Learning Tips - Where to start

Question

I have resolved to learn Spanish and I am attacking my studies with great vigor. My question is really how to attack! Of course I am doing the classes on spanishdict etc but should I focus on learning vocab words or focus on grammer? If you were starting where would you focus the majority of your effots? Gracias!

I have found that listening to music and seeing translated lyrics is a very easy enjoyable way to learn when you don't want to just "study". It works. - emerald69612, Aug 21, 2010

That's a great idea. Where do you find music with the translated lyrics? Youtube? - Knr1851, Aug 21, 2010

I bought a CD and just looked up the lyrics online. - Dahlia1975, Aug 21, 2010

Answer 1

So nice to read both of your posts. You are both enthusiastic and you sound excited about your learning and believe me that is the most important thing for you. You will both do well - just keep on going and working at it every day and you will be surprised at how fast you progress. ¡Buena suerte!

Answer 2

1) As 'grown ups' we have a different perspective on learning. As grown ups, we think that you must have grammar to be able to compose a sentence properly. Bull.

2) As 'grown ups' we think that you have to memorize a huge list of words so that you will have a grand vocabulary.

I don't put much stock in #1 or #2.

Remember how you learned to speak English? I didn't think so.

You are a baby in your new language, learn first how to communicate your wants and needs just like a young child. Nothing fancy, no elaborate grammar, no huge vocabulary. For example.... I want this, I need that, Can I do this or Can you do that, you know, the really simple stuff. You'll be speaking some real Spanish in a very short time.

One of the childrens classes in my church is 7-8 year old children. When I first met these kids a year ago, the realization hit me that Every one of them can speak Spanish better than I can and none of them have had any grammar studies beyond the second grade level. They can speak better than any 'Americano' I know, including the multi-year Spanish students. My goal was to speak as well as these kids, and that is a lofty one.

Now, since we are adults, we have to have tools to help us learn, so, by all means use the videos on this site, build your vocabulary and learn as much grammar as you want. But I would recommend that you surround yourself with as many Spanish speaking natives as you can. Try to completely immerse yourself in the language and cultures of Spanish speaking people. When you learn how to say "Cómo estás", say it to someone else that can already speak Spanish, then you will get a response, and you will have something else to learn.

We went out for lunch last Sunday, we pulled together a bunch of tables so we could all sit together, there was about 35 of us. I was sitting right in the middle of 35 Hispanics, I was the only Anglo there, in 'hog heaven' as they say. There were three different conversations going on around me (my left, my right and in front of me) and I couldn't have been happier. Talk about immersion.

All I'm saying is, learn a little, use it a lot, learn a little more, use it a lot. This is so much fun it's addictive. Enjoy, and sorry about the length of this post.

Beautiful Jack, so inspiring, thank you! - margaretbl, Aug 21, 2010

Answer 3

I think the most important thing is to keep your enthusiasm and constantly enjoy the new discoveries that learning a new language will bring. From my experience, learning new vocabulary is a constant and with Spanish peticularly pay attention to the verb tenses! And have fun.

Really good advice. If whatever you're doing gets boring, switch to something else. Learning Spanish is a long journey that requires many different tools. - Goyo, Aug 21, 2010

Thanks! - estudiante9871, Aug 21, 2010

Answer 4

I am going through spanishdict as well. I am going through section one and other flashcards and taking notes. Once I get a base I plan on practicing what I know in order to be comfortable with new material. I will practice by making paragraphs or dialogs using mostly the vocabulary I have already learned. Also i plan on buying a spanish textbook and try to speak to some spanish people I know. Depending upon where you live you might be able to volunteer and be around people who speak spanish.....you will be able to pick up words almost the first week...I did.

Answer 5

Knr,

Welcome to the forum. There are so many things, and it just depends on what works for you. I had a friend that just loved to listen to music in Spanish. That doesn't work for me at all. I would say this to you:

1. Stick with our lessons until you complete them. Be pretty thorough.
2. Spend some time with Spanish every day.
3. Practice listening, reading, and speaking out loud- all 3.
4. If something you have been doing becomes boring, switch to something else.
5. Get new ideas from other learners- iron sharpens iron! The forum here is great for that.

Buena suerte amigo.

Yes. #3 cannot be emphasized enough! - estudiante9871, Aug 21, 2010