Need help to learn spanish

ColoradoGirl · #1 03-11-2005, 09:23 AM

Hello everyone!

Many of you know I will be moving to Santo Domingo in a couple of weeks. I was just curious about something. I REALLY need to learn spanish and fast. What do you think is the best way to do that? On the street or taking classes? If classes are good can you direct me to any good ones? Thanks for your help!

Wag · #2 03-11-2005, 09:32 AM

The way to learn spanish really fast is to get a Girlfriend/boyfriend that does not speak english at all. This only applies for coloquial spanish not formal spanish, and the way that the DR population speak hurt my ears sometimes.

Good luck!

lsylla01 · #3 03-11-2005, 09:46 AM

Learn 5 verbs a day and practice using them. Then at night, watch a soap opera in Spanish and put the caption on. Read as you go along and try using the new words you learn as well. Oh yeah, go to class as well.

Fiesta Mama · #4 03-11-2005, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wag

The way to learn spanish really fast is to get a Girlfriend/boyfriend that does not speak english at all.

Yes this works

!!! Seriously though, spend as much time surrounded by people who do not speak English, which therefore forces you to speak what Spanish you do know and you will suprisingly increase your vocabulary very quickly. Dominicans are the most patient people I have ever met and will never make fun of someone's attempt to learn their language. Taking formal Spanish classes at the same time would help you learn the proper grammar and structure of the language.

P.S. When I was first learning Spanish I put post it notes all over my office with things like the days of the week, numbers, months, etc. - things that were easy to learn by quick glance! I also found the best way to remember a word was to try and use it as many times as possible in sentences after learning it and then it really sinks in.

Lesley D · #5 03-11-2005, 10:49 AM

I would like to offer you some humble advice. First of all I am proud that you want to learn Spanish. Needless to say it is the best language to learn for international and social purposes. It is widely spoken and highly useful. However, depending on how much Spanish you want to learn or the level that you would like to reach there is no such thing as learning any language "fast". If you adopt the "fast" mentality from the beginning you will become frustrated in a short period of time. Language learning at any age is a series of phases and if you learn as an adult it's going to definitely be more difficult and frustrating if you believe you can go from words to phrases to fluency overnight. As an educator in the Spanish language I will give you some tips on what to expect or if you do take classes what good lessons should consist of:

1) Phonetic instruction. First and foremost you must learn the alphabet. The alphabet is the key to proper pronunciation and spelling. Spanish is the most phonetic language that I have ever encountered therefore if you master the sounds of the alphabet, spelling, pronunciation and syllables (stress) should not be difficult.

2) Verbs- The conjugation of verbs in all thirteen tenses (that are of current usage in today's spoken language) is of vital importance. If you can not conjugate verbs you will not be able to express yourself clearly. By definition a verb is an "action word". You need to be able to express yourself in the present, future, past tenses etc.

3) Vocabulary- There are two ways to acquire vocabulary: a) by studying words thematically. b) by reading anything in Spanish at your current level. This includes books, magazines and the newspaper. Once you study a group of words try to use it in your everyday speech which will help you to retain the words faster. Once you are comfortable with one thematic set of words choose another set. For example what I mean by thematic vocabulary is the grouping of words into themes. "the house" (all words related under this category), "school" (all words related under this category), "the city" (all words related under this category) etc.

4) Syntax- forming grammatically correct sentences based on your current level of grammar. You should slowly advance from basic to more complex sentences. There is no end to this phase really. Eventually this process will lead to fluency.

5) Pragmatics- the absolute last unofficial phase that will take years. I throw everything not grammar related into this category because there are no stead fast rules. It includes concepts such as idiomatic expressions, colloquial speech (Dominican Spanish will be a challenge for sure), appropriate tonal register when speaking, informal and formal address, proper use of vocabulary (a word could have several meanings thus knowing when to choose one over the other) etc. The advantage you have is you will be living in Spanish speaking country therefore you will hear "pragmatic concepts" daily.

I would love to expand more but I think it would best if you send me a PM. Please feel free to do so if you want some more tips/ guidance etc. Good luck!

Regards,

-Lesley D-

aerobaticman · #6 03-11-2005, 11:09 AM

Hi,

I'm also learning spanish at the moment. I take classes in SD when I'm there.

When at home I follow the sylabus at

http://www.studyspanish.com

It has a really good program (as mentioned in this chat), verbal drills, grammar, etc. Many of the units you can do for free online. And if you buy the package (15 CD's and extra exercises online) for like $140 something. Works great to listern and repeat when stuck in the car in traffic or simply driving about.

Voyager · #7 03-11-2005, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lesley D

Needless to say it is the best language to learn for international and social purposes. It is widely spoken and highly useful.

Well, maybe you were joking when you wrote those words quoted above!?

However, I just can't resist commenting...

Please tell me how many countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia where Spanish is "widely spoken and highly useful"?

Lesley D · #8 03-11-2005, 02:57 PM

Voyager,

No, I was not joking. Spanish is the official language of at least 20 countries and it is a useful language of business other than English in my opinion. If you disagree that's quite alright.

-Lesley D-

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voyager

Well, maybe you were joking when you wrote those words quoted above!?

However, I just can't resist commenting...

Please tell me how many countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia where Spanish is "widely spoken and highly useful"?

aerobaticman · #9 03-11-2005, 03:08 PM

Yoyager,

I can't speak for all the countries, but I live here in Switzerland. I've used my limited Spanish in Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden when my fluent English/German fails me. It surprised the heck out of me that so many people speak and understand it here.

Castellamonte · #10 03-11-2005, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellyvalles

Hello everyone!

Many of you know I will be moving to Santo Domingo in a couple of weeks. I was just curious about something. I REALLY need to learn spanish and fast. What do you think is the best way to do that? On the street or taking classes? If classes are good can you direct me to any good ones? Thanks for your help!

Unfortunately, I don't other than to try the CD's, tapes and other things surrounded by Spanish-speaking people all the time. I always tend to fall back on the English and my Dominican friends love to speak English. Bummer.

BTW, someone told me about an "immersion school" in Sto Domingo (also maybe one in POP). Apparently is a 6 week schedule resulting in you becoming proficient in Spanish (informal). Anyone else here about this?