Your ways in become truly fluent in a new language.

Question

Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems the basics of learning a new language are somewhat similiar and for Spanish very much covered here at SpanishDict. However, moving from beginner/novice to actual fluency would seem to require only one thing. . .immersion.

Is that true? And if so, what about those who don't readily have access to Spanish speaking population, or are simply agoraphobics (just kidding to us all).

I know there has been some discussion previously regarding the best way to learn a new language. But, what about the fluency barrier?

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Answer 1

I think the good news is that today, through modern technology

Todavía estoy esperando los implantes de "brain-chip"...

I am still waiting for brain-chip implants. Then I can become fluent with ease

• I hear the chip is going to be embedded in cheese cubes. - Nicole-B Nov 19, 2009

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Answer 2

In my opinion (and it is only my opinion), I suppose under the best of circumstances, one could achieve a certain level of fluency. Unfortunately, I think the only way a person can truly test their level of fluency is by actually being immersed into a Spanish speaking country. I would only consider someone to be fluent if when faced with a wide variety of situations and conversations, over a period of time, that they understood everything being said to them. A fluent person would also have to be able to respond back in a way that is understood.

So, I'm not sure if I'm making any sense, but bottom line, I'm sure someone out there has become fluent in a language through study and listening to Spanish media. But in all honesty, I think it is highly unlikely. I have heard of so many stories of people who excelled in a language, even majored in a particular language in college. However, when those same people stepped off the plane in the country where there language was spoken, they still had quite a bit of work to do.

I think the good news is that today, through modern technology, we have much easier access to a variety of Spanish media. We can practice through Skype and other methods. So even if you are just studying on this site and watching Spanish TV, I think you will be able to communicate fairly well, but to make that leap into fluency...you have to live it in a Spanish speaking environment.

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Answer 3

Tons of people become fluent in other languages without ever boarding a plane. Anyone that says "you never truly become fluent etc..." is wrong. The US government estimates 575 hours to become fluent in Spanish, there's a link around here somewhere but I can't find it right now. For tips on fluency check out alljapaneseallthetime.com. (seriously do it) Yes immersion is the key. You certainly DON"T have to be in that country but you DO need to have access to native speakers and be listening to and watching Spanish all day everyday. Khatz became fluent in Japanese in 18 months and then got a job there that required full fluency. He flew to Japan AFTER he was fluent. For the record my mother has a job working for the government where she deals with Mexican children that cannot speak English. She has to decide if they have been molested etc... and it is VERY important that she knows EXACTLY what they are saying so you can bet she is fully fluent. She is a Class A fluent Spanish speaker that learned Spanish when she was in her mid twenties, in fairness she did spend one summer in Mexico. I have spent 7 months now learning Spanish (3 hours a day) and I went from nothing to intermediate. If were spending the 8 hours a day that I was supposed to I might already be fluent, nevertheless in 7 more months I will be. It helps that my mom and friends speak Spanish. When I was learning Japanese it was harder because there was no one to ask questions to, but with Spanish, at least in Texas, people are everywhere. The real problem lies in the exhaustion of suffering through TV shows that you don't understand. At some point you will want to stop. You are supposed to come home from work/school and turn on Spanish TV only, listen to Spanish music only...etc...sometimes you just want to watch Family Guy in English you know?

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Answer 4

Welcome to the forum, jerma

this topic has been addressed many times, please make a search:

Search for "how to become fluent", you will get a lot of answers, thanks, if you wish you can participate in one of those threads

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