learning spanish

[american chica]

What is the best way to go about learning spanish. I do not have the option of moving to a spanish speaking country for instant immersion.. I have had lessons in college and have began to start lessons again on my own. Any techniques you guys/ladies can provide to make things go a little smoother..

Thanks

[El Rey de Mangu]

Professionals in learning will tell you everyone responds to different learning stimuli in different ways. Some can read a book and self-teach and some need a classroom. That said, the Rosetta Stone is the top executive language tool in the business world today. Learn on your own time and pace.

[Hillbilly]

You can "atune" your ear if you watch a few soaps....You will get the cadence and some of the accents. The actors usually pronounce in a fairly standard manner.

Also, listen to fútbol and beisbol games on TV or radio...

The idea of a lover is okay, but might bring a lot of unwanted baggage..
Rosetta Stone is proven, also.

HB

[jrhartley]

Ive done rosetta stone and im still no nearer to speaking spanish,Im notsure its worth the money, mind you I didnt pay for mine lol

[tarrantino]

Along with my daily Spanish lessons, I (as Hillbilly mentioned) have completely immersed myself in Spanish tv, radio, music( I love the novelas lol) and I am actually beginning to understand the conversations and some of the catch phrases and that has actually helped me quite a bit.

[Marianopolita]

Originally Posted by american chica

What is the best way to go about learning spanish. I do not have the option of moving to a spanish speaking country for instant immersion.. I have had lessons in college and have began to start lessons again on my own. Any techniques you guys/ladies can provide to make things go a little smoother..

Thanks

I think your approach is excellent and I strongly suggest you keep doing what you are doing. Your command of the language will heavily depend on your studies. Grammar is a key aspect to understanding the fundamental concepts of the language which build your foundation to grasp the overall important principles of language learning. Please do not stray from this necessary requirement if your goal is to speak Spanish well and you will if you continue with your studies.

As you progress, incorporate other aspects of language learning so you can adjust to the spoken language, acquire vocabulary, practice speaking and acquire fluency. This can be done by reading which is something so many people omit when studying a language and simply do not do. Read out loud so you can hear yourself and notice your own pronunciation difficulties. Watching television in Spanish is an excellent opportunity to hear the spoken language at a regular pace meaning how people speak the language in the day to day world. I recommend the news and other programs of your choice. You are in the USA it seems so you should be able to tune into your local Univisión or Telemundo channels. They have very good news broadcasts.

On the social front join some local Latino social groups such as dance classes (salsa, merengue, etc.) if you are into that or scope out the local Latino community where you live and become a part of their world by joining in on community activities. There’s plenty that you can do.

As well, I hope you have good Spanish text books. Yes, more than one is recommended. I have quite a handful in mind that I can recommend as they all have very good aspects about language to offer. What learners, students, educators etc. usually critique is the presentation of the content and chapter format but generally speaking grammar is grammar.

I recommend these text books:

1/ ¿Cómo se dice?


2/ Visión y voz (third edition)


3/ Tú dirás (3rd or 4th edition)



As for Rosetta Stone, anyone who has come to me for tutoring was because they were not successful with the program. I personally have never listened to the cds or browsed their teaching material however; in general I don’t foster this method of language learning although it may be successful for some.


Good luck and keep studying.


-Marianopolita.

[Roshe!]

Start speaking.....at least if only with your spanish teacher and friends you can get.The more you speak....the better you become.

When l started learning spanish....l took advantage of every opportunity l had to speak the language everywhere l met someone who could speak the language,l would always initiate a discussion ,ask a question or make a remark
while some were busy laughing at my mistakes,i was busy getting better and better.

Wish you the best on your journey.
Roshe!

[Chip]

Check out this same thread topic for previous posts because we have discussed this issue a lot. You will be able to learn which ways have given great dividends, etc.

In a nutshell, if you want to speak relatively correctly, understand native speakers and be understood, learning to read and write and sentance structure and spelling will be very important. If you are just interested in learning tourist Spanish that can be learned relativley fast and easy.

Suerte

[Kyle]

i can say from my experience it seems quite difficult because of the countries i visit. basic spanish works ok but local slang is another thing. i spend my vacation time between costa rica, panama, puerto rico and the dominican republic.
relating to Chip's post, is it normal to write and understand better than you speak ? i have 2 out of 3 down pretty well. (helps out on badoo.com])

[Barbie38]

I found and amazing spanish teacher who offers lessons online or if you live in west Toronto area you can travel to his home. He is from Peru and speaks a very clean spanish so it is easy to understand. His teaching style has worked well for me, within a few months I was understanding about 75% of what was being said and speaking in basic well formed sentences to get my point across. He has a very different teaching style to a lot of the traditional language courses. Please feel free to contact him directly, here is a link to his website. Spanish Lessons, Courses & Classes In Person and On-Line With TLC ~ Toronto, Mississauga and Oakville

His name is Cesar, he also loves to talk about the latin culture and is a great support to anyone with a latin (Dominican) novio o novia!