ready to show up consistently (even in small, manageable ways).

*Truly, all of this is valid. We’re cheering you on as you find the language-learning style that fits your energy and your season.

How do I know what course is the best fit?

Our beginner courses are accessible for people who have never taken the language before. If you can already manage some natural conversation, reach out for a language placement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s included in the course?
Each 6-week course offers a full ecosystem of support:

• A shared private chat channel for low-pressure practice

• A TV show we watch together to build natural listening skills

• Weekly PDF worksheets (part language puzzle, part personalized textbook you create yourself)

• Short video lessons

• A weekly meeting on your schedule with a native speaking conversation partner. We provide you with an activity to do together each week.

• Monthly live "language party' practice sessions + recordings

• Lifetime access to all materials

We also share examples of how learners structure their time, including how one student mapped out her weekly schedule (link coming soon).

What makes this different from Duolingo or other apps?
Apps give you phrases; we teach you communication.
Our method follows a clear structure that builds from the simplest foundation upward, the way your brain naturally learns. You won’t lose important patterns in the mix — you’ll build a practical system from day one, shaped around the language you need with real people.

What if I’m nervous to speak?
Our entire approach is designed for low-anxiety learning. We use the same principles that help a one-year-old acquire language naturally — intuitive, accelerated, and deeply human.

Is there a conversation partner?
Yes. A matched partner is available as an optional upgrade. Many learners choose it, but it’s not required. If you’d like even more personalized support, you can reach out about optional 1:1 sessions.

Is there homework?
Each course includes one project designed to strengthen your personal communication skills. Beyond that, tasks are small, purposeful, and easy to integrate into daily life.

How long is the course?
Each course runs for 6 weeks and includes lifetime access to all materials, recordings, and worksheets.

Can I join from outside the U.S.?
Yes. Everything works from anywhere in the world.

What does the course cost?
Pricing is listed on the course page.
A typical low-cost college course is around $1,500 and offers far less real-world speaking support. Many learners come to us after spending hundreds on apps, subscriptions, tutors, and classes that didn’t lead to real communication.
This course is an investment in long-term, human-centered learning created by experienced college professors.

Do you offer anything for children or teens?
We’re developing a kids curriculum. Requests help us prioritize upcoming courses — feel free to email us your interests.

Where does the course take place?
We use a private app/web platform that holds everything in one place: lessons, chats, recordings, worksheets, and community spaces.

What if I still have questions?
Just email us. We’re happy to send the placement test, talk through goals, or help you choose the right course.

I just want to talk to a real person